SMILE Pro
A laser shapes a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, and the surgeon removes it through a small opening. This reshapes the cornea without a flap.
- Treats
- Nearsightedness and astigmatism, within approved ranges
- Laser
- ZEISS VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser
- How it is done
- A small opening, without a corneal flap
- After treatment
- Most daily tasks can usually resume in one to two days
How SMILE Pro works
A few hours at the clinic. The laser itself takes moments.
Numbing drops
Your eye is numbed and a clip holds the lids open.
The laser
The laser shapes the tissue disc in moments while your eye is held steady.
The small opening
The surgeon removes the disc through a small opening.
Home the same day
You rest, get your drops and go home with a companion.
- Adults whose prescription has stayed stable, usually for at least a year
- Nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, within the range the laser can treat
- A cornea that is healthy and thick enough after measurement
- People who play contact sports, or would rather not have a flap
What it does well, and where it falls short
Benefits
- No flap, so there is no flap to protect while the eye heals
- Only a small opening is made at the surface of the cornea
- Most people return to everyday tasks within a day or two
Limitations
- Not every prescription can be treated; farsightedness options are more limited
- Sharp vision can take a few days longer to settle than with LASIK
- If a touch-up is ever needed, it is usually done with a different technique
Recovery
Most daily tasks can usually resume in one to two days. Typical, not promised; healing differs from person to person.
The first day
Hazy vision that clears over the day. Rest and use your drops.
The first week
Back to work and screens. No eye rubbing, swimming or dusty places.
The first months
Vision settles. Lubricating drops ease any dryness.
Risks to talk through
Your surgeon will go through these with you before you decide.
More common
- Dry eyes
Dry, gritty or tired eyes, usually for weeks to a few months.
- Glare and halos
Glare, halos or starbursts around lights at night, especially at first.
- Leftover prescription
Some prescription left over, or returning over time, which may need glasses or a second treatment.
Uncommon or rare
- Infection or inflammation
Both are uncommon, and treated with drops.
Questions about SMILE Pro
Is SMILE Pro the same as SMILE?
SMILE Pro is SMILE performed with the newer ZEISS VISUMAX 800 laser. The procedure works the same way; your surgeon can explain what the newer system changes.
Does it hurt?
The eye is numbed with drops. Most people feel pressure for a few moments while the eye is held steady. Mild scratchiness afterwards is common.
Can I play sports afterwards?
Because there is no flap, many people return to sport sooner than after LASIK. Your surgeon will tell you when, and when to use eye protection.
Is it permanent?
The change to the cornea is permanent, but eyes keep ageing. Most people still need reading glasses from their mid-forties.
The other procedures
Is SMILE Pro right for your eyes?
A screening measures your eyes and ends with a plain answer.
Or call or Viber reception on 0916 670 5176 or 0917 884 7466. Tuesday to Saturday, 6 am to 4 pm.