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What is SILK™ Laser Vision Correction?

SILK™ (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis) is a next-generation laser vision correction technology developed by Johnson & Johnson Vision. It uses the advanced ELITA™ femtosecond laser system to treat myopia and astigmatism with high precision and minimal invasiveness.

Three Core Technologies of SILK™ Laser Vision Correction


Patented Biconvex Lens Design⁴

  • Designed to avoid high-density nerve areas and designed to reduce the risk of dry eye
  • Better preserves collagen fibers
  • Induces minimal HOAs and rapid corneal recovery⁹

Ultra-Precise Intelligent Laser Control System

  • Submicron precision scanning³: Guided system with 10 million laser spots per second ensures consistent and accurate cutting
  • Ultra-smooth seamless incision³: Continuous scanning creates a smooth surface; 91% of cases require no additional tissue separation¹, minimizing instrument contact
  • Real-time dynamic monitoring³: Precisely controls each laser pulse during surgery, dynamically adjusting parameters for optimal cutting

Ultra-Low Energy Precision Cutting System

  • Minimal spot size and ultra-low pulse³: 1-micron spot size with 40 nanojoules of energy and 150 femtosecond pulse duration significantly reduces tissue damage
  • Accelerates visual recovery: Theoretically reduces thermal damage and inflammation, promoting faster healing and vision recovery
  • Extremely smooth cutting surface³

Unique Biconvex Lens Design of SILK™

    SILK™ uses a patented biconvex lens shape⁴, offering significant advantages over traditional plano-convex lenses:

  • Symmetrical front and back lens surfaces⁴
  • Reduces corneal wrinkles and induces minimal higher-order aberrations⁴ ⁵
  • Designed for better corneal nerve protection⁴
  • Designed for easier identification and removal of the lens layer⁴
silk-web
silme-web

What sets SILK™ apart from other lenticule-based laser vision correction procedures?

Highly focused, low-pulse laser which creates a precise amd smooth cut in less than 16 seconds


SILK™ vision correction uses highly focused, low-pulse laser which creates a precise and smooth cut in less than 16 seconds. The silky-smooth contiguous cut in SILK™ ensures smooth lenticule removal.

Other laser vision correction laser ablation procedures

SILK™ Laser Vision Correction Procedure

SILK™ is a single-step procedure similar to traditional minimally invasive techniques. The ELITA™ femtosecond laser directly cuts the mid-layer of the cornea to create a unique biconvex lens, with a small 3–5 mm incision. The doctor removes the lens through the incision, reshaping the cornea to correct vision. Thanks to ultra-low pulse energy (40 nanojoules) and submicron precision, the laser treatment takes only about 16 seconds. With 91% of cases requiring no additional tissue separation¹, SILK™ is suitable for patients seeking a gentle procedure, fast recovery, or more optimal regeneration of corneal nerve.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3

Precise Positioning: ELITA™ system performs submicron-level positioning

Laser Cutting: Ultra-low energy femtosecond laser creates the biconvex lens

Lens Removal: Doctor gently removes the corneal lens

Difference between SILK™ and SMILE®pro?

SILK™

New Lenticule Technology
Myopia 12.00D | Astig 6.00 D

SMILE®pro

Traditional Lenticule technology
Myopia 10.00D | Astig 5.00D
Pulse energy
40-50nJ
125-170nJ
Laser Repetition Frequency
1000MHz
200MHz
Spot separation
1µm
3-4.5µm
Surgical wound
Smaller than 4mm
Smaller than 4mm
Risk of nerve injury
Less risky
More risky
Post-surgical dry eye
Less risky
More risky
Hazy vision
Less risky
More risky
Speed of visual recovery
Faster
Slower
Post-surgical corneal striae
Less
More
Post-surgical higher-order aberrations
Lower
Higher
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Advantages of SILK™

    1. Outstanding Visual Acuity Results with SILK™ procedure¹

  • 95% of patients achieved 20/20 or better vision within one month post-surgery¹
  • Lower induction of higher-order aberrations¹
  • Reduced micro-distortions in Bowman's layer¹

    2. Next – gen laser vision corrrection

  • Ultra-low pulse energy (40 nanojoules)³ reduces tissue damage
  • Low energy per pulse may reduce undesired tissue response and inflammation³
  • Fast recovery

    3. Blend of Sophisticated technologies delivering precision and accuracy

  • Ultra-precise pulse
  • Continuous surface scanning
  • Sub-micron precision

    4. Proprietary Biconvex Lenticule shape of SILK

  • Designed for minimal nerve impact
  • Biconvex design avoids high-density nerve areas⁴
  • Faster recovery of corneal sensitivity⁴

