Review: 8 Seconds to Crystal-Clear Vision by SMILE Pro
Say Goodbye to Myopia and Astigmatism.
Cannot stand putting up with nearsightedness, astigmatism, blurry vision, or the perennial hassle of glasses and contact lenses? Want to experience the freedom of clear vision without any corrective aids? SMILE Pro is the answer.
SMILE Pro is an advanced laser vision correction technology requiring only 8-10 seconds of laser application per eye to carve out a lenticule, a thin disc of tissue from within the cornea, without any cut on the corneal surface. The lenticular removal requires only a tiny 2 to 4-mm incision at the side of the cornea. With such a small incision, you will wake up the next day to a world of perfect clarity.
If you are considering SMILE Pro but have concerns about pain or feel intimidated, MedPark will guide you through the examination and operative procedure. Let us explore the meticulous care behind this cutting-edge procedure!
Why Choose SMILE Pro at MedPark?
MedPark Eye Care Center:
- Offer refractive error correction performed by highly experienced ophthalmologists specializing in the cornea, renowned nationally and internationally for their expertise.
- Utilize the latest VISUMAX® 800 Femtosecond Laser, a next-generation refractive surgery technology that delivers laser correction in only 8 seconds per eye—3 times faster than the previous ReLEx SMILE technology. This advancement enhances precision and reduces the risk of complications.
- Experience enhanced precision with the Intelligent Assistant System, ensuring accurate correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism.
- Provide comprehensive eye screening with cutting-edge diagnostic tools capable of detecting a wide range of ocular conditions under the supervision of experienced ophthalmologists and ophthalmic technicians.
- Equipped with a clean and safe operating suite that meets international standards, offering a 270-degree panoramic view of Rama IV Road, Benchakitti Park, and the Chao Phraya River. This serene environment helps ease pre-surgical anxiety and provides a breathtaking visual experience post-surgery.
- We understand your concerns and needs, providing thoughtful, meticulous care and treating you like family.
- Centrally located in the heart of Bangkok, with easy accessibility, ample parking, and valet services.
- Offering an optional 1-night hospital stay for those seeking extra comfort after surgery.
Review: SMILE Pro: 8K Clarity in Just 8 Seconds
1. Scheduling Comprehensive Eye Screening. Before the SMILE Pro procedure, every patient must undergo an eye health evaluation. Schedule your appointments through the following channels:
- Call Center: 02-023-3333
- Application: My MedPark
- LINE Official Account: MedPark Hospital
- Eye Care Center: 02-090-3123 (8 AM – 7 PM)
2. Checking-in and Physical Examination
On the day of your appointment, first-time visitors must complete a patient registration process at the Registration Counter, G Floor. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment or complete your registration in advance via the Call Center. For returning patients, you can take the EAST lift to the EYE Care Center on the 12A Floor, Counter B, checking in with our staff at the nurse counter upon arrival.
Our healthcare professional will guide you through a basic health assessment, including taking the vital signs -- body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation level- and gathering a preliminary medical history related to your overall health and eye care.
3. Eye Screening & Eye Health Evaluation
An ophthalmologist and ophthalmic technician will conduct a detailed eye screening to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for SMILE Pro. The EYE Care Center at MedPark, equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, can detect all eye conditions, ensuring a thorough and precise evaluation. This screening process is highly meticulous and typically takes approximately 2 hours, including the following assessments:
- Visual acuity
- Auto refraction
- Tonometry
- Central Corneal Thickness (CCT)
- Pentacam® Corneal Tomography
- IOLs Master
- Pupil Size Measurement by Colvard Pupillometer
- Comprehensive eye examination to evaluate your suitability
After a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist, the staff will lead you to a dedicated relaxation area featuring spacious, comfortable sofas, where you can rest while waiting for your pupil dilation drops to take effect. Meanwhile, our healthcare professional will measure your tear production to assess dry eye conditions, which can impact the surgical outcome.
Next, the nurse will instill pupil dilation eye drops before the retinal examination. It takes approximately 45 minutes for the drops to exert full effect. Pupil dilation enables a comprehensive examination of the posterior eye by the examining ophthalmologist.
- Optic Nerve Examination
With the pupils dilated, you will undergo a comprehensive eye and optic nerve examination by an ophthalmologist with slit lamp biomicroscopy.
- Slit lamp biomicroscopy after pupil dilation
- The ophthalmologist will go over the results of the eye screening with you.
If the results indicate that your eyes are in good health and suitable for the SMILE Pro procedure, our healthcare team will assist you in promptly scheduling your surgery.
For individuals who are not suitable candidates for the SMILE Pro procedure due to certain health limitations, our ophthalmologist will gladly offer consultation and recommend the most appropriate alternative treatments for refractive vision correction tailored to your overall health.
4. Preparing for SMILE Pro Surgery
After making the payment on the day of your scheduled SMILE Pro procedure, the staff will escort you to the Refractive Center to change into the designated surgical attire and secure your belongings in a locker.
While waiting to enter the operating room, our healthcare professional will explain how to use prescribed eye drops and essential postoperative care, including avoiding any direct impact or pressure on the eyes, refraining from wearing makeup, not washing your face with running water - instead, gently wiping it with a clean, damp cloth, wearing protective eye shields while sleeping, and strictly following the ophthalmologist instructions for eye drop usage.
5. Administering Topical Anesthetics
Approximately 10 minutes before the procedure, our staff will instill topical anesthetic eye drops in both eyes.
6. Vision Correction by SMILE Pro
The SMILE Pro procedure is very short. The ophthalmologist will enter your refractive parameters obtained from the eye screening exam into the VISUMAX 800. Throughout the surgery, the ophthalmologist and surgical team will keep you informed at every step, explaining what is happening and what to expect next. These close communications help reduce anxiety, allowing you to stay focused and cooperate effectively during the surgery.
