Laser refractive surgery · Techniques
ReLEx SMILE is a more recent refractive surgery technique, requiring no flap: the laser cuts a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which is then removed through a micro-incision. It is indicated for selected profiles, determined by the pre-operative assessment.
SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is a laser refractive surgery technique that corrects the visual defect without creating a corneal flap. The laser maps out a thin disc of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea itself. This lenticule is then extracted through a small incision of a few millimetres. By removing this volume of tissue, the curvature of the cornea is altered and the visual defect corrected. [TO BE VALIDATED BY THE PRACTITIONER: technical description]
SMILE is primarily used for myopia, with or without astigmatism. Its distinctive feature is that it requires neither the flap of Lasik nor the epithelium removal of PRK. [TO BE VALIDATED BY THE PRACTITIONER: actual indications]
SMILE relies on a single small incision. It is a more recent technique, reserved for selected profiles identified at the assessment.
Laser refractive surgery techniques differ in the way they access the corneal tissue to be reshaped. SMILE requires no flap and does not expose the surface as PRK does. [TO BE VALIDATED BY THE PRACTITIONER: exact positioning]
A lenticule is cut inside the cornea and extracted through a micro-incision, without a flap or epithelium removal. A more recent technique, indicated for selected profiles, primarily for myopia.
A thin corneal flap is created, lifted, then repositioned after laser reshaping. Visual recovery is generally rapid; requires a cornea of sufficient thickness.
The laser acts on the surface after epithelium removal, without a flap. Often favoured for thinner corneas; recovery is more gradual.
No technique is objectively "the best": the right technique is the one that matches your eye, determined by the pre-operative assessment.
The indication is established after a complete assessment. SMILE is indicated for selected profiles:
The procedure is performed on a day-case basis, under local anaesthesia with eye drops, and takes a few minutes per eye.
You are positioned lying down and anaesthesia is administered via eye drops, without an injection.
The laser maps out a thin lenticule inside the cornea, according to the correction calculated for your eye.
A small incision of a few millimetres is made to access the lenticule.
The lenticule is removed through this micro-incision, which modifies the curvature of the cornea.
As with all refractive surgery, discomfort, a sensation of grittiness, watering, and fluctuating vision may be experienced in the early days. Eye drops are prescribed to support healing.
SMILE is one technique among others: it is neither superior nor inferior in absolute terms. Its value depends on your eye, your visual defect, and your situation, evaluated at the assessment. Its advantages and limitations are explained during the consultation, as they are for Lasik and PRK.
The approach is progressive and without obligation: refractive assessment and corneal imaging, information and shared decision, procedure if the indication is confirmed, then close post-operative follow-up. This evaluation draws on Dr Gattoussi's expertise in ocular imaging, which allows a precise pre-operative analysis of the cornea.
SMILE is primarily used for myopia and astigmatism. The precise indications are determined at the assessment.
SMILE does not create a flap: it removes a lenticule through a micro-incision. Lasik, by contrast, relies on a corneal flap that is lifted and then repositioned. The choice depends on your eye.
The technique relies on a micro-incision of a few millimetres. The details of healing are explained during the consultation.
Visual recovery depends on each individual eye. Timelines and instructions are specified after the procedure.
Refractive surgery is generally not covered by the French national health insurance. Some complementary health plans offer a fixed allowance.
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