SmartSight

Atos Schwind

ATOS SCHWIND SmartSight Femtosecond Procedure: Innovation in Refractive Surgery

If you are considering surgery to stop wearing glasses (myopia, astigmatism, or hyperopia), the ATOS SCHWIND SmartSight system is one of the most advanced and safe technologies available today. Here, in simple terms, we explain how it works and why it may be the best option for you.

What does the procedure involve?

Depending on your case, your ophthalmologist may recommend:

1. FemtoLASIK (with ATOS + Excimer Laser)

Step 1: The ATOS laser creates a "flap" (a small door) in the cornea in seconds, painlessly, and without a blade.

Step 2: The SCHWIND AMARIS (excimer) laser corrects your prescription by reshaping the cornea with pulses of cold light.

Step 3: The "flap" is repositioned without the need for stitches.

Advantages:

Fast recovery (you see better within 24 hours).

Extreme precision (the laser follows your eyes even when they move).

2. SmartSight (Only with ATOS, no flap)

The ATOS laser creates a microscopic lens inside the cornea and removes it through a mini-incision (without cutting a flap).

Ideal if:

You have myopia or astigmatism.

You practice contact sports (boxing, martial arts).

You suffer from dry eye (it's gentler than traditional LASIK).

Advantages:

No flap → Lower risk of complications.

Better protection of the cornea (ideal for thin corneas).

Why is the ATOS SCHWIND SmartSight special?

1. It's incredibly precise.

The laser automatically adjusts for every movement of your eye (even if you accidentally look away).

2. It's safer and more comfortable

It uses gentle suction (you won't feel uncomfortable pressure).

It doesn't use blades; everything is 100% laser.

3. Faster recovery

Many patients see well the next day.

Lower risk of dry eye after surgery.

Does it hurt? How long does it last?

It doesn't hurt: You'll only feel mild pressure (anesthetic drops prevent discomfort).

Duration: 10–15 minutes per eye (both eyes in the same session).

Upon discharge: You'll wear protective eyewear and can resume simple activities within 24–48 hours.

Who is a candidate?

Over 18 years of age with a stable prescription (at least 1 year without changes).

Sufficiently thick corneas (evaluated with prior studies).

No serious eye diseases (such as advanced keratoconus).

Not recommended if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You have severe, uncontrolled dry eye.

Limitations of the SMART SIGHT System in Refractive Surgery: Why Isn't It Right for Everyone?

The SMART SIGHT system (based on platforms such as the SCHWIND ATOS and AMARIS) represents the cutting edge of laser refractive surgery, but it has technical and anatomical limitations that restrict its universal application. These are the key reasons:

1. Limited Correction Range

Myopia: Up to -8 to -10 diopters (depending on corneal thickness).

Hyperopia: Up to +6 diopters.

Astigmatism: Up to 6 diopters.

Outside these ranges, alternatives such as ICL lenses are required.

2. Strict Corneal Requirements

Minimum corneal thickness: 480-500 microns post-treatment.

Keratoconus/ectasia: Absolute contraindication (risk of progression).

Corneal opacities: Severe scarring affects laser precision.

3. Excluding Ocular Conditions

Very large pupils (>7 mm): Increased risk of night halos.

Severe uncontrolled dry eye: May exacerbate symptoms.

Retinal diseases (e.g., proliferative diabetic retinopathy).

4. Technical Limitations of the System

Does not treat presbyopia: Requires combination with monovision or intraocular lenses.

Dependence on a regular cornea: Severe irregularities (e.g., post-trauma) affect results.

5. Systemic Factors

Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Hormonal changes alter measurements.

Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis): Risk of abnormal scarring.

Alternatives when SMART SIGHT is not feasible

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): For high myopia (>-10D) or thin corneas.

PRK TransPRK: Option for thin corneas or surface irregularities.

Trifocal intraocular lenses: If there is associated presbyopia.

Cross-linking + PRK: In early keratoconus.