Minimally Invasive, Flapless Correction for Maximum Corneal Stability at Erdem Hospital

ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the latest innovation and the third generation of laser eye surgery. It offers a revolutionary, flapless approach to correcting refractive errors, primarily Myopia and Astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, SMILE uses a single Femtosecond laser to perform the entire correction.

This technique creates a lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) inside the intact cornea, which is then removed through a tiny, keyhole-sized incision (2–4 mm).

At Erdem Hospital, SMILE is the treatment of choice for patients prioritizing minimal invasion and maximum corneal biomechanical stability. It is ideal for those with active lifestyles, contact sports enthusiasts, or patients seeking the lowest risk of post-operative dry eye.

The Flapless SMILE Procedure

SMILE is performed as a fast, comfortable outpatient procedure under local eye drop anesthesia.

1. Preparation and Anesthesia: The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, and a suction ring is placed briefly to stabilize the eye.
2. Lenticule Creation: A specialized Femtosecond laser (such as the VisuMax) is used to create a precise, customized lenticule (the tissue slice to be removed) within the solid corneal layer. This process is quick, often lasting less than 30 seconds.
3. Extraction: The surgeon removes the created lenticule through the tiny, peripheral incision. Removing this lenticule changes the cornea's shape, correcting the refractive error.
4. Flapless Healing: Since no large flap is cut (unlike LASIK), the structural integrity of the cornea is highly preserved, leading to exceptional stability.

Suitable Prescriptions

SMILE is highly effective for:

• Myopia: Generally up to -10.00 diopters (D).
• Astigmatism: Up to -5.00 D.
• Note: SMILE is currently not approved for the correction of hypermetropia (farsightedness).

Advantages and Recovery

• Maximum Stability (Flapless): The absence of a large corneal flap eliminates the risk of flap-related complications (e.g., displacement, wrinkling) and preserves the cornea's natural strength, making it ideal for individuals in high-impact professions or sports.
• Reduced Dry Eye: SMILE involves significantly less disturbance to the corneal nerves compared to flap-based procedures, resulting in a lower risk of post-operative chronic dry eye.
• Rapid Recovery: Patients often experience minimal discomfort. Vision improves quickly, with many patients achieving functional vision and returning to daily activities within 24–48 hours. Full visual clarity typically stabilizes over a few weeks.

What's Included in the ReLEx SMILE Treatment Journey

A comprehensive package ensures a convenient and high-tech experience:

• VIP airport-hotel-hospital transfers so you're never navigating on your own.
• A three-night stay in premium accommodation.
• Pre-surgery consultation and detailed diagnostic assessments (Corneal Topography, Pachymetry).
• The ReLEx SMILE Surgical Procedure itself.
• A full aftercare kit with required antibiotic and tear drops.
• One year follow-up support to check visual stability.
• English-speaking staff and interpreters so nothing gets lost in translation.

Treatment Prices Compare

As a third-generation, all-laser technology, SMILE is often priced higher than LASIK but is significantly more affordable in Turkey than in Western markets.

• ReLEx SMILE costs in Turkey for both eyes typically range from €1,990 to €2,400.
• This offers substantial savings compared to the overall cost of similar cutting-edge procedures in the US and UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is SMILE better than LASIK? It is safer for the cornea's biomechanics and has a lower dry eye risk. However, LASIK (especially Custom LASIK) can be better for correcting high hypermetropia.
• Will I feel pain during SMILE? No, the procedure is painless due to anesthetic drops. You may only feel a brief, mild pressure.
• How long until I see clearly? Patients see significantly better within 24 hours, and functional clarity returns in 1–2 days.
• Can SMILE treat hypermetropia? No, currently SMILE is limited to Myopia and Astigmatism.
• What is a "lenticule"? It is the precise, lens-shaped piece of tissue created by the laser inside the cornea that, once removed, corrects the refractive error.
• Is there a risk of the lenticule not being removed completely? This is a potential, rare complication, which is why surgeon experience is vital.

Restoring Confidence Through Modern Vision Correction

ReLEx SMILE offers the most elegant and stable path to achieving glasses-free vision for suitable candidates. At Erdem Hospital, we are proud to offer this advanced, minimal-incision technology. With 37 years of experience in patient care, our specialists guarantee precision, safety, and a comfortable recovery. Our goal is for you to feel looked after, supported, and confident in your choice for the future of your sight.