Best Clinics for ReLEx Smile in Thailand

Benefits of Visiting Thai Clinics for ReLEx Smile

• Thai clinics follow international standards and protocols for medical procedures.
  • Most of the clinics in Thailand are JCI and ISO-certified and stick to quality treatment guidelines.
• Patients have access to the latest technology, which improves their overall experience. For example, Thai clinics use excimer and femtosecond lasers that are minimally invasive and offer quick results.
• The country has some of the best Clinics that offer ReLEx Smile:
  • Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has been a famous center in Thailand since 1990. The clinic has been recognized for its quality services on multiple occasions.
    • The clinic received the Best Hospital Management Award for three consecutive years.
    • Moreover, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya got the Prime Minister's Export Award for its outstanding medical and health services for international patients.
  • Bumrungrad International Hospital treats over a million patients each year, with thousands coming from various countries.
    • Moreover, it is the first in Asia to be accredited by the JCI and was recognized as the World's Best Smart Hospital in 2021.
• Thailand has some experienced Doctors for ReLEx Smile, like:
  • Dr. Araya Pruittipong is a senior ophthalmologist at B.Care Medical Center.
    • She has expertise in strabismus, red eye syndrome, LASEK, ReLEx Smile, cataracts, and glaucoma.
  • Dr. Thawatchai Pansatiankul is an ophthalmologist at Bumrungrad International Hospital with over two decades of experience.
    • He has expertise in treating dry eye syndrome, cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma.

Why Do Doctors in Thailand Perform ReLEx Smile?

Thai ophthalmologists recommend this procedure in the following cases:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
• A desire for minimally invasive laser eye surgery
• Seeking quicker visual recovery
• Reduced risk of dry eyes

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Examinations for ReLEx Smile in Thailand

Thai doctors start with an eye examination to check the patient's eye health and vision. This is necessary to evaluate different treatment plans.

• First of all, they measure intraocular pressure to check the pressure inside the eye. This is to identify conditions such as glaucoma and ensure that the eye pressure is within a safe range.
• Secondly, a corneal topography test is done to plan and customize the laser treatment to achieve optimal results.
• Moving further, the ophthalmologist carries a pupil dilation test to check the lens, retina, and other internal structures.
• A refraction test is mandatory to determine the patient's eyeglass prescription. This information helps the surgical team understand the patient's vision needs and calculate the appropriate laser settings.

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How Do Thai Ophthalmologists Perform ReLEx Smile?

Thai doctors use the latest femtosecond lasers to perform the procedure. It has the following steps.

Femtosecond Laser Application:

• The first step is to create a refractive lenticule within the corneal stroma by avoiding the corneal flap, as in traditional procedures.

Incision Creation:

• Following that, the ophthalmologist makes a small incision, typically 2-4 mm in width, on the corneal surface to extract the lenticule.

Lenticule Separation

• In the next step, the ophthalmologist uses a spatula to separate the lenticule from the surrounding tissue. This requires greater precision to avoid damage to the corneal layers.

Lenticule Extraction:

• After correcting the refractive error and reshaping the cornea, the lenticule is gently removed through the small incision.

Immediate Vision Improvement:

• Unlike traditional surgery, ReLEx Smile results in minimal damage to the corneal nerves and a faster visual recovery.
• The procedure takes 15-20 minutes and does not require hospitalization.

Aftercare Instructions for ReLEx Smile

Although the procedure improves vision, the following aftercare instructions ares necessary for complete recovery, which takes 2-3 months:

• Firstly, rinse your eyes with cold water immediately after the procedure to remove any solution.
• You need to apply the prescribed eye drops every 4 hours as instructed by your doctor to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Do not rub or touch your eyes as it causes irritation or injury. Use a clean tissue if you need to wipe away any fluid.
• You should keep your surroundings and hands clean to prevent infections. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops or touching your face.
• Moreover, use sunglasses in bright light or sunlight, especially during the first few days.
• Reduce the time spent on reading or watching TV during the initial recovery period to minimize pressure on the eyes.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and to ensure you are healing properly.

Risks of ReLEx Smile

Although this procedure is safe, it has a few risks:

• Infection
• Reduced contrast sensitivity
• Visual disturbances
• Epithelial ingrowth
• Flap complications