How does SMILE® Pro work?
Many people who wear glasses or contact lenses wonder if laser eye surgery could help them achieve clearer vision. As technology continues to advance, new treatment options have become available. One of these options is SMILE® Pro.
SMILE® Pro is a type of laser eye surgery that may be suitable for some people with short sightedness and astigmatism. The procedure uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea and help light focus more accurately inside the eye.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patients receive a detailed eye assessment to determine whether SMILE® Pro or another vision correction procedure may be suitable for their needs.
Understanding how vision works
To understand how SMILE® Pro works, it helps to know a little about how the eye focuses light.
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. When light enters the eye, the cornea helps bend and focus that light onto the retina at the back of the eye.
When the shape of the cornea is not ideal, vision can become blurry. This may happen in people with short sightedness, also called myopia, or astigmatism.1https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08820538.2020.1807028
Laser eye surgery aims to change the shape of the cornea so that light focuses more accurately on the retina.
What causes short sightedness?
Short sightedness happens when distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear.
This usually occurs because the eye is slightly longer than normal or because the cornea bends light too strongly.
As a result, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This can make activities such as driving, watching television, or reading signs more difficult without glasses or contact lenses.2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/short-sightedness/
What is SMILE® Pro?
SMILE® Pro stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a minimally invasive laser eye surgery procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to correct certain vision problems.
Unlike some other laser eye surgery procedures, SMILE® Pro does not require the creation of a large corneal flap.
Instead, the laser creates a small disc-shaped piece of tissue inside the cornea. This piece of tissue is called a lenticule. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small opening.
Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, which can help improve the way light focuses inside the eye.
What makes SMILE® Pro different?
SMILE® Pro is an advanced version of the SMILE procedure. The technology is designed to perform the laser portion of treatment quickly and accurately.3https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6784775/
The procedure uses a small incision rather than creating a larger flap in the cornea. This makes the treatment process different from LASIK.
Every procedure has its own benefits, limitations, and suitability requirements. A consultation can help determine which option may be appropriate for each patient.
What happens during the SMILE® Pro procedure?
SMILE® Pro is usually performed as a day procedure. Patients are generally able to return home on the same day.
Before treatment begins, numbing eye drops are placed into the eyes. These drops help keep the patient comfortable during the procedure.4https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
The laser then creates the lenticule inside the cornea along with a small opening. The surgeon carefully removes the lenticule through this opening.
Once the lenticule is removed, the shape of the cornea changes. This helps light focus more accurately on the retina.5https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
How long does the procedure take?
The laser portion of SMILE® Pro is very fast. However, patients should allow additional time for preparation, treatment, and post-procedure checks.
The total time spent at the clinic can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Your surgeon will explain what to expect before treatment and answer any questions you may have.
Who may be suitable for SMILE® Pro?
SMILE® Pro may be suitable for some adults with short sightedness and certain levels of astigmatism.
However, suitability depends on several factors. These include eye health, corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall vision needs.6https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for SMILE® Pro. Some patients may be advised that another procedure is more appropriate.
Why a detailed assessment is important
Before recommending treatment, the eye care team performs a thorough assessment of the eyes.
This assessment may include vision testing, corneal scans, and measurements of the eye's structure.
These tests help determine whether SMILE® Pro may be suitable and assist in creating a personalised treatment plan.
Patient safety is an important part of every assessment.
What is recovery like after SMILE® Pro?
Recovery experiences can vary from person to person. Some patients notice improvements in vision soon after treatment, while others may require more time for their vision to stabilise.
Patients are usually given eye drops and instructions to support healing during recovery.
Follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to monitor healing and answer any questions that may arise after treatment.
Supporting the healing process
Following post-operative instructions is an important part of recovery.
Patients are often advised to avoid rubbing their eyes and to use prescribed eye drops as directed.7https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
The eye care team will provide guidance based on the patient's individual treatment plan and recovery progress.
What are the potential benefits of SMILE® Pro?
Some patients choose SMILE® Pro because they would like to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses.8https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6784775/
Others are interested in the procedure because it uses a small incision rather than a larger corneal flap.
The potential benefits experienced by each patient can vary. Outcomes depend on factors such as eye health, prescription, healing response, and individual circumstances.
Understanding risks and limitations
Like all medical procedures, SMILE® Pro carries risks and potential side effects.
Some patients may experience temporary dry eyes, glare, halos, or fluctuations in vision during recovery. These experiences vary between individuals.9https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6784775/
No procedure can guarantee perfect vision or complete freedom from glasses or contact lenses. A consultation can help patients understand the potential benefits and risks based on their own circumstances.
How does SMILE® Pro compare with other laser eye surgery procedures?
There are several laser eye surgery options available today, including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE® Pro.
Each procedure works in a different way and may be suitable for different patients.
The best treatment option depends on a range of factors, including prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals.
Choosing the right treatment
There is no single treatment that is right for everyone.
A personalised consultation helps identify the most appropriate treatment options for each patient. The surgeon can explain how each procedure works and discuss what outcomes may be realistic.
This allows patients to make informed decisions about their vision correction journey.
Taking the next step
If you are interested in learning more about SMILE® Pro, the first step is a detailed eye assessment.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patients receive personalised care and treatment recommendations based on their individual needs.
The best way to begin your journey is to take a suitability self test and learn whether SMILE® Pro or another vision correction option may be suitable for you.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Vision correction isn’t suitable for everyone.
The first step is to book a free appointment to find out whether you can benefit.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Erica Darian-Smith
I’m a FRANZCO ophthalmic surgeon focused on refractive surgery. I trained in Sydney at Prince of Wales Hospital, then completed a two-year corneal and refractive fellowship in Toronto, Canada. I also hold a Graduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery and a Master of Medicine in Ophthalmic Sciences from the University of Sydney, and I lecture there as a Clinical Lecturer. I am a Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery and Vision Sciences and have a subspecialty interest in treating presbyopia.
I take time to listen, explain options clearly, and guide you through each step so you can make informed choices with confidence and calm. I am passionate about getting you your best visual outcomes.
Owner
FRANZCO, FWCRS, MMed, MBBS
Hi, I’m Dr. Mitch Lee
I’m a FRANZCO trained ophthalmic surgeon. My work covers refractive surgery, cataract surgery, complex anterior segment and lens surgery, and conditions of the retina and vitreous. I completed medical training at the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, then completed ophthalmology training in the Prince of Wales Hospital network. I am trained in refractive surgery and have completed the Forefront Refractive Surgery Course run by the highly respected London Vision Clinic. I have further fellowship level training in complex anterior segment surgery and vitreoretinal surgery.
In addition to my work with Eagle Eye Surgeons, I am the Head of Department for Ophthalmology at Nepean Hospital and have led the expansion of publicly funded eye surgery in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
I focus on clear explanations, careful planning, and follow-up that keeps you supported at every stage, always.
Owner
FRANZCO, MMed(Critical Care), MBBS(Hons), BSc
