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What Is SMILE?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the most advanced generation of laser vision correction — a minimally invasive, flapless procedure performed entirely on the Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser platform. Instead of creating a flap, the laser creates a thin contact-lens-shaped disc (lenticule) inside the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny 2mm keyhole incision.

This revolutionary approach preserves the corneal biomechanics better than both LASIK and LASEK, results in fewer dry eye symptoms, and offers the fastest recovery of any laser vision correction procedure. SMILE is particularly suited for patients with active lifestyles who want the least invasive option available.

• Flapless — no flap, no flap complications
• 2mm micro-incision — preserves corneal nerves and biomechanics
• 1-day recovery — minimal discomfort, rapid visual return
• Zeiss VisuMax platform — the gold standard in refractive surgery

How SMILE Works

The Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a thin, precisely shaped disc of corneal tissue (lenticule) within the intact cornea — along with a tiny 2mm surface opening. This entire process takes less than 30 seconds and requires no flap creation. The surgeon then extracts the lenticule through the 2mm incision using micro-forceps — effectively removing the refractive error without disturbing the corneal surface or creating a flap.

Because only a 2mm incision is made (versus the ~20mm circular flap in LASIK), the corneal nerves are largely preserved — reducing post-operative dry eye and maintaining greater corneal biomechanical stability. Most patients report clear vision within hours and are back to normal activities the next day.