What is the ZEISS ReLEx SMILE procedure?
The ZEISS ReLEx SMILE procedure is the latest generation and most recent advancement in the field of Laser Vision Correction. It’s a flapless and minimally invasive procedure, which leaves the surface of the cornea almost untouched. SMILE is an acronym for SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is safe, effective, and offers many advantages, including quick recovery time and minimal discomfort during the healing process.
At Herzig Eye Institute, our mission is to help you achieve your best possible vision, and having access to the most advanced vision correction technology is one way we accomplish this. It’s why we are proud to offer ReLEx® SMILE® from ZEISS. After launching ReLEx® SMILE® at Herzig Eye Institute in 2016, we became the leading ReLEx® SMILE® provider in Canada with the highest volume of procedures performed in North America.
ZEISS ReLEx SMILE is the laser vision correction procedure of choice for Herzig Eye Institute surgeons. Today, over 80% of our laser vision correction patients are having the ReLEx® SMILE® procedure.
Who is the ideal candidate for ZEISS ReLEx SMILE?
What is the difference between ZEISS ReLEx SMILE, PRK, and LASIK?
ReLEx® SMILE® Patient Candidacy
One of the greatest advantages of SMILE is its criteria for patient candidacy. In many respects, ReLEx® SMILE®’s patient candidacy is more inclusive than LASIK or PRK because it maintains the integrity of the cornea. ReLEx® SMILE® can accommodate patients with thinner corneas and there is less of a chance of dry eye symptoms following the procedure.
During your complimentary consultation, diagnostic tests and an eye exam will be performed to determine your candidacy. You will then meet with one of our Refractive Consultants to ask any questions, discuss fees and financing, book your procedure date, and discuss any pre-operative instructions.
If you are not a candidate for ReLEx® SMILE®, we are pleased to offer other laser vision correction procedures, including LASIK and PRK, or, one of our intraocular procedures: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL).
What to Expect
To prepare for your procedure, there may be a few pre-operative considerations. All of these will be shared with you by your Refractive Consultant and the doctor during your comprehensive consultation. Some of these instructions might include:
- Switching to glasses and refraining from contact lens wear for 1-8 weeks (depending on the type of contact lenses you wear)
- Arranging transportation to and from Herzig Eye Institute for your procedure day
ZEISS ReLEx SMILE is done one eye at a time, while the other eye is covered. The procedure itself is quick and painless. In a single step, the laser will create a small lenticule representing your prescription error, which is then carefully removed through a small incision.
Because ReLEx® SMILE® is minimally invasive, the post-operative care is simple, and healing time is relatively fast. Directly following the procedure, the eyes are sensitive to light, so it’s recommended to go home and rest.
A medicated drop regimen also needs to be followed after the procedure. As soon as the next day, patients are seeing better than they did before with their glasses and contacts. While there are a couple restrictions for certain activities like swimming, ReLEx® SMILE® patients are able to return to their normal activities just a couple days after treatment.
It is critical you are seen for all requested post-operative appointments at either Herzig Eye Institute or with your referring optometrist. You will be seen 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after your procedure, though additional appointments may be recommended.
Curious About Laser Vision Correction?
Please download The Complete Guide to Laser Vision Correction
Through the Eyes of a Patient
To learn more about the Herzig Eye Institute experience, watch these videos through the eyes of patients who underwent their own High Definition Vision® procedures.
ZEISS ReLEx SMILE | Dr. Kashif Baig
ZEISS ReLEx SMILE | Joanna
This content has been reviewed and approved by the surgeons at Herzig Eye Institute
