Optegra patient opts for a Smile

Optegra has embarked on new ‘third-generation laser eye technology’ at its eye hospital in London.

Patient Lee Greenaway, a groundsman from Essex, was the first patient to experience its Smile (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) technology – a bladeless, flapless, minimally invasive alternative to laser surgery.

The technology meant established laser eye techniques could be performed without creating a flap on the surface of the eye, a statement by Optegra said, and instead through a 2mm wide hole.

Optegra Eye Hospital London ophthalmic surgeon James Ball said: ‘While it is rare, if someone suffers trauma to the eye at any point after traditional laser eye surgery, there is a risk that the flap can dislodge.