What is SMILE eye surgery?

SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea from the inside, through a small opening, without a flap. SMILE Pro is the current version, performed on the Zeiss VisuMax 800.

Is SMILE better than LASIK?

Neither is better across the board. Each suits different prescriptions and corneal anatomy. Dr. Ling performs both and recommends the one that fits your measurements.

SMILE Pro for astigmatism

SMILE corrects astigmatism. The femtosecond laser shapes the lenticule to account for it, and SMILE Pro adds cyclotorsion compensation so the correction lands on the correct axis. Combined with the detailed refraction from your advanced Vision Consultation, that produces an accurate astigmatism correction.

SMILE eye surgery cost

We go over the exact fee at your advanced Vision Consultation, and financing is available. The fee covers the VisuMax 800 platform, Dr. Ling performing your procedure himself, your follow-up visits, and our lifetime enhancement program.

SMILE Pro Vision Correction in San Francisco

SMILE Pro is a laser eye surgery that corrects your vision from within the cornea without creating a flap. Dr. Ling performs SMILE Pro with the VisuMax 800, and most patients are back to normal activity the next day.

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Dr. Joseph Ling with a patient at Lucēre Vision

How SMILE Pro eye surgery works

SMILE Pro shares the same idea as every laser vision correction procedure: a precise laser reshapes the cornea to a contour that gives you clear vision without glasses or contacts. The difference is how it gets there.

SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser. The laser creates a thin, three-dimensional disc of tissue (the lenticule) inside the cornea, shaped to match your prescription. Dr. Ling removes that lenticule through a small opening, and the cornea takes on its new shape. Most of the corneal surface stays intact, and the treatment happens underneath it.

That is what "small incision lenticule extraction" (SMILE) means: a small opening, a lenticule shaped by the laser, removed to correct your vision.

Who SMILE Pro is Right For

SMILE Pro tends to be a good fit for people with a moderate degree of nearsightedness and a low to moderate degree of astigmatism. Because the corneal surface is left largely intact, it's often a good choice for people who want a quicker anatomical recovery, less dry eye sensitivity, and a fast return to an active lifestyle.

Your Advanced Vision Consultation will help you confirm if you're a candidate for this procedure. Dr. Ling will measure your cornea and your tear film, and if another procedure would serve you better, he'll let you know during the consultation.

The VisuMax 800

SMILE Pro on the VisuMax 800 is a more advanced form of SMILE. The femtosecond laser treatment is quicker and smoother, and the platform includes cyclotorsion adjustment in its automated workflow, which means it accounts for the small rotation your eye makes when you lie down and corrects astigmatism more accurately.

For you, that means a shorter treatment time, a more comfortable procedure, a quicker recovery, and a better visual outcome.

SMILE Pro vs. LASIK

Both SMILE and LASIK are modern laser vision correction procedures with well-documented results and safety. What makes either one work well is choosing the right patient for it, which is what your Advanced Vision Consultation is for.

As a general guide, LASIK with WaveLight Plus can be better suited to moderate to high astigmatism, with or without low farsightedness, and to low to moderate nearsightedness. SMILE Pro can be better suited to moderate nearsightedness with low to moderate astigmatism. Your lifestyle and the health of your tear film can also tip the recommendation one way or the other. Dr. Ling performs both, so the recommendation is based on your eyes.

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SMILE Recovery

Most patients recover from SMILE quickly and return to normal activity the next day. Right after the procedure your vision often already seems clearer, though it can still be blurry and light sensitive for a few hours, with some scratchiness and tearing.

The best thing to do is keep your eyes closed as much as possible and take a nap. Vision improves noticeably by the next day and continues to sharpen over the following days.

Find out if SMILE Pro is right for you

Start with an Advanced Vision Consultation. Dr. Ling will measure your eyes and tell you whether SMILE Pro, LASIK, or another procedure is the right fit.

Schedule a Vision Consultation