Enjoy freedom from glasses and contacts with SMILE Pro eye surgery in Adelaide

A simple, flap-free approach to vision correction

SMILE Pro is one type of laser vision correction. Small incision lenticule extraction, or SMILE, is designed to change how the eye bends light. By improving the match between the eye and the focus of light, some people may feel more visual comfort in daily tasks. Each person is different, and results can vary.

Wearing glasses or contacts can feel limiting for some people. SMILE Pro is designed with a small opening in the cornea. This approach aims to support a straightforward recovery, though each person's healing time is different.

How SMILE Pro eye surgery works

SMILE Pro is a minimally invasive laser eye procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve vision, without creating a flap. At IVISION LASER we use the ZEISS VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser, which uses a focused laser to create a small disc-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea. This lenticule is then gently removed through a small opening, typically 2 to 4 mm wide.

Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE Pro does not involve cutting a flap, and the laser process itself takes about 10 seconds per eye. The laser is a cold femtosecond laser, which means it works without heat and does not cause burning. Because of this technique:

• No blade is used.
• Most people do not see, hear, feel or smell the laser during treatment.
• The procedure may reduce dry eye symptoms and support quicker recovery for some people, though this varies from person to person.

Who SMILE Pro may suit

SMILE Pro eye surgery may be most suited to:

• People with pre-existing dry eye. Some other refractive techniques can worsen existing dry eye or contribute to new dry eye. Dry eye after SMILE Pro is uncommon, because it uses a minimally invasive laser that better preserves the corneal nerves. As the risk of dry eye tends to rise with age, SMILE Pro can be a suitable option for older patients.
• People who play contact sports or work where there is a risk of trauma. Because SMILE Pro does not involve creating a corneal flap, some people consider it when they are concerned about activities that may expose their eyes to impact. Your clinician can explain how the procedure works and whether it may suit your lifestyle and vision needs.
• People who cannot afford a long recovery time. Many people have busy schedules and want to know what downtime may look like. Recovery experiences vary. Some people describe returning to certain activities, such as work or driving, within a few days, while others may need longer.

Possible advantages of SMILE Pro

Some people consider SMILE Pro because of the way the procedure is performed. It uses a femtosecond laser to create and remove a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue through a tiny opening in the cornea, without creating a corneal flap. Features people may see as advantages include:

• The procedure is completed using one laser system, which means the treatment is done in a single step.
• The small opening in the cornea may appeal to people who prefer a technique that does not involve creating a flap.
• The outer layers of the cornea remain largely undisturbed, which some people find reassuring.
• The design of the technique allows the surgeon to work on specific areas of the cornea.

Each person's experience is different. Vision correction procedures carry risks, including infection, inflammation or changes in vision.

How SMILE Pro compares to LASIK

SMILE Pro and LASIK are both forms of laser vision correction, and both can treat shortsightedness and astigmatism. The main difference is how the cornea is accessed. LASIK gently reshapes the cornea after a thin flap is created. SMILE Pro is flap-free: the surgeon removes a small lenticule of tissue through a tiny opening rather than lifting a flap.

Because SMILE Pro leaves more of the corneal surface undisturbed, some people prefer it when they are concerned about dry eye or activities that may involve impact to the eye. LASIK remains a well-known and widely used option. Which approach suits you best depends on your eyes, your prescription and your lifestyle, and is confirmed at your assessment. You can read more about all-laser LASIK.

SMILE Pro risks and side effects

Laser eye surgery is a well-established procedure and complications are uncommon. As with any surgery there are risks. Immediately after treatment, you may:

• Feel a gritty or sandy sensation in your eye.
• Be slightly sensitive to light.
• Experience watering eyes for a few hours.

Vision recovers quickly for many people, though this varies. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, including infection, inflammation or changes in vision. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Recovery after SMILE Pro

Recovery experiences differ from person to person. Some people describe returning to everyday activities, such as work or driving, within a few days, while others may need longer. Vision may continue to settle over several weeks. Your surgeon will guide you on what is appropriate for your individual situation and what to expect as your eyes heal.

Alternatives to SMILE Pro

If SMILE Pro is not the right fit for your eyes, alternatives include:

• All-laser LASIK uses a laser to treat shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism by gently reshaping the cornea after a thin flap is created.
• TransPRK is a touch-free, surface laser method and an advanced form of PRK. It can treat shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism, and often suits people who are not suitable for LASIK or SMILE Pro.
• ICL surgery uses an implantable contact lens placed inside the eye. Unlike laser eye surgery it is reversible, and it is often used for stronger prescriptions.