Patient views on ReLEx smile Excellent results clearly confirmed by survey

Patient views on ReLEx smile Excellent results clearly confirmed by survey

ReLEx smile Flapless. All-femto. Single-step. For the first time ReLEx smile offers patients the possibility to undergo refractive correction which is carried out in a single step with a femtosecond laser and without the need for a flap cut. The innovative VisuMax laser system uses exclusively highprecision femtosecond technology which permits sensitive treatment. Minimally invasive laser correction with ReLEx smile Each individual patient has a highly subjective perception of how successful a treatment method really is. Which is why 105 patients in an established and representative clinic* were questioned, in a survey carried out 4 to 12 weeks after the operation, on their experience with ReLEx smile before, during and after the treatment. The results of the survey speak for themselves and show that patients are convinced of the advantages of this minimally invasive refractive procedure. Extracts of the patient survey evaluation are given in this brochure. ReLEx smile enjoys very high patient-to-patient recommendation rates. The number of patients opting for this new and advanced method is rising daily. Step 1 In a single step, the VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a refractive lenticule and a small incision of less than 4 mm in the otherwise intact cornea more or less regardless of the ambient conditions or individual corneal structure. Step 2 The lenticule is then manually removed through a very small incision in the cornea. This means there is no need for a flap cut, and the disruption to the biomechanics of the cornea is minimal in comparison to other methods. Step 3 The removal of the refractive lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, permanently correcting the refractive error. * Prof. Dr. Osama Ibrahim, Roayah Vision Correction Centers / Egypt in cooperation with Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, June to August 2011, data on file. 2 3

Did you opt for ReLEx smile because this method involves only minimum intrusion to the cornea? Why did you not decide on an alternative treatment method (e. g. LASIK or PRK)? 88.6 % 8.6 % 2.8 % Yes No No response 1.9 % 3.8 % 17.2 % 43.8 % 33.3 % The risks involved with alternative treatment methods appeared too high ReLEx smile appeared to be the gentler and less invasive treatment method I was influenced by first-hand reports of patients I was not familiar with other methods No response The fact that the refractive lenticule is removed through a tiny incision means that the maximum possible amount of the upper corneal layers remains intact and the biomechanical stability of the cornea is only disrupted to a minimal extent. 88.6 % of those surveyed stated that the minimal intrusion to the cornea was the main reason they chose ReLEx smile. Patients often research carefully in advance into the different treatment options, the conditions and consequences of such procedures, as well as into suitable laser centers. Based on the results of this research, ReLEx smile appeared to be the gentler and less invasive option for 33.3 % of survey respondents in comparison to other treatment methods. 17.2 % said that the experiences reported by other patients represented a key factor in their decision. A total of 43.8 % of the patients rated the risks associated with alternative treatment methods too high. 4 Prior to treatment Prior to treatment 5

Which of the following statements are applicable to you? I consciously chose ReLEx smile as a treatment method because...* 59.1 % extremely good treatment results can be anticipated. 3.8 % 7.6 % 29.5 % this method does not require a corneal flap to be cut. the method does not require a mechanical cutting tool. the procedure does not require changing to another laser instrument in the course of surgery. The very good treatment results were, of course, the main reason for opting for ReLEx smile treatment. 29.5 % of those surveyed put the fact that ReLEx smile is a flapless technique in second place. Most of the respondents rated the fact that no change of device is needed as only a negligible benefit in comparison to the other impressive advantages of ReLEx smile. ReLEx smile Comfortable treatment Patient satisfaction derives from personal expectations and subjective feelings and is therefore perceived with different intensity by each individual. Despite their nervousness before the operation, all patients rated the treatment as agreeable or even very agreeable. 44.8 % were satisfied with the comfort level during treatment. The remaining 55.2 % were very satisfied. 61 % of the respondents said they would have found changing to a different laser device in the middle of treatment distracting. The lack of need to switch devices is then regarded at least as a positive secondary factor. * Multiple answers possible. 6 Prior to treatment During treatment 7

