SMILE Pro vs SMILE: What’s the Difference Between SMILE Pro and SMILE?

If you’re exploring laser vision correction options and hoping to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, you’ve likely come across two advanced procedures: SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and SMILE Pro. Both treatments use cutting-edge laser technology to correct common vision problems, but many patients understandably ask: What’s the difference between SMILE Pro and SMILE?

The good news is that both procedures are highly advanced forms of laser eye surgery designed to treat short sightedness and astigmatism. They share many similarities, including their minimally invasive approach and their ability to deliver excellent visual outcomes for suitable patients.

However, there are some important differences between the technologies that may influence which procedure is the most appropriate option for you.

What Is SMILE?

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, a modern form of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea without creating a large corneal flap.

Unlike traditional LASIK, which involves lifting a flap on the surface of the cornea, SMILE works differently. A femtosecond laser creates a small disc-shaped piece of tissue, known as a lenticule, within the cornea. The surgeon then removes this lenticule through a tiny incision.

This process changes the shape of the cornea and helps correct refractive errors such as short sightedness and astigmatism.

Because the procedure uses a very small incision, it is considered minimally invasive and preserves more of the eye’s natural structure compared with some other laser procedures.¹Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE),2, Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015

What Is SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro is the next generation of SMILE technology.

The procedure itself follows the same principles as traditional small incision lenticule extraction, but it uses the latest VISUMAX 800 laser platform rather than earlier-generation systems.²Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE),2, Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015

Developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec, the ZEISS VISUMAX platform has been refined over many years, and the newer VISUMAX 800 introduces several technological advancements designed to improve treatment efficiency and patient experience.

Importantly, both SMILE and SMILE Pro are based on the same proven clinical concept. The main differences relate to the speed of treatment and enhancements in laser technology rather than a completely different surgical technique.³Ekktet Chansue et al, Efficacy, predictability and safety of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE),2, Article number 14, Published: 31 August 2015

How Do SMILE and SMILE Pro Work?

Both procedures use a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea.

During treatment, the laser creates a precisely calculated lenticule within the corneal tissue. Once this tissue has been created, it is carefully removed through a small incision.

Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea and alters how light focuses on the retina, improving vision.

Because no large flap is required, both procedures preserve the strength of the surrounding corneal tissue and are often considered a less invasive alternative to LASIK for suitable patients.

The Role of the VISUMAX 800

One of the key differences between SMILE and SMILE Pro is the laser platform used.

SMILE Pro utilises the latest VisuMax 800, while traditional SMILE was performed using earlier generations of the ZEISS VISUMAX system.

The VISUMAX 800 delivers treatment significantly faster than previous models. The laser treatment itself can often be completed in under 10 seconds per eye, compared to longer treatment times with earlier systems.

This shorter treatment duration means patients spend less time under the laser, which some individuals may find more comfortable.⁴Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302.

Visual Recovery After Treatment

Many patients considering laser eye surgery are interested in how quickly their vision may recover.

Both SMILE and SMILE Pro are associated with relatively rapid visual recovery, with many patients noticing improvements within the first few days after treatment.⁵Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302.

Some clinical studies suggest that SMILE Pro may offer slightly faster early visual recovery due to refinements in laser delivery and treatment speed. However, visual outcomes can vary between individuals.⁶Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302.

It’s important to remember that recovery depends on many factors, including your prescription, eye health, healing response, and adherence to post-operative instructions.⁷Saragoussi JJ, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302.

Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations for recovery based on your individual circumstances.

Dry Eyes and Comfort After Surgery

One of the reasons many patients are interested in SMILE-based procedures is their potential impact on dry eyes.

Because both SMILE and SMILE Pro involve a smaller incision and preserve more corneal nerves compared with flap-based procedures, some studies suggest they may have a lower impact on tear production during recovery.

However, all forms of laser vision correction can temporarily affect the eye’s tear film.

Some patients may still experience symptoms of dryness following surgery, and lubricating eye drops are commonly prescribed during the healing period.

The severity and duration of dry eye symptoms vary between individuals, and a thorough pre-operative assessment helps identify any existing dry eye concerns before treatment.

Is SMILE Pro Better Than SMILE?

Patients often ask whether SMILE Pro is simply “better” than SMILE.

The reality is that both procedures are highly advanced and effective options for vision correction.

SMILE Pro introduces technological improvements that may enhance treatment efficiency and patient experience. However, both procedures are based on the same underlying surgical principles and both can achieve excellent outcomes for suitable candidates.

Rather than asking which procedure is universally better, a more helpful question is which procedure may be the best option for patients based on their individual eyes, prescription, lifestyle, and visual goals.

Who May Be Suitable for SMILE or SMILE Pro?

Both SMILE and SMILE Pro may be suitable for adults with stable prescriptions who have short sightedness or astigmatism within treatable ranges.

Suitability depends on many factors, including:

• Corneal thickness and shape
• Prescription strength
• Eye health
• Tear film quality
• Lifestyle requirements
• Occupational considerations

A comprehensive assessment is necessary to determine whether SMILE, SMILE Pro, LASIK, or another vision correction procedure is the most appropriate treatment.

Choosing the Right Laser Vision Correction Procedure

Choosing between different forms of laser eye surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when several excellent options are available.

The best procedure is not necessarily the newest technology, but the one most suited to your eyes and visual needs.

An experienced surgeon will evaluate your prescription, eye health, corneal measurements, and lifestyle factors before making a recommendation.

This personalised approach helps ensure that any treatment recommendation is based on clinical suitability rather than technology alone.

Final Thoughts

When comparing SMILE and SMILE Pro, the similarities are often greater than the differences.

Both procedures use small incision lenticule extraction technology to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea. Both are considered minimally invasive alternatives to traditional flap-based laser procedures and can provide excellent visual outcomes for suitable patients.

The primary difference lies in the technology used. SMILE Pro incorporates the latest VISUMAX 800 platform from Carl Zeiss, offering faster treatment times and technological refinements compared with earlier generations of the ZEISS VISUMAX laser.

To know if you’re suitable for either procedure or any other laser eye surgery, you’ll need to book a free assessment with us. In the meantime, find out which procedure (if any) is right for you by taking our 1-minute self-test.