What Is SMILE Eye Surgery?
If you're researching laser eye surgery, you’ve probably heard of LASIK. But there’s another option that’s growing in popularity—especially for people with short-sightedness or dry eyes. It’s called SMILE eye surgery.
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It’s a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure. And for the right person, it offers all the benefits of LASIK with a few added perks.
At Elite LASIK & Cataract, we offer SMILE alongside other vision correction options like LASIK and PRK. Let’s break down how SMILE works, who it’s for, and how it compares to the rest.
What is SMILE?
SMILE is a laser procedure that reshapes your cornea—the clear front surface of your eye—to correct vision. Like LASIK, it aims to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.
But instead of creating a flap in the cornea (as LASIK does), SMILE uses a single laser to create a thin disc of tissue (called a lenticule) inside the cornea. This disc is then removed through a tiny incision, about 2–4 mm long.
That’s it. No flap. No stitches. Just a small keyhole incision.
What vision problems does SMILE treat?
Right now, SMILE is approved for:
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Astigmatism (to a certain degree)
It is not currently suitable for people with long-sightedness (hyperopia) or those needing near vision correction due to ageing (presbyopia). If that’s you, LASIK or lens replacement might be better options.
Who is a good candidate for SMILE?
You might be suitable for SMILE if:
- You're between 18–45 years old
- Your prescription is stable
- You have myopia up to -10.00 diopters
- You have mild to moderate astigmatism
- You have healthy eyes (no infections, diseases, or significant dry eye)
We’ll do full eye scans and measurements to confirm if SMILE is right for you—or if another treatment would give better results.
What are the benefits of SMILE?
Minimally invasive
Because there’s no flap created, there’s less disruption to the surface of the eye. That means fewer issues with flap complications and faster structural recovery.
Less dry eye
SMILE affects fewer corneal nerves than LASIK, which means there’s a lower risk of dry eye symptoms after surgery.
Fast healing
Most people return to work and daily life within a couple of days. Visual recovery is rapid, although it may take a few weeks to reach your final result.
High precision
The laser used in SMILE is extremely accurate. And because it’s all done in a single step, there’s minimal disruption.
What is the procedure like?
SMILE is quick and painless. Here’s what you can expect:
- Before the procedure:
Your eyes are scanned using high-resolution 3D imaging. On the day, we’ll use anaesthetic drops to numb your eyes. - During the procedure:
The laser creates the lenticule inside your cornea and a small incision. The surgeon gently removes the tissue through the incision. The laser portion takes less than 30 seconds per eye. - After the procedure:
You’ll rest briefly, then go home. Vision starts to improve within 24–48 hours. Most people return to work in 2–3 days.
Are there any risks?
Like any procedure, SMILE has risks—but they’re rare.
Possible side effects include:
- Temporary blurry or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- Dry eyes
- Undercorrection or overcorrection (which can usually be fine-tuned later)
We take every precaution to reduce risks and ensure the best outcome for your eyes.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
Not better—just different.
LASIK is still the most common laser eye procedure worldwide. But SMILE is an excellent option for people who:
- Have thin corneas
- Play contact sports
- Are prone to dry eye
- Want a flap-free alternative
We’ll help you compare both based on your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle.
What if I’m not suitable for SMILE?
If SMILE isn’t right for you, you might be a better candidate for:
- LASIK – especially if you need long-sight or near-vision correction
- PRK – if your corneas are too thin or irregular for LASIK or SMILE
- Lens replacement – for high prescriptions or age-related vision issues
The good news? There’s almost always a solution.
Take the next step
SMILE is quick. Safe. Flap-free. And in the right eyes, it delivers clear, lasting vision without glasses or contacts.
Wondering if you’re a candidate for SMILE?
Take our self-test. It only takes a minute—and it’s the first step toward clear, glasses-free vision.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
