ReLEx SMILE®

Femtosecond laser for myopia surgery in Valencia

What is the SMILE® laser technique

The ReLEx SMILE® (Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction) technique is a highly precise procedure based on advanced femtosecond laser technology, designed to correct myopia, with or without associated astigmatism, in a controlled and minimally invasive manner.

During the procedure, the femtosecond laser makes programmed micro-incisions inside the cornea to create a small piece of tissue called the corneal lenticule. This lenticule is then removed through a minimal incision, allowing precise modification of the corneal curvature and thereby correcting the refractive error.

Minimally invasive

The procedure is performed through a small corneal incision, without significantly affecting the superficial layers of the eye

Fast and reliable results

Femtosecond technology allows for high precision at every step, promoting stable and controlled visual outcomes.

Quick recovery

Many patients return to their usual activities within a few days, experiencing minimal postoperative discomfort.

Who is a candidate for ReLEx SMILE® Refractive Surgery?

Not all individuals are suitable for the SMILE® laser technique, so it is essential to always perform a comprehensive and personalized ophthalmologic examination to determine the most appropriate option for each patient.
This procedure may be indicated in the following cases:

Patients without active eye diseases or serious medical conditions

Patients over 18 years old with a stable prescription for at least one year

Patients who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding

No recent ocular procedures or immunosuppressive therapy

PREOPERATIVE
EVALUATION

Before the procedure, it is important to have a prior assessment and recommendations from a specialist to avoid complications during treatment. In the preoperative evaluation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of the patient and recommend the most suitable technique on a personalized basis.

SMILE® LASER EYE SURGERY PROCEDURE

The advanced ReLEx SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) technology makes it possible to correct myopia, with or without associated astigmatism, in three main steps, with an approximate duration of 10 to 15 minutes per eye.

At Clínica Rahhal, we perform this procedure using ZEISS VISUMAX®, a femtosecond laser system specially designed for the precise and controlled application of the SMILE® technique.

Below, we detail the three steps that make up ReLEx SMILE® laser eye surgery:

1. CREATION OF THE REFRACTIVE LENTICULE

The procedure begins with the application of the femtosecond laser, which creates a small lenticule inside the cornea. This lenticule corresponds to the tissue that will later be removed to correct the patient’s myopia.

The laser works through ultrashort pulses with micrometric precision, allowing controlled action on the corneal tissue while preserving the surrounding structures and without the need to make large cuts on the ocular surface.

More about femtosecond laser for myopia

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2. CORNEAL MICROINCISION

Once the lenticule is formed, the laser itself makes a micro-incision of between 2 and 4 millimeters in the cornea. This small opening allows access to the corneal tissue to continue with the procedure.

Since it is a minimal incision, most of the eye’s outer layers are preserved, which helps reduce postoperative discomfort and facilitates visual recovery.

3. LENTICULE EXTRACTION

Through the micro-incision, the surgeon carefully removes the lenticule using specialized instruments. This step is key, as removing this piece of tissue changes the curvature of the cornea, allowing the eye’s focusing ability to improve.

The entire process is performed under visual guidance and with topical anesthesia, without the need for sutures or additional invasive procedures.

RECOVERY AFTER FEMTOSECOND LASER ReLEx SMILE ZEISS®

Recovery after the ReLEx SMILE® procedure is usually quick and well tolerated. Most patients can return to their daily activities in a short time, provided they follow the postoperative recommendations given by the ophthalmologist.

These are some postoperative recommendations after SMILE® laser surgery:

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions and use the prescribed eye drops correctly.
Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any questions or concerns.
Wait for medical clearance before resuming sports or strenuous activities
Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing certified UV-filter sunglasses.
Do not rub your eyes, as this may interfere with the healing process.
Avoid direct contact with seawater or swimming pool water during the first few days.
Try to stay away from environments with dust, smoke, or irritants, especially outdoors.

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RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS OF SMILE® LASER

Like any surgical procedure, the SMILE® technique with the ZEISS VisuMax® laser may involve certain risks or side effects. Most of these are mild, temporary, and infrequent, especially when the medical team’s instructions are followed correctly.

Among the possible effects after ReLEx SMILE® surgery, the following may occur:

Temporary blurred vision: common during the first few days after surgery and gradually improves.
Dry eye syndrome: may occur in the first few weeks and is usually easily managed with lubricating eye drops.
Foreign body sensation or tearing: mild discomfort that usually disappears within the first few hours or days.
Halos, double vision, or night glare: visual effects that tend to decrease over time as the eye adapts.
Corneal surface irregularities: very rare. If they occur, they will be assessed and treated by the ophthalmologist.
Need for enhancement or prescription adjustment: in rare cases, an additional procedure may be required to optimize the visual outcome.

PIONEERS
IN EYE SURGERY

At CLÍNICA RAHHAL, we have a state-of-the-art technological team which, combined with our collaborative approach, ensures the best results.

Get to know us

“”A week ago, I underwent LASIK surgery with Dr. Luis Alonso. It has been the best experience of my life—100% professionalism and excellent care. A perfect 10 for him.”

Raúl.

“Dr. Rahhal is an outstanding professional; he advised me, performed my surgery, and I must say it was the best decision I ever made. Thanks to him, I no longer wear glasses, and I am thrilled and deeply grateful.”

Marian Fons.

“I am very happy. I had surgery with Dr. Rahhal three years ago, and it was the best decision I could have made. Thank you for everything!”

Luis Bullich.

See more real testimonials on Doctoralia

FINANCING
AND PRICE

At CLÍNICA RAHHAL, we don’t want vision to be a burden, and we make sure our refractive surgery treatments are accessible to our patients.

CALCULATE YOUR FINANCING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ReLEx SMILE®

Select one of the following frequently asked questions from our patients to view the answer. If you don’t find the answer to your question, you can contact us through the form below.

What is the difference between LASIK and ZEISS SMILE®?

Both techniques use laser technology to correct refractive errors, but they are applied differently. In LASIK, a flap is created on the corneal surface, whereas in the SMILE® technique, a lenticule is removed from inside the cornea through a micro-incision. The choice between one or the other depends on the individual characteristics of each patient.

Can astigmatism be treated with the SMILE® laser technique?

Yes, the SMILE® technique allows the treatment of myopia and astigmatism within certain specified ranges. It is important to conduct a prior examination to assess the amount of astigmatism and confirm whether the procedure is suitable.

Is the ReLEx SMILE® eye surgery procedure painful?

No, the procedure is performed with anesthetic eye drops and is painless. You may feel slight pressure for a few seconds, but the procedure is usually quick and comfortable for the patient.

When will I see clearly?

Most patients experience improved vision within the first few days after the procedure. In the first few hours, it is normal to experience slight blurred vision, a gritty sensation, or tearing—symptoms that usually improve within the first day.

In many cases, functional vision is restored within the first 24 to 48 hours, although the visual stabilization process can take several weeks, depending on the individual case.

What is the price of ReLEx SMILE® in Valencia?

The price of the procedure may vary depending on each patient’s visual characteristics, such as prescription, type of correction needed, and preoperative evaluation. At Clínica Rahhal, we provide a personalized quote during the first visit, with no obligation, to always offer the most suitable option for each case.

Book your consultation for ReLEx SMILE® refractive surgery in Valencia

Leave us your information, and we will contact you to schedule an appointment with one of our ophthalmologists. We will send you a confirmation email acknowledging receipt, along with the details of your requested appointment. Within the next few business hours, we will personally contact you by phone to confirm your appointment