Which of the following laser treatment characteristics were particularly important to you?* ReLEx smile Expectations more than fulfilled A full 98 % of the patients stated that their expectations regarding ReLEx smile had either been exceeded Precision of the method 90 or far exceeded. The latter was claimed by 53.2 % of those treated. Very good results of treatment Great sense of security 77 81 97.1 % of the patients rated their visual acuity on the first day after treatment as either good or very good. 53.3 % reported very good perceived visual acuity. Painless procedure Gentle method of treatment Treatment without odors or noise Tissue-conserving procedure 23 Short treatment time 20 44 58 58 One of the most gratifying experiences reported by the respondents was being able to see their partner, friends, parents or own reflection without glasses or contact lenses for the first time. The ability to carry out everyday activities with no restrictions gave the patients a completely new sensation of freedom a perception which started on the very first day after the operation. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Number of responses With regard to their enhanced quality of life, 68.6 % stated that they were very satisfied. The remaining 31.4 % of the respondents were at least satisfied with the enhanced quality of life. None of those taking part in the survey reported being dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. I always felt safe and secure during the procedure! The vast majority of the patients felt that this statement applied directly to them. 98 % rated the eye suction to the contact glass as comfortable. Over two thirds in fact rated the comfort level as very good. * Multiple answers possible the 105 persons surveyed gave a total of 451 responses. 8 During treatment Post treatment 9

To what extent do the following aspects contribute to an enhanced quality of life? Considerably more freedom without visual aid Practice hobbies without hindrance Increased self-confidence Pursue profession without hindrance Positive feedback from environment 81.0 71.4 66.7 55.2 44.8 8.6 10.4 12.4 16.2 5.7 27.6 8.6 1 35.2 16.2 39.0 Can see much better in the dark 44.7 18.1 1 36.2 Can see better when driving 41.0 17.1 41.9 0 % 20 % 40 % 60 % 80 % 100 % very strongly strongly little not at all no response Enhanced quality of life can be assessed generally, but it can also be evaluated in relation to specific day-to-day activities. Most patients felt that not having to use glasses or contact lenses gave them a heightened sense of freedom which they were keenly aware of when pursuing their hobbies and carrying out their work unhindered. Increased self-confidence was rated third. Many respondents also reported improved vision in the dark and when driving. Post treatment 11

Did the following treatment characteristics apply to your personal ReLEx smile treatment? Unimaginable precision Extremely good results Gentle method Tissue-conserving Great sense of security Painless High level of comfort 85.7 9.5 4.8 81.0 15.2 3.8 78.1 13.3 8.6 69.5 18.1 12.4 68.6 29.5 1.9 59.0 34.3 1 5.7 54.3 40.0 5.7 0 % 20 % 40 % 60 % 80 % 100 % applicable applicable in part not applicable in part not applicable no response 85.7 % of the respondents rated the unimaginable precision of the ReLEx smile treatment highest. 81 % of the patients also felt that the extremely good results applied to them. 68.8 % stated that they had a great sense of security during their own ReLEx smile treatment. Besides these aspects, the respondents were also asked to list the leisure activities or professional situations in which they were particularly aware of their new-found independence. The treated patients said that the new-found independence from glasses or contact lenses significantly increased their quality of life especially when doing sports. They felt liberated from the typical problems associated with optical aids and relished their unrestricted vision at all temperatures and in all types of weather. Many also cited the aesthetic aspect as a significant improvement to their personal daily routine. 12 Post treatment Post treatment 13

Would you recommend ReLEx smile to others? Have you already recommended ReLEx smile to others? 98.1 % 100 100 80 80 60 60 % 60 40 40 % 40 20 20 Yes 1.9 % No 0 Yes No 0 In summary, practically all those who took part in the survey said they would recommend ReLEx smile to others. Despite the short space of time since the operation, 60 % had already recommended the minimally invasive method to others. 14 Post treatment

Publication No: 000000-1990-383 Printed in Germany CZ-VIII/2012 The contents of the brochure may differ from the current status of approval of the product in your country. Please contact our regional representative for more information. Subject to change in design and scope of delivery and as a result of ongoing technical development. Printed on elemental chlorine-free bleached paper. 2012 by Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. All copyrights reserved. 0297 Carl Zeiss Meditec AG Goeschwitzer Str. 51 52 07745 Jena Germany www.meditec.zeiss.com/relex