Modern refractive surgery, and in particular the SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) technique, is primarily designed to free patients from their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
During the procedure, the femtosecond laser shapes a small intrastromal disc, called a lenticule, which is removed through a micro-incision. A priori, this lenticule is of no further use to the patient: it is usually eliminated.
Surgical residue becomes a valuable resource
Thanks to our collaboration with the eye bank at Rouen University Hospital, this lens can now be reused. Once removed and preserved in optimal conditions, it becomes a corneal graft.
In concrete terms, bilateral SMILE surgery (involving both eyes) produces two lenticules, which can be used to treat two patients suffering from corneal pathologies, thereby restoring better vision.
What started out as a simple "operative residue" is transformed into a true gift of vision.
Long-standing expertise
Having practiced the SMILE technique for almost 15 years, Dr. Lebrun has seen for himself its effectiveness, precision and the comfort it brings to patients.
Today, it's particularly exciting to see that beyond the visual improvement of one patient, the same surgical procedure can also benefit others, thanks to the reuse of lenticules.
A decisive encounter
It was during a discussion with Prof. Muraine, head of the ophthalmology department at Rouen University Hospital, at a surgical conference, that the idea of such a collaboration took shape.
By sharing their experiences and practices, they quickly saw the value of combining their skills: refractive surgery and corneal transplantation.
This meeting gave rise to a practical approach that is simple to implement, but which can have a huge impact on the daily lives of patients awaiting transplants.
Innovating to care... and share
This example illustrates the wealth of innovation in ophthalmology:
- femtosecond laser and SMILE technology,
- thanks to the generosity of the patients who accept this gift,
- thanks to the remarkable work of the Eye Bank and public and private hospital teams.
Each refractive surgery can thus have a scope that goes beyond the individual to become an act of medical solidarity.
Conclusion
In ophthalmology, every gesture counts.
A system that frees one patient from glasses can also offer a new visual life to two other patients.
It's a fine illustration of what medicine can achieve when innovation, expertise and collaboration come together.
The Centre Laser Expert Vision and Doctor Lebrun would particularly like to thank the patients for their trust, Professor Muraine for his commitment and vision, the teams at Rouen University Hospital and all the hospital teams, both public and private, who transform each lens into a promise of light.
Would you like to undergo surgery and help other patients with your donations? Make an appointment with Centre Laser Expert Vision.
