23.7.2024
Reading time:
5 minutes

Laser lenticle extraction (SMILE, CLEAR, SmartSight)

The latest laser eye procedure

Dr. Valery Vinzent Wittwer

operation process

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

1st lenticule
2. Corrected focal point

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

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