Laser vision correction surgery has been around for decades, and this revolutionary approach for improving eyesight continues to develop and refine.
A third-generation laser technique, ReLEx® SMILE® (small-incision lenticule extraction) is the most advanced laser procedure, representing a refined, minimally invasive flap-less procedure that reduces chances for post-surgical complications.
Because it’s a comparatively new technique, ReLEx SMILE is limited in availability to select eye clinics across the country. Ophthalmologist Dr. Randa Garrana of Advanced Lasik in Midtown East, New York City, Duarte and Long Beach, California, is one of these premier eye surgeons, and she’s your best choice when it comes to correcting your refractive errors.
Corrective laser eye surgeries have their similarities and differences, in some cases refined from earlier procedures. LASIK represented a tremendous advance in vision correction surgery at the time of its introduction, using a flap in the cornea to access internal tissue for reshaping.
LASIK is still popular and effective, but it’s not the right choice for all patients, since the flap requires specific parameters for corneal thicknesses that not everyone has. ReLEx SMILE doesn’t create a flap which, during your recovery, carries a risk of displacement, particularly among people with active lifestyles.
The SMILE laser forms a lenticule, a small piece of tissue that resembles a lentil or lens in shape. Removing this bit of the cornea requires an incision less than four millimeters in length, which is five times smaller than the incision needed for the corneal flap required by LASIK.
The smaller incision means that the cornea’s integrity remains intact. SMILE causes less damage to corneal nerves, reducing the amount of post-surgical dry eye you’ll suffer. Like other minimally invasive surgeries, ReLEx SMILE features shorter recovery times than more intense procedures.
Overall, recovery from ReLEx SMILE surgery takes about a month, but you’ll notice the biggest improvements in the first week. Here’s what to expect for your recovery timeline.
When your surgery is done and you’re ready to go home, you’ll need a driver. Once home, simply relax and rest your eyes. They may feel sensitive to light, itchy, or sore, though it’s important to avoid rubbing them in the early stages.
Avoid your eye area when washing up at the end of the day. Soap or tap water could irritate or infect your eyes during the first 24 hours after your procedure.
We’ll likely prescribe both antibiotic and lubricating eye drops to keep you comfortable and protected from infection. Use these drops as directed.
Don’t go swimming and avoid hot tubs and saunas during the first week after your surgery. Any cosmetic products including makeup and moisturizers should be avoided for at least the first week. A two-week avoidance period is best, because it increases safety margins.
Avoid dusty or smoky environments to reduce your chances of eye irritation. Limit your screen time to reduce straining your eyes as they recover.
You can drive and go back to work 24-48 hours after surgery, unless your job includes strenuous work. Wait 48-72 hours before resuming exercise, an intense job, or sports.
Learn more about ReLEx SMILE in consultation with Dr. Garrana and our team at Advanced Lasik. Call or click online to book an appointment at your nearest location today. We have one East Coast office in Midtown East, New York City, and two West Coast offices in Duarte and Long Beach, California.
