R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MARCH 6
Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has on Wednesday launched ReLEx SMILE PRO – (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), the world’s first and only robotic laser surgery, offering a minimally invasive and highly precise solution to correct myopia (near-sightedness) in less than 10 seconds.
The state-of-the-art ReLEx SMILE PRO equipment was launched by Dr. Dheeraj Reddy, Actor & Cardiac Surgeon, Apollo Hospital in the presence of Dr. Ashvin Agarwal, Executive Director and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr S Soundari,, Zonal Head, Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospitals. and Dr. Ramya, Zonal Head, Clinical Services, Senior Refractive Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospitals.
- Fully AI-driven, SMILE PRO features automated laser calculations of eye power correction. Its algorithm is based on the treatment data of over 8 million eyes worldwide.
- In SMILE PRO procedure, a tissue (known as lenticule) is extracted from the eye and reshapes the cornea – thus, allowing light to focus correctly onto the retina
- This state-of-the-art technology ensures that the most recent developments in eye care are within reach for the community, ultimately elevating their quality of life: Dr. Dheeraj Reddy, Actor & Cardiac Surgeon at Apollo Hospital
Dr. Dheeraj Reddy, Actor & Cardiac Surgeon at Apollo Hospital, shared his excitement, emphasizing the importance of introducing the Relex SMILE procedure in Chennai. He stated, “The initiation of the Relex SMILE PRO procedure in Chennai represents a noteworthy achievement in our healthcare domain. This state-of-the-art technology ensures that the most recent developments in eye care are within reach for the community, ultimately elevating their quality of life.”
Explaining the key features of SMILE, Dr. Ashvin Agarwal, Executive Director and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals said, “ReLEx SMILE is a revolutionary advancement in treating myopia. This cutting-edge laser vision correction technique was introduced globally only last year. We are happy that we could make it available in Chennai. It is the fastest eye laser – as it just takes less than 10 seconds per eye to complete the procedure. It is also the least invasive correction and ensures fastest recovery. Fully AI-driven, SMILE features automated laser calculations of eye power correction. Its algorithm is based on the treatment data of over 8 million eyes worldwide. SMILE has gained recognition for its ability to provide patients with quick visual recovery and reduced risk of dry eye syndrome. Patients can notice improved vision within the first 24 hours of the surgery. This allows them to resume their routine life sooner than with some other laser eye surgery procedures.”
On the sidelines of the launch Dr Ashvin Agarwal along with Dr Dheeraj Reddy told media persons that the most advanced procedure was brought to India by Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital to correct myopia.
Dr Ashvin said, 29 per cent of our population has myopia problem and this has to be corrected through this most advanced technology to relieve the patients permanently from wearing spectacles.
This facility would be extended to 5 more branches of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital in a phased manner, said Dr Ashvin. Though this procedure is not covered under the TN Chief Minister’ Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, it is being covered by few insurance companies.
Reply to another query, he said that the minimally-invasive procedure will cost around Rs. 75,000 as of now.
On the suitability of the new procedure for patients, Dr. Ramya, Zonal Head Clinical Services, Senior Refractive Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospitals said, “SMILE PRO is the world’s first Laser Vision Correction procedure that is Robotic, Flapless, Minimally Invasive, Gentle, and virtually pain-free treatment. It is suitable for a broad range of patients, including those with higher degrees of myopia. It expands the pool of individuals who can benefit from laser vision correction. Individuals aged 18 years and above with a stable glass prescription for at least one year and suitable corneal topography can make use of this technology. It is suitable also for those who have professional requirements – Army, Navy, Air Force or Police, sportspersons’, refractive surgery in the pediatric age group, thin corneas, or those intolerant to contact lenses. We also have good experience of refractive surgery in shaky or Nystagmus eyes and refractive surgery in scarred corneas. We do a thorough evaluation to assess our patient’s unique needs, eligibility, and specific refractive error to make sure that SMILE is the right choice for them.”
In a statement, Dr. Soosan Jacob, Director, Dr. Agarwals Refractive & Cornea Foundation, said, “SMILE involves the use of a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser to create a small, precise incision in the cornea. Through this tiny opening, a thin, disc-shaped piece of tissue (known as lenticule) is extracted from the cornea’s inner layers. This reshapes the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly onto the retina, and thus correcting myopia. One of the standout features of SMILE laser eye surgery is its minimally invasive nature. The small incision (just 2 mm, compared to 20mm in the traditional LASIK surgery) reduces disruption to the cornea’s surface, resulting in less discomfort during the procedure and a quicker recovery period. Similarly, LASIK involves creating a 300+ degree circular flap incision, while there is no flap in SMILE – hence, there are no flap related complications. Importantly, there is no risk of dry eye in SMILE, as the procedure does not disrupt the system of fluids.”
