Is SMILE® Pro safe?
Many people who are thinking about laser eye surgery ask the same question: is SMILE® Pro safe?
It is an important question. Any medical procedure involves benefits, risks, and considerations. Understanding these factors can help patients make informed decisions about their eye care.
SMILE® Pro is a type of laser eye surgery used to treat certain vision problems, including short sightedness and some forms of astigmatism. It uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea and improve how light focuses inside the eye.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patient safety is a key part of every stage of the treatment journey, from the initial consultation through to follow-up care.
Understanding SMILE® Pro
SMILE® Pro stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure.
During treatment, a laser creates a small piece of tissue within the cornea called a lenticule. The surgeon removes this lenticule through a small opening. This changes the shape of the cornea and helps improve the way light focuses on the retina.
The procedure is designed to correct certain refractive errors and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses for some patients.
Why patients ask about safety
When considering any medical procedure, it is natural to want to understand the risks involved.
Patients often want to know how the procedure works, what recovery is like, and what steps are taken to support safety.1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
Learning about the treatment process can help patients feel more confident when discussing their options with an eye surgeon.
How is safety assessed before treatment?
One of the most important parts of laser eye surgery happens before the procedure itself.
Every patient undergoes a detailed eye assessment. This helps determine whether SMILE® Pro may be suitable for their eyes and overall vision needs.2https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/safety/
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. Some patients may be advised that another treatment option is more appropriate.
Why suitability testing matters
Suitability testing helps the surgeon understand the health and structure of the eyes.3https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/laser-eye-surgery/safety/
Advanced scans and measurements are used to examine the cornea, assess prescription stability, and identify any factors that could affect treatment planning.
These tests help guide recommendations and support patient safety.
A personalised assessment allows treatment decisions to be based on individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
What technology is used during SMILE® Pro?
SMILE® Pro uses advanced femtosecond laser technology.
This laser is designed to create the lenticule and the small opening in the cornea with a high level of precision.4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
The procedure does not require the creation of a large corneal flap, which makes it different from some other laser eye surgery procedures.
Why technology is important
Modern technology plays an important role in treatment planning and delivery.
Diagnostic equipment helps surgeons gather detailed information about the eyes before treatment. Laser technology is then used to perform the procedure according to the personalised treatment plan.5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
Technology is only one part of the process. Clinical assessment, surgeon experience, and ongoing patient care also contribute to the treatment journey.
Are there risks with SMILE® Pro?
Like all medical procedures, SMILE® Pro has potential risks and side effects.
Patients should understand that no surgical procedure is completely risk free.
Possible side effects may include dry eyes, glare, halos, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or fluctuations in vision during recovery.6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
The likelihood and severity of side effects can vary between individuals.
Why risks vary between patients
Every person's eyes are different.
Factors such as eye health, prescription strength, corneal shape, healing response, and overall suitability can influence the treatment experience.7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
This is one reason why a detailed consultation is essential before deciding whether to proceed with surgery.
Your surgeon can explain the possible risks and how they may apply to your individual situation.
What helps support safety during recovery?
Recovery is an important part of the treatment process.
After SMILE® Pro, patients receive instructions to help support healing and recovery. Eye drops are often prescribed, and follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor progress.
These appointments allow the surgeon to check healing and address any concerns that may arise.
Following post-operative instructions
Patients play an important role in their own recovery.
Using prescribed eye drops, attending follow-up visits, and following all recovery instructions can help support the healing process.
Patients are often advised not to rub their eyes and to follow guidance about returning to certain activities.8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
The eye care team provides personalised advice based on each patient's treatment plan.
How does surgeon experience contribute to patient care?
The surgeon's experience is an important part of any laser eye surgery journey.
An experienced eye surgeon can assess suitability, develop a personalised treatment plan, and guide patients through the procedure and recovery process.
Patients should feel comfortable asking questions about treatment options, possible risks, and expected outcomes.
The value of communication
Good communication helps patients make informed decisions.
A consultation provides an opportunity to discuss concerns, ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of the procedure.
Patients who understand their treatment options are often better prepared for the journey ahead.
Is SMILE® Pro safer than other laser eye surgery procedures?
Patients sometimes ask whether SMILE® Pro is safer than LASIK or other laser eye surgery options.
The answer depends on many factors, including the patient's eyes, prescription, and overall suitability.
Different procedures have different features, benefits, and risks.
Choosing the right procedure
There is no single laser eye surgery procedure that is right for everyone.
A treatment that may be suitable for one person may not be suitable for another.
This is why personalised assessments are so important. The goal is to recommend the treatment that best matches the patient's needs and eye health.
What outcomes can patients expect?
Many patients seek laser eye surgery because they would like greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses.9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784775/
While SMILE® Pro may help improve vision for suitable candidates, outcomes vary from person to person.
No procedure can guarantee perfect vision or complete freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
Setting realistic expectations
Realistic expectations are an important part of informed decision-making.
Patients should understand both the potential benefits and the possible limitations of treatment.
A consultation allows the surgeon to discuss what outcomes may be realistic based on the patient's individual circumstances.
Making an informed decision
Choosing laser eye surgery is a personal decision that should be based on good information and professional advice.
Learning about the procedure, understanding potential risks, and attending a detailed assessment can help patients determine whether SMILE® Pro may be suitable for them.
The best treatment decisions are made when patients understand both the opportunities and the limitations of the procedure.
Taking time to learn more
There is no need to rush the decision-making process.
Taking time to ask questions and learn about available options can help patients feel more confident about their next steps.
Every patient's vision correction journey is unique.
Take the next step
If you are considering laser eye surgery and would like to learn whether SMILE® Pro may be suitable for your eyes, the first step is a comprehensive assessment.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patients receive personalised care and guidance throughout the treatment process.
The best way to begin your journey is to take a suitability self test and learn more about your vision correction options.
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
