From LASIK, to SMILE, laser eye surgery technology has continued to improve in recent years. SmartSight is the latest advancement, with its incredibly quick recovery and impressive results, patients are keen to learn more about the technology.

SmartSight is a type of Refractive Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx). SmartSight laser eye surgery uses a laser to create a very thin piece of corneal tissue (known as the lenticular) in the cornea which is removed through a small incision. SmartSight can be referred to as keyhole surgery because it doesn’t require a flap to be created in the cornea like other types of laser eye surgery.

The major benefits of SmartSight include no scarring and rapid visual recovery with fewer dry eye symptoms after surgery due to a smaller incision and tissue-saving compared to LASIK technology.

The time off work is as little as 1-2 days. Because both eyes can be treated at the same time there is no need to take additional time off out of your busy schedule.

As SmartSight is minimally invasive it is low-risk and one of the safest options for laser eye surgery. There are a few complications with SmartSight eye surgery, but these are not common. Nevertheless, everyone should be aware of the risks of any medical procedure. While fewer patients suffer dry eyes with SmartSight compared to other types of laser eye surgery, it’s still a risk. With all types of eye surgery, there is a small risk of over-correction and under-correction and the possibility of a loss of best-corrected vision. There is also the chance of complications in creating the lenticule.

Other complications of eye surgery with very small risks include diffusion of lamellar keratitis (DLK), epithelial, and keratectasia.

The flapless SmartSight laser eye surgery takes 20 minutes, and the entire procedure is painless due to numbing eye drops applied before the procedure.

To start, the surgeon programs the laser to the exact dimensions of your corneal anatomy and pupil. A 3mm keyhole is created so the cornea changes to the ideal shape that corrects vision. The pupil-tracking laser takes around 30 seconds to create the corrective lens of tissue within the cornea. During this stage patients experience mild pressure in the eye but no pain. One or both eyes can be corrected during the procedure. For the first 2-3 hours, the eye may feel irritated, but this soon settles down. The tiny incision repairs itself within a short time.

Most people will return the following day for a post-operative consultation to check their eyes. It usually takes a few weeks for vision to stabilise completely.

SmartSight is best for patients with short-sightedness or astigmatism, not long-sightedness. Your surgeon will discuss your prescription at your consultation, as this is one of the determining factors in suitability. As with all forms of laser eye surgery, you also need a stable prescription. To ensure eye prescription stability, patients need to be over the age of 20. Eye health and general health is also a consideration. Those people with active rheumatoid arthritis, keratoconus, and connective tissue disorders may not be suitable.

Anyone who wants to keep their recovery time to a minimum to go back to work within a couple of days will appreciate SmartSight.

Those who aren’t suitable for SmartSight may be offered either LASIK or PRK laser eye surgery.

While SmartSight is new, the technology has been around for over 10 years with ReLEx SMILE. Millions of SMILE procedures have been completed worldwide, ensuring the successful introduction of SmartSight.

If you would like to know more about SmartSight surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (08) 9381 0758.