Many people who wear glasses or contact lenses ask the same question before laser eye surgery. Does SMILE Pro work?
It is normal to want clear information before making a decision about your eyes. Understanding how SMILE Pro works and what results may be possible can help you feel more informed.
At IVISION LASER in Adelaide Australia, we help patients learn about their vision correction options. In this blog, we explain what SMILE Pro is, how it works, and what patients should know before treatment.
This information is general in nature and does not replace advice from a qualified eye health professional.
What is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro is a type of laser eye surgery. It is used to correct refractive errors.
Refractive errors include short sightedness and astigmatism. These affect how light focuses inside the eye.
SMILE stands for small incision lenticule extraction. During the procedure, a laser creates a small piece of tissue inside the cornea. This tissue is then removed through a small opening.
This changes the shape of the cornea. It helps light focus more clearly on the retina, which can improve vision.
The aim is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for some people.
How does SMILE Pro work?
SMILE Pro works by reshaping the cornea.
In short sightedness, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry.
By changing the shape of the cornea, SMILE Pro helps move the focus point closer to the correct position on the retina.
This may improve distance vision.
The procedure uses advanced laser technology and is usually completed quickly.
Your eye doctor will explain how the treatment works during your consultation.
Does SMILE Pro improve vision?
Many patients notice improved vision after SMILE Pro.
The procedure is designed to correct certain refractive errors and reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
However, results can vary from person to person.
Vision outcomes depend on several factors, including the prescription level, eye health, and healing response.
Some people may still need glasses for certain activities after treatment.
Your eye doctor will explain what may be possible for your individual eyes.
Who may be suitable for SMILE Pro?
Not everyone is suitable for SMILE Pro.
A detailed eye assessment is needed before treatment is considered.
Your eye doctor will check your prescription, cornea thickness, and overall eye health.
Stable vision is also important. This means your prescription has not changed much over time.
Some eye conditions may affect suitability.
If SMILE Pro is not suitable for you, other options may be discussed.
What happens during the procedure?
SMILE Pro is usually a quick procedure.
Before it starts, numbing eye drops are used to keep you comfortable. Most patients do not feel pain during the procedure.
You will be asked to look at a light while the laser works.
The laser creates and removes a small piece of tissue through a tiny opening. There is no large flap made on the surface of the eye.
Some people feel light pressure for a short time, but this usually passes quickly.
Your care team will guide you through each step.
What happens after SMILE Pro?
After the procedure, your eyes begin to heal.
Some patients notice mild discomfort, watery eyes, or light sensitivity in the early hours or days.
Vision may be a little blurry at first and improve over time.
You will be given eye drops and instructions to help your eyes heal.
Follow up visits are important so your doctor can check your progress and answer any questions.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time can vary between patients.
Many people return to normal activities fairly quickly after SMILE Pro. However, healing continues over time.
Your vision may continue to settle in the weeks after surgery.
It is important to follow all aftercare instructions and attend your scheduled appointments.
Your doctor will advise when it is safe to return to different activities.
Does SMILE Pro last forever?
SMILE Pro changes the shape of the cornea permanently.
However, the eyes can still change naturally over time.
For example, age-related changes such as presbyopia may still occur later in life. Presbyopia affects near vision and often develops in the 40s.
This means some people may still need reading glasses as they age.
Laser eye surgery does not stop the natural ageing process of the eyes.
Your eye doctor will explain what to expect based on your age and vision.
What are the possible risks?
All medical procedures carry some level of risk.
Most patients recover well after SMILE Pro, but results cannot be guaranteed.
Possible side effects may include dry eyes, glare, halos, or temporary visual changes during healing.
These effects often improve over time.
Your eye doctor will explain the possible risks and benefits during your consultation.
Understanding these helps patients make informed decisions.
Why expectations matter
It is important to have realistic expectations about laser eye surgery.
SMILE Pro aims to improve vision and reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses for some patients.
However, results vary. Some people may still need glasses in certain situations.
Laser eye surgery does not stop natural changes in the eyes over time.
Your doctor will explain what you may expect based on your individual eyes.
Why a consultation is important
A consultation is the best way to learn whether SMILE Pro may be suitable for you.
During your assessment, your eye doctor will examine your eyes and discuss your vision goals.
They will explain the treatment process, possible outcomes, and any risks.
This is also your chance to ask questions and learn more about your options.
Every person’s eyes are different, so personalised advice is important.
Take the next step
If you are asking, “Does SMILE Pro work?”, the answer is that it may improve vision for suitable patients by correcting certain refractive errors.
The best way to learn whether it may be right for you is through a professional assessment.
At IVISION LASER in Adelaide Australia, we help patients explore their vision correction options with clear information and personalised care.
You can start by taking the suitability self test. This quick step can help you understand whether SMILE Pro or another laser eye procedure may be suitable for your eyes.
From there, you can decide if you would like to book a full consultation.
