SmartSight Laser Eye Surgery

SmartSight is the latest type of laser eye surgery available today. It is safe, gentle and precise, giving you the best possible vision in the least amount of time. Visual recovery and comfort after the procedure are excellent and it is less invasive than other forms of laser eye surgery.

SmartSight involves the use of one laser to create a very thin piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) in the cornea which is then removed through a small incision. SmartSight is a type of Refractive Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx). These procedures are very safe, having been around for over 10 years (e.g. ReLEx SMILE).

SmartSight is the very latest in laser eye surgery which delivers excellent safety and rapid recovery.

Like other types of laser eye surgery there is a range of people who are suitable for SmartSight. Our general advice about suitability for laser eye surgery remains valid that you need a stable prescription, healthy eyes with no history of eye disease or family history of certain eye conditions, good general health without a history of some systemic conditions especially those which affect your healing and the collagen in your body.

SmartSight currently corrects short sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism but does not currently correct long-sightedness (hyperopia) or the reading difficulties that happen as we get older (presbyopia). We will continue to offer the other forms of laser eye surgery such as LASIK and PRK to correct a wider range of prescriptions and in circumstances where there is a benefit to the patient in doing so.

All of our laser procedures are safe and effective producing excellent results. The biggest difference is the healing time and experience after the procedure.

We like to think of SmartSight as minimally invasive laser eye surgery. Meaning that the experience and results for you are even better than they have been in the past. Because of the smaller incision size in SmartSight compared to LASIK there is evidence of a reduction in dry eye symptoms post surgery. We believe the cornea will remain stronger than LASIK because of the fact the upper layers of the cornea are mostly unaffected in SmartSight except for the small incision which is 80% smaller than that of a LASIK flap.

SmartSight only requires the use of one laser the SCHWIND ATOS a femtosecond laser which creates both the lenticule in your cornea and the small incision through which it is removed to improve your vision. LASIK surgery involves the creation of a corneal flap which has a 23 mm incision compared to the small incision, 3 mm, created for SmartSight which is over 80% smaller. It also requires two separate lasers to perform, a femtosecond laser to create the flap and then an excimer laser to reshape your cornea to improve your vision. The overall treatment time is slightly faster with SmartSight.

ReLEx SMILE, SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a procedure pioneered by Zeiss first performed in 2007 and over 4 million people worldwide have now had this procedure done.

SmartSIght has numerous benefits, including:

• Excellent vision without glasses or contact lenses almost immediately after the eye surgery
• No scarring
• Rapid visual recovery after surgery – patients can usually return to work the next day or within a couple of days.
• Little discomfort during and after the eye surgery procedure
• Both eyes can be treated at the same time
• Smaller incision size compared to LASIK
• Reduction in dry eye symptoms post laser eye surgery

• Your procedure will take about 20 minutes but you will be at the Lions Eye Institute in total for about 2-3 hours.
• The operating theatre is kept very cool because the laser technology requires a stable and cool room temperature so it is a good idea to wear some warm comfortable clothes.
• Your surgeon will talk you through each step of the procedure.
• You will be given some anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes and a mild oral sedative to help reduce any anxiety.
• When in the theatre you will lie comfortable on a treatment bed and the laser will be moved into place so your eye is lined up.
• The anaesthetic eye drops stop the feeling that you need to blink but your surgeon will also use something called a speculum to hold them open so you don’t need to worry about that.
• The bed is then raised to bring your eye into contact with the curved patient interface which fits against your cornea with minimal pressure. You will feel pressure on your eyelids and see a bright light. Because your eyes have been numbed with anaesthetic drops you won’t feel any pain.
• The laser then creates a thin lens shaped disc of tissue within the cornea and a small 3 mm incision. The lenticule is shaped to correct your refractive error and it is then removed through the small incision. The process is then repeated on your other eye.
• The small incision will seal itself over a short period of time.
• You will then be taken outside of the laser theatre to wait for your eyes to adjust before you will be collected by someone to take you home where you should rest comfortably.
• You will need to return usually the next day for a post operative consultation to check your eyes. Most people can see well the next day but it can take a few weeks for your vision to stabilise completely.

Visit our Before and After Laser eye surgery page or read the FAQs to find out what to expect before, during and after your treatment.

With improved technology, complications that can affect your vision are very uncommon. However, as with any procedure, there are some risks involved with SmartSight eye surgery.

• Dry eyes – although less than for other types of laser eye surgery
• Over correction and under correction
• Complications creating the lenticule
• Haloes and night glare
• Loss of best corrected vision
• Epithelial in growth
• Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK)
• Kerectasia

Your safety is our number one priority. With over 30 years of experience and the latest technology, you know you’re in safe hands.

The eye surgery cost can vary depending on the condition of your eyes. We have a number of payment and finance options available for treatment. Find out how much LASIK eye surgery costs and ditch your glasses for good.

If you’re using glasses or contact lenses for your otherwise healthy eyes, if you’re at least 20 years old, and if you aren’t currently breastfeeding or pregnant, then you may be suitable for SmartSight eye surgery.

At Lion’s Eye Institute, we offer both LASIK and PRK laser eye surgery for patients who aren’t suitable for SmartSight. Take our LASIK eye surgery suitability test now to find out if LASIK laser eye surgery is for you.

Say goodbye to your eye glasses with the most effective laser vision correction treatment available. Book a consultation with one of our surgeons by calling us on (08) 9381 0758, or contact us online.

Please note: To make an appointment with one of our surgeons you will need a referral from your optometrist, general practitioner, or another ophthalmologist in order to claim a Medicare rebate after your consultation.