[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/how-does-smile-pro-work\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/how-does-smile-pro-work\/","headline":"How does SMILE\u00ae Pro work?","name":"How does SMILE\u00ae Pro work?","description":"Want to know how SMILE\u00ae Pro works? Learn how this advanced laser eye surgery procedure may help correct vision and who may be suitable. Read our latest blog and take the suitability self test today.","datePublished":"2026-06-19","dateModified":"2026-06-19","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/author\/dr-erica-darian-smith\/#Person","name":"Dr. Erica Darian-Smith","url":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/author\/dr-erica-darian-smith\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5cac8064d2f0da5fa54f3f98e57c59498b860cb41a5ea4b08115f6121c5c9f5b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5cac8064d2f0da5fa54f3f98e57c59498b860cb41a5ea4b08115f6121c5c9f5b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Eagle Eye Laser","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Retina-Default-Logo-166x120-Erica-Darian-Smith-Eagle-Eye-Surgeons-Sydney.png","url":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Retina-Default-Logo-166x120-Erica-Darian-Smith-Eagle-Eye-Surgeons-Sydney.png","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-does-SMILE\u00ae-Pro-work-Erica-Darian-Smith-Eagle-Eye-Laser-Sydney.jpg","url":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-does-SMILE\u00ae-Pro-work-Erica-Darian-Smith-Eagle-Eye-Laser-Sydney.jpg","height":534,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/how-does-smile-pro-work\/","about":["SMILE"],"wordCount":1207,"articleBody":"How does SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro.SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro or another vision correction procedure may be suitable for their needs.Understanding how vision worksTo understand how SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro?SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro different?SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro procedure?SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro?SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro. Some patients may be advised that another procedure is more appropriate.Why a detailed assessment is importantBefore 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\u00ae 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\u00ae 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 processFollowing 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\u00ae Pro?Some patients choose SMILE\u00ae 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 limitationsLike all medical procedures, SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro compare with other laser eye surgery procedures?There are several laser eye surgery options available today, including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE\u00ae 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 treatmentThere 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 stepIf you are interested in learning more about SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro or another vision correction option may be suitable for you."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"How does SMILE\u00ae Pro work?","item":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/how-does-smile-pro-work\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]