SMILE Pro

What is SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the latest generation of flapless, all-laser refractive surgery. Using the Visumax 800 femtosecond laser, a precisely shaped disc of corneal tissue (called a lenticule) is created entirely within the intact cornea and removed through a small incision of approximately 2–4 mm. There is no flap creation and no excimer laser involved.

What is the "Pro" in SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro uses the upgraded Visumax 800 platform, which operates at a significantly faster speed than earlier SMILE systems — completing the corneal lenticule creation in approximately 10 seconds per eye compared to 25–30 seconds previously. This reduces overall procedure time and patient discomfort while improving precision and reproducibility.

What conditions does SMILE Pro correct?

SMILE Pro is currently approved for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. It is particularly well suited to patients with higher degrees of myopia, thinner corneas, dry eye tendencies, or those engaged in contact sports or physically active professions.

Am I a candidate for SMILE Pro?

General suitability criteria include:

• Age 18 years or older with a stable prescription for at least one year
• Myopia within the treatable range (up to approximately –10 D)
• Adequate corneal thickness
• No keratoconus or corneal irregularity
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding

A detailed pre-operative assessment is required to confirm suitability.

Is SMILE Pro painful?

The procedure is performed under anaesthetic eye drops and is not painful. Patients may feel a mild pressure sensation during the laser application. There is typically less post-operative discomfort compared to LASIK, and no flap-related sensitivity.

What is the recovery like after SMILE Pro?

Vision is functional within 24–48 hours, though some mild blurring or haze may be noticed in the first few days. Most patients return to desk work within two to three days. Full visual stabilisation typically occurs over two to four weeks. Because there is no flap, the corneal surface remains largely intact, making recovery more comfortable for many patients.

Does SMILE Pro cause dry eyes?

SMILE Pro has a significantly lower rate of post-operative dry eye compared to LASIK. This is because the flapless technique preserves more of the corneal nerve fibres responsible for tear production and ocular surface sensation — a meaningful advantage for patients who already have borderline dry eye or wear contact lenses extensively.

Is SMILE Pro suitable for people who play contact sports?

Yes. The absence of a corneal flap makes SMILE Pro a better option for patients involved in contact sports, martial arts, swimming, or physically demanding occupations such as the armed forces — where there is a risk of eye trauma. Without a flap, there is no risk of flap dislocation from impact.

Is SMILE Pro as effective as LASIK?

Clinical studies show that SMILE Pro achieves outcomes comparable to LASIK in terms of visual acuity, accuracy of correction, and patient satisfaction. For myopia and myopic astigmatism within the indicated range, it is considered an equally effective — and in several respects superior — alternative to LASIK.

What are the risks of SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro is a very safe procedure. Potential risks include:

• Temporary blurring or haze during the healing period
• Under- or over-correction
• Difficulty extracting the lenticule (rare, surgeon-dependent)
• Dry eye symptoms (less common than with LASIK)
• Night vision disturbances such as haloes or glare (uncommon)

Enhancement procedures are possible in select cases if required.

Enhancement procedures are possible in select cases if required.

The most appropriate procedure depends on your prescription, corneal anatomy, lifestyle, and individual risk factors. As a general guide:

• LASIK may be preferred for hyperopia correction or when a very rapid visual recovery is essential
• SMILE Pro may be preferred for higher myopia, thinner corneas, dry eye concerns, or active lifestyles

Dr. Khosla will assess your full profile and recommend the procedure best suited to your eyes and visual goals.