[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/who-is-smile-pro-suitable-for\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/who-is-smile-pro-suitable-for\/","headline":"Who is SMILE\u00ae Pro suitable for?","name":"Who is SMILE\u00ae Pro suitable for?","description":"Wondering if SMILE\u00ae Pro could be right for you? Learn who may be suitable, how the procedure works, and what factors are considered during assessment. Read our latest blog and take the suitability self test today.","datePublished":"2026-07-02","dateModified":"2026-07-02","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\/Who-is-SMILE\u00ae\ufe0f-Pro-suitable-for-Darian-Smith-Eagle-Eye-Laser-Sydney.jpg","url":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Who-is-SMILE\u00ae\ufe0f-Pro-suitable-for-Darian-Smith-Eagle-Eye-Laser-Sydney.jpg","height":534,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/who-is-smile-pro-suitable-for\/","about":["SMILE"],"wordCount":1262,"articleBody":"Who is SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro.SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae 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\u00ae ProSMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae ProMany 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\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro.One of the most important factors is the type of vision problem being treated. SMILE\u00ae 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 importantA 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 suitabilityAge is another important factor when assessing suitability for SMILE\u00ae 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 factorAlthough 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 healthHealthy 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 suitabilitySome eye conditions may mean that SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae 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 mattersNo 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\u00ae Pro suitable for people with astigmatism?Some people with astigmatism may be suitable candidates for SMILE\u00ae 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\u00ae Pro may be an appropriate treatment option.Individual assessment is still requiredEven 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\u00ae Pro?Some patients choose SMILE\u00ae 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 expectationsIt 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\u00ae 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 matterPatients 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\u00ae Pro is right for you?The only way to determine whether SMILE\u00ae 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 stepLearning about SMILE\u00ae 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 stepIf you are considering laser eye surgery and would like to know whether SMILE\u00ae 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."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Who is SMILE\u00ae Pro suitable for?","item":"https:\/\/eagleeyelaser.com.au\/who-is-smile-pro-suitable-for\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]