"ZEISS® SMILE PRO (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction PRO) Laser Vision Correction" utilizes the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 SMILE® pro femtosecond laser system. It operates on the same principles as traditional SMILE laser vision correction but offers upgrades such as shortened single-eye laser time of 8-10 seconds. The system is equipped with "OcuLign system" and "CentraLign system" enhancing precision and efficiency while minimizing risks.
The laser repetition rate has been increased from 500 kHz (kilohertz) in SMILE to 2 MHz (megahertz), driven by an improved scanning system. This significant advancement has reduced the single-eye laser time from approximately 25 seconds in SMILE to just 10 seconds. Consequently, the overall time spent fixating on a single point during the procedure is greatly reduced, alleviating patients' psychological burden.
Astigmatism is a type of directional visual problem characterized by its axis. Prior to undergoing laser surgery, it is crucial to determine the precise location of the astigmatic axis since the position of the eye undergoes physiological rotation when the patient lies down.
ZEISS VISUMAX 800 features the intuitive OcuLign® pattern rotation. The sophisticated yet easy-to-use system automatically re-calculates the treatment pattern and helps to counter cyclotorsion that may occur.
Everyone’s eyes have a "visual axis deviation angle," which refers to the degree of deviation of the visual axis relative to the center of the pupil. During laser surgery, it is necessary to adjust the laser center based on the center of the pupil in order to align it with the visual axis.
The CentraLign® assistant system is a computer-controlled function for easy centration. It uses pupil center and vertex position, giving you full control of centration already during the docking phase. There is no need to shift the cutting pattern after docking.
Laser refractive surgery is a procedure that can correct visual problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by altering the shape of the cornea. By modifying the cornea's curvature, the surgery aims to adjust the refraction of light, enabling it to accurately focus on the retina.
During SMILE, the femtosecond laser platform cuts a refractive lenticule within the cornea. The cut lenticule is then removed through a small incision at the corneal periphery. This changes the overall corneal curvature and thus achieves the refractive correction effect.
SMILE is a ‘flapless’ procedure. When compared with LASIK where a corneal flap is created, the wound area in SMILE can be significantly reduced by more than 80%, resulting in a more desirable wound healing effect. SMILE is an odorless procedure when compared with LASIK since it does not involve vaporization of corneal tissue. Therefore, patients would have a more pleasant experience during SMILE.
 Step 1: Laser directly creating the ‘refractive lenticule’ within the cornea |
 Step2: the lenticule is removed via a 2-4 mm small incision |
 Step 3: Cornea curvature changed to the desired shape after removing the lenticule |
|
Step 1: Laser directly creating the ‘refractive lenticule’ within the cornea |
Step2: the lenticule is removed via a 2-4 mm small incision |
Step 3: Cornea curvature changed to the desired shape after removing the lenticule |
After undergoing the preoperative eye examination, the doctor will determine the suitable surgical options for you. You can also discuss with the doctor to make a decision together.
| SMILE PRO | SMILE | LASIK | ICL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degree of correction | Up to -10.00 diopters of myopia Up to -5.00 diopters of astigmatism |
Up to -15.00 diopters of myopia Up to +6.00 diopters of hyperopia Up to +6.00 diopters of astigmatism |
Up to -18.00 diopters of myopia Up to +10.00 diopters of hyperopia Up to +6.00 diopters of astigmatism |
|
| Technique | Cornea cutting; no need for cornea flap creation | Creation of corneal flap, followed by laser reshaping of the corneal inner layer beneath the flap | Implantation of ICL lens between the eye's natural crystalline lens and iris | |
| Surgical duration | 5 minutes per eye | 10 minutes per eye | 10-15 minutes per eye | |
| Laser procedure time | 10 seconds per eye | 25 seconds per eye | I. Corneal flap creation: approximately 10 seconds II. Corneal reshaping (depending on the degree): 10-30 seconds |
NA |
| Size of incision | 2-4mm | Approximately 20mm | Approximately 3mm | |
| Postoperative dry eye condition | Slight | Mild | Slight | |
| Natural cornea healing time | Several days | Several weeks | Several days | |
| Chance of cornea flap displacement | None, no need for cornea flap creation | Yes | None, no need for cornea flap creation | |
| Odor produced during the surgical procedure | None | Slight burning odor | None | |
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) is a surgical technique used to enhance corneal strength in the treatment of corneal deformities and weakening conditions, primarily for the management of keratoconus.
Conventional laser refractive surgeries can weaken the cornea. However, the enhanced versions (Xtra) of LASIK Xtra and SMILE Xtra surgeries are specifically designed for individuals with higher refractive errors and thinner corneas. These procedures utilize cross-linking techniques to strengthen the cornea's collagen structure, thereby consolidating the refractive correction outcomes.
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) Procedure:
In general, if you fulfill the requirements below, you are a suitable candidate:
To find out if SMILE®pro is suitable for you, you should have a comprehensive eye examination by our ophthalmologist. During the examination, we will give you more specific information and answer any questions you may have.
You are welcome to attend our public free seminar to learn more about laser vision correction surgery before undergoing the preoperative examination and assessment. Please call 8166 1111 for more information or register for the "Free Vision Correction Seminar" by clicking here.
