Since 2011 we have been using a new technology called the SMILE to treat myopia.
The SMILE technology uses the ZEISS VISUMAX femtosecond laser to correct high myopia between -3 and -10 dioptres without the necessity of cutting the corneal flap (We do not use the excimer laser in this technique).
Two incisions are created in the cornea by the femtosecond laser: the first is deep and the second more superficial to demarcate a small corneal lenticule. Thereafter the lenticule is extracted through a small incision of about 3 mm resulting in the thinning of the cornea in the centre to correct myopia.
The SMILE technique offers many advantages:
The SMILE technology is becoming the standard treatment to correct moderate to high myopia. At present, high astigmatism cannot benefit from this technology.
The alternatives to SMILE laser treatment are the following:
Rare complications of the femtosecond laser treatment are as follows: