Laser lenticle extraction (SMILE, CLEAR, SmartSight)

operation process

The femtosecond laser is used to cut a corneal disc (lenticule) inside the cornea.

This lenticule can be removed from the cornea via a small entrance. Depending on the architecture of the lenticle, the shape and thus the refractive properties of the cornea then change analogously to PRK and Femto-LASIK.

Laser lenticule extraction is one of the latest refractive processes and has only been used regularly for a few years.

area of application

• myopia -1 to -8 dpt
• astigmatism up to 5 dpt

side effects

• dry eyes (less than with Femto-LASIK)
• visual acuity improves after a few days
• Optical phenomena such as halos and star effects (star bursts) in the area of light sources, particularly in patients with wide pupils (more common than with Femto-LASIK)

risks

Most common risks

• Undercorrection or overcorrection

Less common risks

• Irregular incisions may occur, which can lead to unevenness of the corneal surface with reduced vision
• If the lenticle cannot be completely removed, unevenness of the corneal surface occurs with reduced vision
• Post-correction with lenticular procedures is not possible; post-surgery must be carried out using PRK or LASIK
• Inflammation and infections in the area of the removed lenticule
• weakening of the cornea (keratectasia)

*At EyeZurich, we do not carry out laser lenticle extraction due to the increased risk of complications and only minor advantages compared to existing laser eye procedures