What does 'without flap' treatment mean?

During an IntraLASIK treatment, the doctor makes a so-called flap. The cornea consists of six thin layers of tissue. With a flap, the doctor uses the laser to loosen three layers of the cornea. The opening has a length of about 20 mm and the shape of a horseshoe. Then the flap is turned, like a page, so that the laser can treat the exposed tissue.

With the ReLEx®SMILE treatment, a kind of lens is made under the surface of the cornea with the VisuMax laser. The surgeon then uses the laser to make a small opening (2-4 mm) in the cornea to remove the lens. This reduces the risk of complications. Because the ReLEx® SMILE treatment creates only a small incision with the laser, much less nerves are disrupted in the cornea, which greatly reduces the risk of dry eyes after the treatment.