FDA Approves ReLex SMILE(R) for Myopia With Astigmatism in the U.S. & Dr. Daniel Haddad of Troy, Michigan Is Leading the Charge
TROY, Mich., Oct. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Zeiss, a global manufacturer of optical systems and creators of the technology that powers Laser Eye Institute, recently announced a huge milestone for vision correction. On October 5, 2018 announced that SMILE(R) for astigmatism was approved by the FDA. Although new to the US, Zeiss also announced the successful completion of 1.5 million SMILE(R) procedures globally.
"The expansion of myopia treatment to patients with astigmatism will enable current and future SMILE(R) surgeons to expand their patient base, paving the way for a new generation of refractive surgery patients," Jim Mazzo, global president ophthalmic devices at Zeiss, said in the release.
Michigan's first SMILE(R) procedure was performed in March of 2017 by Dr. Daniel Haddad, founder and medical director of Laser Eye Institute. "SMILE(R) is relatively new to the United States but has been globally performed and perfected since 2011. With this approval for SMILE(R) with astigmatism, the U.S. can now be on par with the rest of the world and deliver the most advanced laser eye correction to our patients." said Dr. Haddad. Prior to this approval, only 20% of potential vision correction patients were candidates for SMILE(R); now it is forecasted that over 70% of all LASIK prospects will be eligible for the procedure.
SMILE(R) a new form of laser vision correction that affords a quicker recovery, less discomfort and may be a better alternative than LASIK for some patients.
LASIK is used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. LASIK reduces a patient's need for glasses or contact lenses by reshaping the surface of the eye using a laser. To aid in the healing process of LASIK surgery, a thin flap is created, lifted during the procedure, and placed back down (like a Band-Aid(R)).
The new SMILE(R) procedure takes place below the surface of the eye, allowing the surgeon to reshape the eye by creating a lenticule (a small disk-like sliver) and then removing the lenticule with a small side cut. Utilizing this method to correct vision, there is no flap which results in less weakening of the cornea, and allows patients to heal quicker, feel less discomfort (dry eyes) and resume physical activity much sooner. To date, more than 1.5 million SMILE procedures have been performed outside the U.S. In September 2016, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the procedure in the U.S. SMILE surgery became commercially available in March.
About Laser Eye Institute
Founded in 1987 by Dr. Daniel Haddad, Laser Eye Institute has been serving the metro Detroit community for close to three decades. Laser Eye Institute is a leader in the field of laser vision correction.
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SOURCE Laser Eye Institute
