Herzig Eye Institute now offering ReLEx SMILE minimally invasive, flapless laser vision correction procedure from ZEISS
The Herzig Eye Institute, a leader and innovator for Laser Vision Correction (LVC) in Canada, is among the first users of the recently Health Canada approved ReLEx® SMILE procedure. The small incision lenticule extraction or SMILE, developed by ZEISS for the VisuMax® femtosecond laser, is the 3rd generation in laser vision correction beyond PRK and LASIK. Since its European introduction in 2011, more than 300,000 eyes worldwide have been successfully treated using the minimally invasive method which offers improved vision correction outcomes without the need to create a corneal flap.
LASIK involves cutting a flap and folding it back to remove corneal tissue point-by-point. ZEISS ReLEx SMILE, on the other hand, makes minimally invasive, flapless refractive correction possible for the first time. Utilizing only the highly precise ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser, it performs the vision correction in a single treatment process. For the patient, this means a gentle, minimally invasive operation with immediate results. Thanks to the minimized severance of nerve pathways, this technique may result in a lower occurrence of dry-eye syndrome, a common side effect of laser procedures. “As with all medical procedures and technologies, there continue to be refinements to improve outcomes and safety. I have always been a believer in offering my patients the best technique and technology, once proven safe, to correct their vision. PRK and LASIK have improved over the last 25 years, but SMILE is the latest generation in the evolution of Laser Vision Correction, and it has distinct benefits for my patients,” said Sheldon Herzig, MD, FRCSC, Co-Founder and Medical Director of the Herzig Eye Institute.
While SMILE may be new to Canadians, throughout Europe and across the globe many patients have already benefitted from this minimally invasive procedure. “The adoption of the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser with ReLEx SMILE as the 3rd generation of laser vision correction in addition to PRK and LASIK is growing significantly. Results and experience with more than 300,000 eyes treated at 350 international clinics and practices with more than 700 refractive surgeons are driving demand for more surgeons and more patients. We are pleased to announce that the Herzig Eye Institute has chosen ZEISS as a trusted partner and is now offering SMILE to their patients. ZEISS is proud to uniquely offer with ReLEx SMILE, the first SMILE solution available on the market allowing surgeons to offer their patients access to minimally invasive and flapless laser vision correction," said Moosah Gulam, Vice President and General Manager of the Medical Business at ZEISS Canada.
Dr. Sheldon Herzig and his team are now offering the SMILE procedure to qualifying patients seeking laser vision correction. “At the Herzig Eye Institute our commitment is to provide each patient with their best possible vision correction, superior surgical treatments, and the highest level of patient care. Thousands of people from all over the world seeking laser vision correction have trusted the surgeons at the Herzig Eye Institute to provide the best possible visual result with the most proven, safe, and effective technology available,” said Cherry Tabb, Co-Founder and CEO.
ZEISS is committed to being a partner in patient care and is pleased that Dr. Herzig and his team will now be providing Canadians this effective and advanced method of laser vision correction. "Continuous innovation sets ZEISS apart, we consistently push the limits to support our doctors improve the lives of patients. We are excited to partner with the Herzig Eye Institute. SMILE is rapidly becoming the procedure of choice for patients at centres where it is being offered in Canada. The results are convincing and are driving adoption amongst more surgeons,” said Moosah Gulam, Vice President and General Manager of the Medical Business at ZEISS Canada.