Want to see the world clearly but hindered by unfavorable eyesight? Still unsure about which treatment to choose for vision correction surgery? Today, we invite those who want to see the world clearly without limits to get to know the new SmartSight technology from the Ophthalmology and LASIK Center at Phyathai 3 Hospital.
Getting to Know SmartSight
SmartSight is a bladeless and minimally invasive latest version treatment for refractive errors. It uses a laser to reshape the corneal curvature by separating the corneal layers into a lenticule within the corneal tissue and then removing the excess corneal tissue through a small incision of 2-4 millimeters. SmartSight is a medical technology developed from ReLEx surgery by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to control and calculate the separation of the corneal layers into a lenticule. It also includes an iris recognition system that tracks eye movement and rotation before and during surgery, increasing the accuracy of vision correction and improving surgical outcomes, especially for those with astigmatism.
SmartSight is a vision correction treatment using the SCHWIND ATOS Femtosecond Laser by SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH from Germany, which is modern and increasingly popular worldwide.
What Vision Problems Can SmartSight Correct?
- Corrects myopia with astigmatism from -0.50D to -14.00D
- Corrects myopia from -0.50D to -12.00D
- Corrects astigmatism from -6.00D to +6.00D
Steps in SmartSight Treatment
In the first step of the treatment, the system will recognize the iris, track eye movement and rotation, and locate the patient’s eye position. Then, the laser will separate the corneal layers into a lenticule within the corneal tissue to adjust the corneal curvature according to the desired refractive correction without damaging the outermost corneal surface. A small incision of 2-4 mm is made, and the lenticule is removed through this incision. Once the excess corneal tissue is removed, the corneal surface curvature will be reshaped according to the set refractive value.
Advantages of SmartSight Treatment
- The cornea remains strong due to a small incision of about 2-4 millimeters, reducing the risk of corneal flap displacement
- The corneal curvature after treatment closely resembles the natural shape because the cornea is not fully opened
- Highly accurate in correcting refractive errors with fewer chances of needing laser enhancement compared to other surgeries
- Short recovery time, allowing quick return to normal vision
- No pain during surgery
- Bladeless surgery with laser used in every step
- Minimally invasive surgery without creating a corneal flap
- Reduces postoperative complications such as dry eyes, glare in the dark, reduced night vision clarity, and increases patient comfort during surgery
- Improves quality of vision after surgery and allows faster visual recovery
Limitations of SmartSight Treatment
For those interested in correcting vision with this method, it must be clearly stated that SmartSight cannot treat congenital hyperopia or age-related farsightedness. If you have these vision problems, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist for other treatment options.
Who is Suitable for SmartSight Vision Correction?
- Individuals aged 18 years and older with stable vision for at least 1 year
- No corneal diseases such as keratoconus, severe dry eye, or other eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts
- No systemic diseases affecting wound healing such as SLE, Sjogren’s syndrome, psoriasis, other autoimmune diseases, or poorly controlled diabetes
- Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Not currently using psychiatric medications
Has a thorough understanding of SmartSight treatment and appropriate expectations
Preparation Before Eye Examination and Surgery
Avoid wearing contact lenses before the eye condition analysis day according to the type of contact lenses and the specified number of days. Glasses can be used instead during the period without contact lenses.
- Soft contact lenses: must stop wearing at least 3-7 days before the eye condition analysis
- Hard or semi-hard contact lenses: must stop wearing at least 14 days before the eye condition analysis day of eye condition analysis
Certain medications should be stopped, such as oral acne treatments in the Isotretinoin group like Roaccutane, Acnotin, Isotret, at least 1 full month before the eye condition analysis and surgery because these medications cause dryness of the conjunctiva and corneal surface. If you are taking other regular medications, please inform the ophthalmologist on the examination day, such as diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, thyroid medications, and all types of sleeping pills. However, patients can continue taking their medications as usual without stopping before or on the examination day.
Dr. Kittikamon Wongpaisansin
Specialist Ophthalmologist in Cornea and Refractive Surgery
Head of Ophthalmology and LASIK Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
