Top 10 Questions About SMILE Pro Eye Surgery Answered

What Is SMILE Pro Eye Surgery?

SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a laser procedure to treat myopia and astigmatism without creating a flap like LASIK. The femtosecond laser shapes a small lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed via a tiny 2-4 mm incision. The procedure is fast, precise, and minimally invasive, offering a safer alternative with fewer dry eye complications.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SMILE Pro Surgery?

SMILE Pro is ideal for individuals with stable nearsightedness (up to -11D) or astigmatism (up to -5D) and healthy corneas. Candidates should have no eye disease (e.g., keratoconus) and no significant prescription changes in the past year. Active individuals, including athletes, benefit from the procedure’s flapless design, minimizing complication risks.

What Are the Key Benefits of SMILE Pro?

• Flapless and minimally invasive—reduces infection and dry eye risks.
• Highly precise with robotic control, ensuring excellent vision outcomes.
• Minimal dry eye incidence compared to LASIK due to preserved corneal nerves.
• Fast recovery—return to normal activities within 1–2 days.
• Better corneal strength—preserves natural biomechanics.
• Reduced risk of halos or glare, particularly at night.

How Long Does the SMILE Pro Procedure Take?

The laser treatment for each eye lasts around 10 seconds. The whole procedure, including setup, takes about 15-20 minutes for both eyes. Topical anaesthesia ensures the process is virtually pain-free, and patients often experience improved vision within 24-48 hours.

How Is Recovery After SMILE Pro Compared to Other Surgeries?

Recovery from SMILE Pro is faster and more comfortable than LASIK. With no flap, there’s less risk of complications, and most patients return to work and regular activities within a day. Clear vision usually stabilizes in a week, and minor discomfort or watery eyes resolves quickly.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro is safe, but like all surgeries, minor side effects and risks exist:

• Transient dry eye symptoms, usually mild and temporary.
• Slight haze or glare during night driving, which generally fades.
• Infection risk is low, thanks to the small incision.
• Rarely, undercorrection or overcorrection requiring enhancement.

Compared to LASIK, it offers fewer chances of flap displacement, infection, and dry eye. Your surgeon will discuss risks tailored to your eyes.

How Is Vision Accuracy and Success Rate With SMILE Pro?

Clinical studies show that 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. For astigmatism, 91% of patients achieved excellent vision, which is 3% higher than previous generations. The navigation system ensures optimal alignment, reducing surgery time and improving precision.

Can SMILE Pro Correct Astigmatism?

Yes, SMILE Pro can correct astigmatism up to -5 diopters. The procedure reshapes the cornea to treat both myopia and astigmatism, improving overall vision clarity.

Does SMILE Pro Cause Dry Eyes?

SMILE Pro has a much lower risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK because it preserves most corneal nerves responsible for tear production. Most patients experience fewer symptoms, and moisture levels usually return to normal within a few weeks.

How Do I Prepare for SMILE Pro Surgery?

• Have a full eye exam to check prescription stability, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for a week before surgery to prevent corneal shape changes.
• Discuss any medications or concerns with your surgeon.
• On surgery day, follow pre-op instructions and expect a fast, precise procedure.