- Utilize cutting-edge Femtosecond Laser to carve out a lens-shaped disc or "lenticule" and make a tiny 2–4 millimeters side corneal incision for lenticule removal. The active laser time is only 8–10 seconds per eye.
- The ophthalmologist removes the lenticule through the small incision created earlier. This step requires the precision and skill of an experienced ophthalmologist.
- After lenticule removal, the shape of the cornea shifts to a new topography, altering the refraction and converging light on the retina. As a result, people with myopia or astigmatism will experience clear vision, similar to individuals with normal eyesight.
7. Postoperative Comprehensive Eye Examination with Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy
Step 7: Post-Surgery Eye Examination with a Microscope
After the procedure, the ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive slit lamp biomicroscopy eye examination. If the examination shows satisfactory results, you can return home for recovery.
Before leaving the hospital, our staff will put protective shields on your eyes. During the first 24 hours, it is essential to wear it continuously to protect against accidental impacts on the eyes, especially when retiring at night, as you might rub your eyes in your sleep.
8. Postoperative Follow-up
The day after the SMILE Pro procedure, you will return for a follow-up examination with the ophthalmologist, who will also provide proper self-care instructions.
Following the procedure, the ophthalmologist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Attend all doctor-recommended follow-up appointments for optimal eye health.
What is SMILE® Pro?
SMILE® Pro is a cutting-edge, sophisticated femtosecond laser procedure for refractive eye surgery developed from the ReLEx SMILE. It leverages the VISUMAX® 800 system's new femtosecond laser technology with an increased laser pulse repetition rate. This improved laser frequency enables a faster cut speed and shorter active laser time to only 8 seconds—three times faster than the previous ReLEx SMILE technology. It also incorporates an Intelligent Assistant System that minimizes centration errors during the laser application, providing higher precision in correcting astigmatism.
Since this surgery does not involve lifting a big corneal flap like in LASIK procedures, it requires a tiny side corneal incision measuring only 2-4 millimeters for lenticule removal. This technique helps minimize complications related to corneal flap displacement and preserves corneal strength more effectively than all LASIK procedures. It also more effectively reduces the risk of complications like dry eyes and nighttime glare compared to Femto LASIK and PRK.
How does SMILE® Pro differ from ReLEx SMILE?
SMILE® Pro is the latest innovation in refractive eye surgery, featuring an improved VISUMax 800 femtosecond laser cut speed three times faster than ReLEx SMILE. This technological advance shortens the active laser time to only 8 seconds per eye, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing safety.
In addition to lessening potential complications by shortening the active laser time to the minimum, it reduces patient discomfort, helping them feel less stressed and more relaxed, leading to better cooperation during the laser procedure.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for SMILE® Pro?
- Individuals aged 18 and older with stable visions and experiencing no more than a 0.5-diopter change in refraction for at least one year.
- Individuals without eye conditions, such as keratoconus, severe dry eye, retinal degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy
- Individuals without certain diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes or immunodeficiency disorders
- Non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding individuals
- Individuals with healthy eyes, fulfilling the criteria of SMILE® Pro treatment
4 Reasons to Choose SMILE® Pro at MedPark!
- SMILE® Pro is the latest advance in refractive eye surgery, offering exceptional precision, safety, and rapid recovery. Say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses!
- Meticulous corneal care from expert specialists focused on patient needs.
- Compassionate doctors provide clear explanations at every step, addressing all questions for complete peace of mind.
- Convenient location, stunning views, and serene atmosphere create a relaxing experience unlike a typical hospital.
- Enhance your SMILE® Pro experience with an exclusive inpatient package featuring a choice of an Executive Lake View or River View room. Enjoy your first moments of crystal-clear vision with breathtaking lake views and Benchakitti Park or a serene vista of the meandering Chao Phraya River.
How to Prepare for SMILE® Pro at MedPark
- Discontinue contact lens use before your eye health assessment. Stop using soft contact lenses at least 5–7 days prior and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses at least 3 weeks before the evaluation.
- Avoid driving on evaluation and surgery days; have a companion to take you home.
- Avoid certain medications, such as oral acne drugs, for at least a month before the evaluation and surgery.
- Inform your ophthalmologist of any prescribed medications for underlying health conditions before consultation and surgery.
- Refrain from wearing makeup, eyeliner, hair gel, or perfume on the day of surgery.
Post-SMILE® Pro Care During the First 24 Hours
Rest your eyes and ensure adequate rest
- Administer prescribed eye drops as directed.
- Always wear protective eye gear, especially during sleep.
- If tearing occurs, gently dab around the eyes with a tissue or clean cloth; avoid dabbing the eyes directly.
During the 1st & 2nd Week
- Refrain from activities and exercises that induce heavy sweating to prevent sweat from getting into the eyes.
- Wear protective eye gear while sleeping to prevent inadvertent rubbing of the eyes.
- Avoid using cosmetics around the eyes.
- Do not wash your face. Instead, use a gently wrung cotton pad soaked in saline solution to cleanse the area around the eyes.
- You can wash your hair, but you should lie on your back and have someone else do it. Ensure that water does not come into contact with your eyes.
During the 1st Month
- Refrain from swimming and diving.
Note: It is advisable to wear sunglasses outdoors, avoid windy areas, dust, and smoke, and limit prolonged use of your eyes to prevent irritation or blurry vision caused by dry eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use my eyes immediately after SMILE® Pro surgery?
The day after surgery, you can use your eyes for daily activities but avoid staring at screens to prevent eye irritation or increased dryness. - What are the key differences between SMILE® Pro and ReLEx SMILE?
SMILE® Pro offers significantly shorter laser time than the previous device, providing greater precision and safety while reducing the likelihood of complications during surgery.
