Who is SMILE® Pro suitable for?
Many people who wear glasses or contact lenses wonder if laser eye surgery could help them see more clearly. One treatment that has become increasingly popular is SMILE® Pro.
SMILE® Pro is a type of laser eye surgery designed to correct certain vision problems. It uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea and improve the way light focuses inside the eye.
While SMILE® Pro may be a suitable option for some people, it is not the right choice for everyone. A detailed eye assessment is needed to determine whether the procedure may be appropriate for your eyes.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patients receive personalised assessments to help identify the most suitable vision correction options for their individual needs.
Understanding SMILE® Pro
SMILE® Pro stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is an advanced laser eye surgery procedure that is primarily used to treat short sightedness and some forms of astigmatism.
The procedure works by creating a small piece of tissue inside the cornea, known as a lenticule. This lenticule is removed through a small opening in the cornea. Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea and helps improve the way light focuses on the retina.
The goal of the procedure is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, outcomes vary between individuals.
Why people consider SMILE® Pro
Many people choose to explore laser eye surgery because they would like greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses.1https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08820538.2020.1807028
Some patients find glasses inconvenient during sport, travel, or everyday activities. Others may simply prefer not having to rely on visual aids throughout the day.2https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08820538.2020.1807028
SMILE® Pro is one of several vision correction options available. The most suitable treatment depends on a person's eyes, prescription, and lifestyle.
What makes someone a possible candidate?
Several factors help determine whether a person may be suitable for SMILE® Pro.
One of the most important factors is the type of vision problem being treated. SMILE® Pro is generally used for people with short sightedness and certain levels of astigmatism.3https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
Patients also need healthy eyes and a stable prescription before treatment can be considered.
Stable vision is important
A stable prescription means that vision has not changed significantly over time.
If a prescription is still changing, treatment may be delayed until vision becomes more stable.
This helps improve treatment planning and allows the surgeon to assess whether laser vision correction may be suitable.
Your surgeon can explain what stability means based on your individual circumstances.
How age can affect suitability
Age is another important factor when assessing suitability for SMILE® Pro.
Many patients seeking laser eye surgery are adults whose vision has remained stable for some time.
As people get older, they may develop presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural age-related loss of near focusing ability that often begins around the age of 40.4https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
Patients with presbyopia may be better suited to different treatment options depending on their vision goals.
Why age is only one factor
Although age can influence treatment recommendations, it is not the only consideration.
Two people of the same age may have very different prescriptions, eye health conditions, and vision needs.5https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
This is why a personalised assessment is essential before any treatment recommendation is made.
The importance of eye health
Healthy eyes are an important requirement for laser eye surgery.
During a consultation, the eye care team will examine the eyes carefully to identify any conditions that could affect treatment suitability.6https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
This assessment may include corneal scans, vision testing, and a review of overall eye health.
Conditions that may affect suitability
Some eye conditions may mean that SMILE® Pro is not the most appropriate treatment option.
In these situations, the surgeon may discuss alternative procedures or recommend a different approach.
The goal is always to choose a treatment plan that is appropriate for the patient's individual circumstances and eye health.
Patient safety remains the priority throughout the assessment process.
What happens during a suitability assessment?
Before recommending SMILE® Pro, the surgeon gathers detailed information about the patient's eyes.
Advanced diagnostic technology is used to measure the shape of the cornea, assess prescription levels, and evaluate overall eye health.
These tests help create a personalised treatment plan.
Why personalised treatment matters
No two eyes are exactly the same.
A treatment that works well for one patient may not be suitable for another. Personalised assessments allow surgeons to recommend treatment options based on the unique features of each patient's eyes.
This approach helps patients make informed decisions about their vision correction journey.
Is SMILE® Pro suitable for people with astigmatism?
Some people with astigmatism may be suitable candidates for SMILE® Pro.7https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape. This can cause blurred or distorted vision at different distances.
The level and type of astigmatism can influence whether SMILE® Pro may be an appropriate treatment option.
Individual assessment is still required
Even when a patient has astigmatism that falls within treatment ranges, a detailed consultation is still needed.
The surgeon must consider many factors before making a recommendation.
These factors include eye health, corneal measurements, prescription stability, and lifestyle needs.
What are the possible benefits of SMILE® Pro?
Some patients choose SMILE® Pro because they would like to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Others are interested in the procedure because it uses a small incision rather than a larger corneal flap.
Potential benefits vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.
Understanding expectations
It is important for patients to have realistic expectations before any vision correction procedure.
Results depend on factors such as prescription strength, eye health, healing response, and individual circumstances.
A consultation can help patients understand what outcomes may be realistic for their eyes.
What are the risks and limitations?
Like all medical procedures, SMILE® Pro carries potential risks and side effects.
Some patients may experience temporary dry eyes, glare, halos, or changes in vision during recovery.8https://bjo.bmj.com/content/100/9/1192.short
The likelihood and severity of these effects can vary between individuals.
Why informed decisions matter
Patients should understand both the potential benefits and possible risks before deciding on treatment.
A thorough consultation provides an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns.
Clear information helps patients make decisions that are right for their personal situation.
How do you know if SMILE® Pro is right for you?
The only way to determine whether SMILE® Pro may be suitable is through a comprehensive eye assessment.
Your surgeon will evaluate your vision, eye health, prescription stability, and lifestyle needs before discussing treatment options.
This personalised approach helps ensure that recommendations are based on your individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Taking the first step
Learning about SMILE® Pro is an important first step, but a detailed consultation provides the information needed to understand whether the procedure may be suitable for your eyes.
At Eagle Eye Surgeons, patients receive personalised assessments and guidance throughout their vision correction journey.
Take the next step
If you are considering laser eye surgery and would like to know whether SMILE® Pro may be suitable for you, the best place to start is with a suitability self test.
The self test can help you learn more about your options and whether a consultation may be the next step in your vision correction journey.
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.
Our most popular procedures
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