Suitable Candidates for SILK™

  • Age: 18 or older, with stable vision for at least 1 year
  • Myopia: Up to 12.00 Diopters
  • Astigmatism: Up to 6.00 Diopters
  • Corneal thickness: Sufficient for safe surgery
  • Eye health: No serious eye or systemic diseases

Unsuitable Candidates for SILK™

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Severe dry eye sufferers
  • Thin or irregular corneas
  • Autoimmune disease patients
  • Unstable vision

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An Ophthalmologist/registered optometrist will provide detailed information. You can consult us immediately regarding your vision correction needs, and we will provide you with an initial professional assessment on-site.

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    Is SILK™ Safe?

    SILK™ is a next-generation vision correction technology with excellent safety performance. It is CE certified and validated by multi-center clinical studies.

    Clinical Data:

  • 95% of patients achieved 20/20 or better vision within one month post-surgery¹
  • 98% of patients were satisfied with rapid vision improvement¹
  • 99% of patients were satisfied with overall therapeutic effectiveness¹

While all eye surgeries carry some risk, SILK’s advanced design and strong clinical results significantly enhance safety.

    Pre-Surgery Considerations

    To ensure safety and effectiveness:

  • Stop wearing soft contact lenses for 1 week, hard lenses for 2–4 weeks
  • Undergo detailed eye exams: corneal topography, wavefront analysis, fundus exam
  • Ensure vision has not changed more than 50 degrees in the past year
  • Rest well 24 hours before surgery, avoid eye makeup, smoking, and alcohol

While all eye surgeries carry some risk, SILK’s advanced design and strong clinical results significantly enhance safety.

    SILK™ vs. SMILE®pro

    Both are minimally invasive, but SILK has theoretical advantages:

  • ELITA system induced minimal HOAs in surgical eyes following SILK procedures⁹
  • Ultra-low pulse energy (40 nanojoules)³ minimizes tissue damage
  • Submicron precision³ improves accuracy (94% within ±0.50D after 3 months¹)

However, actual results vary by individual. Consult an ophthalmologist to choose the best option.

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FAQ

  1. How soon can I resume normal life?
    Most patients see improvement on Day 1. 89% reach 20/20 or better vision¹. Avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 days; resume normal life after 1 week.
  2. Is the procedure painful?
    Local anesthetic eye drops are used. No pain during surgery. Mild discomfort may occur post-op, usually resolves in 24–48 hours.
  3. How long do results last?
    Clinical studies show long-lasting stability¹. With proper pre-op assessment, results can be maintained long-term. Regular check-ups are recommended.
  4. Is special care needed post-op?
    Use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing eyes and intense activity. Follow-up visits ensure proper recovery. Most patients recover smoothly.
  5. Is SILK suitable for high myopia?
    SILK corrects myopia from 150 to 900 degrees. High myopia patients require thorough evaluation. Doctors assess corneal thickness, eye length, etc.
  6. How is SILK different from traditional LASIK?
    SILK is minimally invasive and doesn’t require a corneal flap, preserving more corneal nerves. Fast recovery, fewer dry eye symptoms—designed for athletes or those concerned about flap creation.

Reference:
1. DOF2023RF4003. ELITA™ femtosecond laser SILK™ procedure long-term safety and effectiveness—completed cohorts to date.
2. ASCRS 2022 LASIK Flap Accuracy Comparison Between A New Femtosecond Laser and iFS®. Mahipal Sachdev.
3. DOF2023RF4002. ELITA™ Femtosecond Laser Device Description.
4. DOF2022OTH4006. ELITA™ Femtosecond Platform – Biconvex Lenticule Design.
5. Luo, Jie, et al. "Quantitative Analysis of Microdistortions in Bowman's Layer Using Optical Coherence Tomography after SMILE among Different Myopic Corrections." Journal of Refractive Surgery, vol. 31, no. 2, 1 Feb. 2015, pp. 104–109.
6. DOF2023RF4004. A prospective, multi-center Phase II evaluation of corneal flap creation using new femtosecond laser system and new patient interface.
7. DOF2023OTH4002. ELITA™ femtosecond platform Patient Interface design.
8. 0155-3006 (SILK™) ELITA™ Operator Manual International Edition.
9. Li Chen - Clin Opht 2024 - Evaluation of Higher-Order Aberrations After SILK Procedure Using ELITA (v0.2)

This content is intended for medical professionals only. Please consult a qualified ophthalmologist for personalized advice.