First, a private hospital in Chennai, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, has introduced an advanced treatment for myopia, or nearsightedness.
The AI-driven ‘ReLEx SMILE PRO’ machine attributes automated laser calculations and calculates eye power for correction. ‘SMILE’ is an acronym for small incision lenticule extraction’. The procedure involves the extraction of tissue from the eye and the reshaping of the cornea to allow light to focus on the retina.
Ashvin Agarwal, executive director of the hospital, said that this minimally invasive procedure can correct myopia in less than 10 seconds.
On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Actor and Apollo Hospital cardiac surgeon Dheeraj Reddy commissioned the machine.
According to the Hindu, Dr. Ashvin, seven of the 168 hospitals in the Agarwal group had ‘SMILE’ machines. However, the Chennai unit was the first to have the latest advanced equipment. He further added that in the next three years, it is proposed to include the rest of the seven hospitals as well.
It was offered to anyone wearing spectacles in the 18–40 age group. The treatment allows people to return to normal activity without wearing spectacles.
Ramya Sampath, Zonal Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, claimed that recovery is faster with this procedure, and patients are given medication to heal their eyes for fewer weeks than with conventional laser treatment. Dry eye syndrome is also lower with the latest procedure, ReLEx SMILE PRO.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Komal Bhoi/MSM)