Smooth SMILE LASIK: Understanding Laser Intervals

One of the key advantages of femtosecond laser technology is its ability to make precise incisions without damaging surrounding tissues, thanks to its extremely short wavelength and high speed. You may already be familiar with this technical superiority.

Leveraging femtosecond laser technology, ZEISS introduced the VisuMax system, which enables the extraction of the lenticule without affecting the corneal surface, thus pioneering the era of SMILE vision correction surgery. Today, we will explore the theoretical basis behind the commonly used phrase “smooth surgery” when describing SMILE or SMILE Pro.

1. SMILE: A Lenticule Extraction-Based Vision Correction Surgery

We have frequently explained that SMILE and SMILE Pro achieve vision correction through the lenticule extraction method. The term “smooth surgery” refers to the gentle process of creating and separating the lenticule. ZEISS’s laser optics technology, backed by over 175 years of experience, embodies cutting-edge precision.

▲ ZEISS laser mirror, showcasing advanced optical technology

When researching vision correction procedures like SMILE, you might encounter images of lasers being projected in a straight line onto the cornea. However, in reality, the laser beam undergoes multiple reflections via mirrors before reaching the cornea. The ability to produce such high-precision mirrors is a hallmark of ZEISS’s optical technology.

2. ZEISS VisuMax’s Precision Scanning Technology

One of the core strengths of ZEISS technology is its precision scanning system, which plays a critical role in generating high-quality laser beams. During surgery, the laser energy affects the surrounding corneal tissue, making it essential to control the appropriate energy levels and laser intervals to minimize impact.

What happens if the laser used in vision correction lacks precision?

Primarily, corneal damage becomes unavoidable.

▲ (Top) Laser applied with uniform intervals (Bottom) Overlapping elliptical laser pattern

When the laser overlaps, it can cause bubble formation, preventing smooth lenticule separation. Even if refractive correction is achieved, an uneven surface could negatively impact visual quality and correction effectiveness. Only precision scanning technology, which delivers uniform energy at consistent intervals, can ensure reliable vision correction. The ZEISS VisuMax stands out because it can adjust laser positioning with pinpoint accuracy across the XYZ axes.

The precision of ZEISS VisuMax scanning technology is so advanced that it can accurately hit a coin from a distance of 380,000 km—the distance from Earth to the Moon.

3. Does Lower Energy Mean a Smoother Surgery?

Let’s take a deeper look into the concept of “smooth surgery,” which we discussed earlier. If you’ve been researching SMILE and other vision correction procedures, you’ve probably come across the term “low energy” quite often. Here, we’ll explore the prerequisites for achieving smooth lenticule extraction in more detail.

1. Lower laser energy applied to the cornea results in less tissue damage.

2. Based on point 1, the less energy used, the better the surgical outcome.

At first glance, the logic from point 1 to point 2 may seem entirely valid.

However, one of the reasons vision correction surgery is considered highly precise and challenging is because, just as every face is unique, every eye has a different shape and internal structure.

While it is true that using lower energy can reduce potential tissue damage, assuming that lower energy always leads to better surgical outcomes is not entirely accurate. Each patient’s eye anatomy is unique, which means the laser energy and intensity must be customized to suit their specific needs.

In summary, although “low energy” can minimize corneal impact, achieving the best results requires careful calibration of laser intensity and energy levels based on individual eye characteristics rather than simply using the lowest possible energy settings.

▲ Nomogram-based surgical planning and simulation using extensive data

The success of the surgery depends on applying the appropriate energy and laser intensity determined through extensive surgical data and experience, ensuring a personalized approach for each patient.

4. Conclusion

We hope this post has clarified your understanding of the commonly used terms “smooth surgery” and “low energy” in vision correction procedures.

With over 10 million clinical cases worldwide, SMILE has established itself as a well-validated and safe vision correction surgery. It’s important to note that SMILE is exclusively performed using the ZEISS VisuMax system, which enables precise and gentle procedures. If you’re considering SMILE surgery, be sure to choose an eye clinic with sufficient experience and data to ensure a safe and accurate procedure.

Thank you for your time!