Relex SMILE in Turkey - Laser vision correction at affordable prices 2025

How does it work?

Are you tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Thanks to ReLEx SMILE laser surgery, you can now get rid of your vision problems quickly, effectively and in complete safety.

ReLEx SMILE is one of the latest and most advanced myopia and astigmatism correction techniques available at leading clinics in Turkey. This method uses an ultra-precise femtosecond laser to create a lens in the thickness of the cornea, which is then removed through a micro-incision of less than 3 mm. Unlike LASIK, ReLEx SMILE better preserves the structure of the eye, reducing the risk of dry eye and complications.

The procedure is quick and virtually painless, with recovery in as little as 48 hours. You'll regain clear vision with no pain or side effects. The small incision also reduces the risk of infection for maximum safety.

Relex SMILE: Who is it for?

ReLEx SMILE is an increasingly popular laser procedure for the treatment of a variety of ocular pathologies, including myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

This cutting-edge technique is the ideal solution for

• People suffering from myopia (from -0.50 to -10 diopters) or astigmatism (from -5 to +5 diopters).
• Those with a stable prescription: the correction must not have changed by more than 0.50 diopters in the 3 years before the age of 25 or in the 2 years after the age of 25.
• To ensure a safe procedure, those with a minimum corneal thickness of 500 microns.
• Candidates whose residual thickness after surgery must remain above 300 microns to ensure the safety of the surgery.
• Candidates who are at least 20 years old, although it is recommended that they be at least 23 years old, as the cornea is fully formed at this age and any abnormalities can be detected.

Although this method is relatively new, it is already a great success, and research continues to expand its applications. Experts are currently exploring its potential for treating conditions such as hyperopia and presbyopia, with promising results.

The SMILE surgery process in Turkey

The SMILE procedure is quick, taking only 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes. Here's what to expect during the procedure:

First, the laser is programmed to correct your eyes according to specific parameters based on your vision. A local anesthetic is applied in the form of eye drops to ensure optimal comfort. Next, a small device called a blepharostat is placed on your eyelids to keep your eyes open during the procedure. The laser arm gently approaches your eye, where it creates a sterile suction cup that flattens the cornea.

Once the eye is stabilized, the laser creates a small corneal flap called a lenticular. A small 3mm incision is then made on the side of the cornea to allow the surgeon to remove the lenticule. The laser works for about 10 seconds, and the extraction of the lenticule takes between 1 and 3 minutes.

The entire procedure is painless. You may feel a slight movement of the eye, but this will not cause any discomfort. With this fast, precise method, you can enjoy clear vision in record time, without pain or complications.

Advantages of the SMILE procedure

The Relex Smile procedure, the latest frontier in laser vision correction, offers several advantages for patients undergoing surgery:

• Treatment is available to anyone who suffers from dry eyes, and rapid healing limits the risk of infection.
• Fast, risk-free treatment: There is no risk of cap loss or displacement after surgery. The procedure takes only a few minutes. The patient can return to normal activities the next day.
• Precise operation: The Visumax femtosecond laser works with micrometer precision, making the surgeon's work easier.

Potential risks of SMILE surgery

Potential risks of SMILE As with any surgical procedure, SMILE laser surgery carries certain risks. However, side effects are generally mild and complications are rare.

Here are the most important side effects to consider:

• Glare and halos, especially at night.
• Progressive thinning of the cornea (very rare),known as ectasia.
• Dry eyes: less common than with LASIK.
• Lenticule residue not removed from the treated area.
• Inflammation within the cornea.
• Infection (abscess) at the surgical site.
• Refractive error: If necessary, PRK may be used to correct residual myopia or hyperopia.

Most complications can be treated without vision loss. By following the indications and contraindications for the procedure, these risks are greatly minimized.

Dry eyes after Relex SMILE

The risk of dry eyes after Relex SMILE surgery is much lower than with LASIK due to the smaller size of the cornea. In most cases, the dryness is mild and goes away within a few days to a few weeks. However, it may be slightly more pronounced than with PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy).

In short, although there are risks, they are rare and often manageable. SMILE surgery remains one of the safest and most effective ways to correct myopia and astigmatism.

Ready to take the plunge? Talk to an eye doctor in Turkey to assess your eligibility and ask all your questions!

ReLEx SMILE vs. LASIK: Which procedure is right for you?

ReLEx SMILE differs from LASIK in its simplified, less invasive approach. Unlike LASIK, which uses two lasers - a femtosecond laser to cut the corneal flap, and then an excimer laser to correct vision - ReLEx SMILE relies solely on a Visumax femtosecond laser for the entire procedure, without cutting the corneal flap.

This means that with ReLEx SMILE there is no need to cut the cornea, which significantly reduces the risk of complications. This detail is particularly appreciated by patients, especially those at risk of ocular trauma (such as athletes or those in high-risk environments). In fact, they don't need an eye bandage or patch after the procedure.

And the best part? You can resume your daily activities the next day without pain or interruption.

When you choose ReLEx SMILE, you are choosing an advanced, fast, and safe technique that will give you back your perfect vision without the hassle.