Relex SMILE in Turkey - Laser vision correction at affordable prices

What is ReLEx SMILE and how does it work?

ReLEx SMILE, which stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a third-generation refractive surgery technique developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec and FDA-approved since 2016. It corrects myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea from within, without creating the large corneal flap used in LASIK.

The entire procedure uses a single instrument: the VisuMax femtosecond laser. This laser creates a precisely shaped disc of corneal tissue called a lenticule inside the intact cornea. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a tiny arc-shaped incision of just 2–3 mm, too small to require sutures, and small enough that the biomechanical integrity of the cornea is largely preserved.

Who is a good candidate for ReLEx SMILE laser eye surgery?

ReLEx SMILE is not suitable for everyone. This is not a disclaimer; it's a clinical fact. A thorough pre-operative assessment at your Turquie Santé partner clinic will confirm your eligibility. Here are the key criteria:

Currently, ReLEx SMILE is primarily indicated for myopia and astigmatism. Research into hyperopia (far-sightedness) correction is ongoing, with promising Phase III trial results published in JAMA Ophthalmology (2023). If you are hyperopic, LASIK or PRK may be more appropriate; your assigned ophthalmologist will advise.

What exactly happens during a ReLEx SMILE procedure? Step by step

Here's what you can expect during a modern SMILE eye surgery session in Turkey:

1. Corneal mapping: Topography and biometry scans are performed to calculate the exact shape and depth of the lenticule required for your prescription.
2. Anaesthetic eye drops: Local anaesthetic drops are applied. No injection. No general anesthesia. You are fully awake throughout.
3. Eyelid speculum: A small device (blepharostat) holds your eyelids gently open, so you cannot blink during the laser phase.
4. Suction interface: A soft suction ring stabilizes the eye. You may sense a slight pressure; this is normal and lasts only a few seconds.
5. Femtosecond laser (≈25 seconds): The VisuMax laser creates the lenticule and the access incision within the cornea. You will see a blinking light. This is painless.
6. Lenticule extraction (1–3 minutes): The surgeon uses a micro-instrument to separate and remove the lenticule through the 3 mm incision. Vision begins to clear almost immediately.
7. Completion: No sutures, no patch, no bandage required. Both eyes are typically treated in the same session in approximately 20 minutes total.

The procedure is virtually painless. Some patients describe mild pressure during suction application, but no sharp sensations. After surgery, your eyes may feel slightly gritty or sensitive to light for a few hours, this resolves overnight in most cases.

What are the key advantages of ReLEx SMILE over older laser techniques?

ReLEx SMILE offers several important advantages over older laser vision correction techniques, here's why many patients and surgeons prefer it today.

• No corneal flap: Eliminates the risk of flap dislocation or displacement, critical for contact sports, martial arts, or occupations with ocular trauma risk.
• Lower dry eye incidence: The 3 mm incision preserves approximately 80% more corneal nerve fibres than LASIK, significantly reducing post-operative dry eye (source: Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 2021).
• Single-laser system: Only the VisuMax femtosecond laser is used, no secondary excimer laser step, reducing total laser exposure and potential for excimer-related complications.
• Biomechanical stability: The intact corneal surface maintains better structural integrity, which is particularly important for high myopia corrections (above −6D).
• Fast visual recovery: Most patients report functional vision within 24 hours; driving is typically permitted by day 2–3.
• Outpatient procedure: No hospital admission required. Most Turquie Santé patients fly home comfortably 24–48 hours after surgery.

How long does recovery take after ReLEx SMILE?

One of the most frequent questions from patients planning to travel to Turkey is: 'When can I fly home?' ReLEx SMILE is an outpatient procedure with no overnight hospital stay required. Here's what your recovery timeline looks like:

Turquie Santé recommends a minimum stay of 3–5 days in Turkey, sufficient to complete pre-operative assessment, the procedure itself, and a post-operative control visit before departure. Most patients fly home comfortably 48 hours after surgery, on a short to medium-haul flight.

What are the risks and side effects of ReLEx SMILE surgery?

ReLEx SMILE has an excellent safety profile, but like all surgical procedures, it carries defined risks that you should understand before giving informed consent. Serious complications are rare — but rare does not mean impossible.

Common (usually temporary) side effects include:

• Halos and glare around lights, particularly at night, are reported by 15–30% of patients in the first weeks, typically resolving by month 3.
• Mild dry eye symptoms, lower incidence than LASIK, but possible, especially in the first 2–4 weeks. Managed with preservative-free lubricating drops.
• Transient visual fluctuation, slight blurring, or fluctuations in sharpness as the cornea heals. Usually resolves within 1–4 weeks.

Rare but serious complications (<1%) include:

• Corneal ectasia (progressive thinning): Very rare when eligibility criteria are respected. Risk is minimised by ensuring residual corneal thickness ≥300 microns.
• Incomplete lenticule extraction: Fragment of lenticule tissue remaining in the cornea. Managed by the surgeon at the time of the procedure or shortly after.
• Interface inflammation (Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis, DLK): Sterile inflammation within the corneal interface, treated with topical steroids.
• Infection (extremely rare): Risk significantly reduced by the small, sealed incision. Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed for the first 2 weeks.
• Residual refractive error: A small under- or over-correction may require enhancement with PRK if it persists beyond 3 months.

Clinical note: A 2023 systematic review in Ophthalmology & Therapy found that ReLEx SMILE had a statistically lower rate of dry eye complications vs LASIK (OR 0.43, p<0.001),and comparable visual outcomes. Serious complication rates were below 0.5% in experienced hands.

ReLEx SMILE vs LASIK: Which laser eye surgery is right for you?

This is the most common question we receive from patients who've done their research. Both procedures deliver excellent outcomes, but they differ in meaningful ways. Here is an honest, clinically grounded comparison:

The bottom line: for active patients, athletes, or anyone concerned about long-term dry eye symptoms, SMILE is generally the preferred option. For patients with hyperopia or very high prescriptions beyond −10D, LASIK or PRK may be more appropriate. Your Turquie Santé ophthalmologist will assess both options and recommend the best fit for your corneal profile.