Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE)

Small Incision Leticule Extraction (SMILE)


Exclusively at Visionmax Eye Centre, SMILE is the next-generation laser technology by ZEISS for the gentle correction of vision defects. Originally called key-hole LASIK, SMILE is the only minimally invasive treatment method that combines the extensive experience and superior safety of traditional vision correction techniques with numerous innovative benefits. The result is high precision levels and perceptibly greater comfort during the treatment.

Dr. Senekal is proud to offer SMILE as a proven, accurate, and predictable laser procedure that preserves the mechanical strength of your cornea. More than 5 million SMILE procedures have been performed worldwide.

Relex Smile Step 1 Edmonton

Step 1:
In a single step the VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a thin lenticule and a small access measuring less than 4 mm in the intact cornea.

Relex Smile Step 2 Edmonton

Step 2:
The surgeon removes the lenticule through the small access. There is minimal disruption of the biomechanics of the cornea. No flap needs to be cut.

Relex Smile Step 3 Edmonton

Step 3:
The minimally invasive removal of the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, correcting the refractive error of the eye.

Minimally Invasive

Since SMILE does not require the creation of a flap to recontour the cornea, it is minimally invasive. This offers many benefits in the recovery, healing, and long-term health of the cornea.

  • Almost complete preservation of the protective corneal layer and stabilizing outer corneal layers
  • Practically painless during and after the procedure
  • Preservation of Night Vision
  • Maximum number of corneal nerves responsible for tear regulation remain intact, therefore less dry eye symptoms
  • 80% less lateral incision for lenticule preparation than in LASIK and Femto-LASIK

Femtosecond laser 

The entire treatment is carried out using high-precision femtosecond technology (all-femto). This allows precision in procedure and comfort by design.  

  • Outstanding predictability of results, even in cases of severe myopia (Up to -10.00 Diopter)
  • Anatomically shaped contact glass avoids unnecessary compression of the cornea
  • Stabilization of visual acuity typically within seven days
  • No loss of vision during treatment
  • Noiseless and odorless treatment

Single-step treatment

The entire laser correction is in a single step.

  • No device change during the operation
  • Short procedure with fast visual recovery

A SMILE procedure only takes about 20 minutes. The entire laser correction is a single step, with no device change during the operation. Since it’s also minimally invasive, you can expect a faster, easier recovery after SMILE than other laser eye surgeries. Most patients return to their regular activities within a day or two.

If you want to stop wearing your contacts or glasses and cannot consider laser vision correction due to a thin cornea or dry eye syndrome, SMILE may be a good option for you. 

The following refractive errors can be corrected (exceptions may apply):

Myopia (nearsightedness): up to -10.00 diopters
Astigmatism: up to -5.00 diopters

A maximum combined prescription (nearsightedness plus half of the astigmatism prescription) of not more than -10.00 diopters. 

As with all other laser vision correction procedures, you will undergo a detailed eye examination and diagnostic scans. The nature and degree of your refractive error, the curvature, and thickness of the cornea, as well as many other factors, will determine which procedure is best for you.

​Find out if SMILE can correct your vision.

At Visionmax Eye Centre, we do a thorough eye evaluation to determine if you can expect positive results from SMILE surgery. Call our office at 780-452-4111 to schedule a consultation today. 

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