# ReLEx SMILE PRO

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/relex-smile

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-06

> **Summary:** ReLEx SMILE PRO (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a third-generation laser method that corrects myopia and the astigmatism that accompanies it through a single incision of a few millimetres, without cutting a corneal flap. Because the corneal surface and most of its nerves stay intact, dry eye is reported less often and flap-related problems do not arise.

## Quick Facts
- **Procedure Time:** 5-10 minutes (both eyes)
- **Laser Time:** A few seconds to 20-30 seconds per eye, depending on the prescription
- **Anaesthesia:** Topical eye drops (no injection, no general anaesthetic)
- **Incision Width:** 2-4 mm
- **Return to Routine:** Usually after the next-day check-up

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## What Is ReLEx SMILE PRO?
A femtosecond laser shapes a thin lens of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea without touching the surface; its thickness matches the error being corrected. The lenticule is removed through one incision a few millimetres wide and the cornea takes a new curve so the image falls on the retina. The whole correction is done with a single laser in a single step.

Laser surgery has three generations: PRK and LASEK work from the surface; LASIK and iLASIK cut a flap and then use an excimer laser; SMILE PRO neither peels nor lifts a flap, reshaping the cornea from inside. This matters for people in contact sports or jobs with a risk of a blow to the face.

## Who Is It Suitable For?
Suitability is decided after an examination and measurements.
- At least 18 years old.
- Prescription unchanged noticeably for about a year.
- Myopia, or myopia with astigmatism.
- Corneal thickness and structure shown to be sufficient.
- No corneal disease such as keratoconus, no untreated dry eye, no inflammatory eye disease.
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Not routinely used for hyperopia alone; other methods are considered (the FAQ names iLASIK or intraocular lens options). Over forty, when presbyopia is part of the picture, laser alone may not be enough and intraocular lens options are discussed.

## Comparison With Other Laser Methods
- **ReLEx SMILE PRO:** No flap, no surface removal, few-millimetre incision; myopia and myopic astigmatism.
- **iLASIK:** Femtosecond flap plus excimer laser; myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism; vision clears very quickly.
- **LASEK / PRK / No Touch:** Surface treatment without a flap; preferred for thin corneas; slower recovery and more discomfort in the first few days.

The choice depends on prescription, corneal thickness and ocular surface.

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## Prices

All packages include: accommodation (3 nights), 3 meals a day, round-trip airport transfers, doctor examination, all eye tests, surgery control, pay on-site. The price depends on the method and the plan agreed at the examination; the examination and post-operative check-ups are included.

| Procedure | Price (Per Eye) | Method | Also included |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **iLasik** (most chosen) | £550 | Femto Lasik (iDesign) | Lasik Laser Surgery |
| **ReLEx SMILE PRO** | £995 | SMILE PRO | Both Eyes: 1,990 £; SMILE Laser Surgery |
| **No Touch/PRK/LASEK** (contact-free) | £550 | PRK | PRK Laser Surgery |

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## Technologies & Devices Used
- **ZEISS VisuMax 800:** The femtosecond laser behind SMILE PRO; removes the lenticule through a 2-4 mm incision without a flap, cuts it in under 10 seconds per eye and tracks eye movement to centre itself.
- **ZEISS VISUMAX 500:** The laser the ReLEx SMILE technique was developed on; a gentle suction ring and a curved interface matched to the eye spread the pressure.
- **iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio:** Records refractive error at over 1,200 points, corneal topography and pupil metrics in one scan and passes the map to the excimer laser.
- **iTrace:** Splits total refractive error into corneal and lens parts; helps decide between laser and lens replacement and when choosing a trifocal lens.
- **IntraLase iFS 150 kHz:** Femtosecond laser that creates the iLASIK flap 100 % blade-free in seconds.
- **FEMTO LDV Z8:** Mobile femtosecond laser for corneal and cataract surgery, with very low pulse energy and a very high repetition rate.
- **VISX STAR S4 IR Excimer:** iLASIK's excimer laser with infrared eye tracking, for wavefront-guided treatment with iDesign.

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## The Treatment Journey

### 1. Before Treatment
- Corneal thickness and shape, pupil size, tear film and prescription are measured; the surgeon confirms suitability and expected outcome.
- Leave out soft contact lenses for 5 days and hard lenses for 2 weeks before the examination.

### 2. During Treatment
- Numbing drops, eyelid holder; both eyes in the same session as standard.
- The femtosecond laser outlines the lenticule and the incision; light pressure, no pain.
- The surgeon separates and lifts the lenticule out through the incision.
- No stitches, no eye patch; you go home the same day with a companion.

### 3. After Treatment
- Watering, stinging and light sensitivity for a few hours, usually gone the same evening.
- Check-ups the next day, at one week, one month and three months.
- Vision improves noticeably in the first days; sharpness and night vision settle over a few weeks.
- Follow the drop schedule, do not rub the eyes (especially the first week), avoid pools and the sea until your surgeon says otherwise.

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
Risks are low and most effects are temporary; the suitability examination identifies eyes unsuitable for laser beforehand.
- **Temporary dry eye:** Common in the first months; relieved by artificial tears, usually settles on its own.
- **Night halos and glare:** May be noticeable in the first weeks, usually disappear.
- **Under or over correction:** An enhancement can be done in suitable eyes.
- **Infection:** Very rare; prevented with prescribed drops and hygiene.

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Is ReLEx SMILE PRO painful?**
A: No. Numbing drops are used and only mild pressure is felt. Stinging, watering and light sensitivity for a few hours afterwards usually pass the same day.

**Q: What is the main difference from LASIK?**
A: LASIK cuts a corneal flap and thins the tissue beneath with an excimer laser. SMILE PRO cuts no flap; a lenticule formed inside the cornea is removed through a single incision a few millimetres wide, leaving the surface largely untouched.

**Q: Can it treat hyperopia?**
A: It was developed for and is routinely used for myopia and accompanying astigmatism. For hyperopia alone, other methods such as iLASIK or intraocular lens options are considered.

**Q: When can I go back to work?**
A: Most people after the next-day check-up; dusty work or long screen hours may need a few more days.

**Q: Is the effect permanent?**
A: The change to the corneal shape is permanent. The eye keeps changing with age, though: presbyopia after forty and cataract in later years are separate conditions assessed separately.

**Q: Are both eyes treated on the same day?**
A: Yes, as standard, unless the examination calls for a different plan.

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## References
- Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction (KLEx) Surgeries, EyeWiki
- What Is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction?, AAO