COMPARISON OF RELEX SMILE SURGERY AND PHAKIC SURGERY

31/05/2024

ReLEx SMILE and Phakic are two popular refractive surgery methods thanks to their safety and optimal eye protection after surgery. Each method has different surgical mechanisms, treatment thresholds, advantages and disadvantages. 

Operating mechanism and suitable subjects

ReLEx SMILE surgery is the most advanced laser refractive removal solution today, by separating the cornea into 3 layers and removing the core of the middle parenchyma to restore clear vision to the patient. This method will be suitable for patients with less than 10 degrees of nearsightedness, less than 3 degrees of astigmatism and with sufficient corneal thickness.

Phakic surgery is the latest generation in refractive error treatment solutions. Unlike laser methods, Phakic's mechanism is to use intraocular lenses designed specifically according to each patient's eye parameters, placed in front of the lens and behind the iris to eliminate refraction. , instead of using laser rays to impact the patient's corneal structure. The Phakic method will be suitable for patients with thin corneas, high nearsightedness (treatment threshold up to 30 degrees of nearsightedness, 15 degrees of farsightedness, 10 degrees of astigmatism), meeting sufficient width and depth of the anterior chamber.

Eye surgery and recovery time

Regarding surgery time, Phakic and ReLEx SMILE surgeries both last about 15-20 minutes. For ReLEx SMILE surgery, if the surgery conditions are met, the patient can be examined, have surgery and be discharged on the same day. For Phakic surgery, patients will need to order intraocular lenses from abroad and wait for the lenses to arrive for about 5-7 weeks. Phakic surgery patients only need to stay for observation for 3-4 hours after surgery, then can be discharged the same day.

Regarding eye recovery time, both Phakic and ReLEx SMILE methods help patients have clear vision after only 4-6 hours. After 1 day, the patient has enough vision to live, work, and study. After 3-6 months, the patient's vision will be completely stable, seeing well at all distances. After performing refractive surgery in general and ReLEx SMILE or Phakic surgery in particular, some patients may feel that their near vision is not really sharp. The reason is because without surgery, nearsightedness on the eye will help the eye adjust less when looking up close. After nearsightedness is completely eliminated by surgery, the eye will need some time to restore its natural accommodation function to see well up close.

Advantages and limitations

ReLEx SMILE surgery

  • Creates an incision 10 times smaller (only 2mm) and protects the corneal nervous system 3 times better than Lasik surgery.
  • Brings comfort to the patient and reduces common post-operative conditions such as dry eyes, scratchy eyes, inflammation, and glare.
  • Although advanced Laser technology is applied, parenchymal core removal to eliminate nearsightedness and astigmatism will leave a gap in the corneal layer, which takes time to completely heal. Therefore, in a few cases, patients may feel that the image is a bit foggy, this condition will go away after a short period of time.

Phakic surgery

  • Using intraocular lenses instead of lasers to treat refractive errors does not thin the cornea, thereby preventing dry eyes after surgery and helping patients see clearly even in dark light conditions.
  • In particular, patients have the opportunity to protect their eyes from serious diseases (cataracts, macular degeneration, retinal damage) caused by UV rays, thanks to the use of ICL lenses made from Collamer material. Combines outstanding UV protection properties.
  • However, some patients encounter barriers when accessing this method due to its high cost. Immediately after surgery, patients may experience increased intraocular pressure. This symptom can be controlled with medications and procedures by your doctor.

Surgery cost

At Japan International Eye Hospital, surgery costs are applied as follows:

  • Phakic surgery: 90 - 100 million VND for 2 eyes.
  • ReLEx SMILE surgery: 45 million VND for 2 eyes (Original price 70 million VND).

Phakic surgery and ReLEx SMILE are both effective solutions to correct refractive errors for patients over 18 years old. Depending on eye condition, the patient may be suitable for only 1 or both surgical methods. . The decision between the two methods depends on the individual's vision condition and needs, as well as advice from an eye specialist. Discuss carefully with a medical professional before making a final decision.

👉 Schedule a surgery appointment with an ophthalmologist at Japan International Eye Hospital (free on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday): https://jieh.vn/en/lasik-and-phakic-seminar.