Could SMILE® Pro laser eye surgery help you reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses?

Learn how this minimally invasive laser treatment may help suitable patients see more clearly without the daily hassle of visual aids

Could SMILE® Pro laser eye surgery help you reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses?

Learn how this minimally invasive laser treatment may help suitable patients see more clearly without the daily hassle of visual aids

With SMILE® Pro, patients may enjoy clear vision with less disruption to the cornea

Quickly learn how this advanced laser eye treatment works, including its benefits, risks, and whether it may be right for you

Who is suitable for SMILE® Pro?

SMILE® Pro may suit adults with a stable glasses prescription who want to reduce their need for glasses or contact lenses.

SMILE® Pro is suitable for individuals with higher degrees of nearsightedness, moderate farsightedness and up to 5D of astigmatism.

Your eyes also need to be healthy. Things like thin corneas, severe dry eye, cataracts, or certain eye diseases may affect suitability. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also change vision for a time.

The best way to know if SMILE® Pro is right for you is to have a detailed assessment with an experienced eye surgeon and clinical team.

(Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive procedure that utilises a femtosecond laser to create a thin disc-shaped lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision.

This technique preserves more of the corneal structure, leading to faster recovery times and reducing the risk of dry eye compared to other laser procedures.

Unlike LASIK, SMILE® Pro does not involve creating a large flap in the cornea. The treatment is quick, and both eyes are usually treated on the same day.

Numbing drops are used to help keep you comfortable throughout.

Pros

Cons

  • Limited availability: SMILE® Pro may not be widely available in all locations, as it is a newer procedure that requires specialized equipment and training. We offer SMILE® Pro with the latest technology, the Visumax 800 laser system part of the Zeiss refractive laser suite, at Eagle Eye Surgeons.
  • Less flexibility in treatment options: SMILE® Pro is primarily suitable for correcting nearsightedness and may not be as effective or offer the same range of treatments for individuals with astigmatism or farsightedness.

Like any eye procedure, SMILE® Pro has risks and possible side effects.

These can include dry eye, glare, halos around lights, blurred vision, under-correction, over-correction, or slower than expected visual recovery.

Some people may notice fluctuating vision while the eyes settle. Infection and inflammation are uncommon, but they can happen and need prompt treatment.

In rare cases, further treatment may be needed. It is also important to understand that no procedure can promise perfect vision or complete freedom from glasses in every situation.

A detailed consultation helps explain the risks clearly and shows whether the treatment is appropriate for your eyes.

If SMILE® Pro is not the best fit, there are other ways to treat vision problems. These may include LASIK, PRK, implantable contact lenses, lens replacement, or continuing with glasses or contact lenses.

The right option depends on your prescription, corneal shape, eye health, age, and visual goals. Some people are better suited to one treatment than another.

A full eye assessment can help you understand which option is safest and most appropriate for your needs.

  1. On the day, numbing eye drops are placed in the eyes to keep you comfortable. You then lie under the laser while the surgeon guides you through each stage.
  2. The laser creates a tiny lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a small opening.
  3. The same process is repeated for the other eye.
  4. After treatment, you rest briefly, receive aftercare instructions, and go home with eye drops and follow-up appointments arranged.

SMILE® Pro is designed to help reduce your reliance on glasses and contact lenses by improving how your eye focuses light. For many people, that can mean daily life feels simpler, with fewer moments of reaching for eyewear. Some patients notice vision improving within the first few days, although it can continue to settle as the eyes heal.

3 simple steps to life with less dependence on glasses or contacts

Laser eye surgery can feel like a big decision. We make the process clear, supportive, and easy to follow

Step 1: Get in touch

Laser eye surgery isn’t for everyone. The first step is to get a clear answer on whether laser vision correction can help you or not. Book a free appointment online or call us

Step 2: We'll meet

At your appointment, we will discuss your lifestyle and answer your questions. If you are suitable, we will explain your options so you can make an informed choice.

Step 3: Enjoy more freedom

After treatment, many patients notice everyday tasks can feel easier with less reliance on glasses or contact lenses. Things like exercise, travel, work, and getting ready in the morning may feel simpler.

Find out if laser vision correction could reduce your need for glasses or contacts

Book a free appointment and our team will answer your questions, and explain which vision correction options may suit your eyes and lifestyle

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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