Understanding smile

A keyhole approach to vision.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) corrects nearsightedness through a tiny 3mm opening instead of a flap. Less dry eye risk, faster recovery, and excellent results for the right candidates.

What's happening

A lens of tissue, removed cleanly.

A femtosecond laser creates a thin, disc-shaped piece of tissue (a lenticule) inside your cornea. A tiny 3mm opening lets the surgeon remove the lenticule. That's it — the cornea is reshaped from the inside out.

No flap, no surface scraping. The small incision heals quickly and preserves more of your corneal nerves than LASIK — which typically means less post-op dry eye.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Step 01

Laser creates lenticule

Femtosecond laser shapes a thin disc of tissue inside your cornea. ~25 seconds.

Step 02

Small incision

A tiny 2–3mm opening gives access to the lenticule. Precise and minimal.

Step 03

Lenticule removed

The shaped tissue is gently extracted. Your cornea is now reshaped.

Recovery

Fast return

Most patients see well within 24–48 hours. Back to normal activities within days.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

How is SMILE different from LASIK?+

No flap (smaller incision), only one laser instead of two, typically less dry eye afterward. LASIK generally corrects a wider range of prescriptions including farsightedness; SMILE is best for nearsightedness with or without astigmatism.

Does it hurt?+

No pain during, similar to LASIK. Post-op comfort is actually better than LASIK for most — mild irritation day one, usually fine by day two.

How fast is recovery?+

Many patients see clearly within 24–48 hours. Final vision typically stable by 1–2 weeks. Back to work often next day.

Am I a candidate?+

Best for nearsightedness (often with astigmatism), age 22+, stable Rx, adequate corneal thickness, and healthy eyes. We'll confirm during your consultation.

Can SMILE be touched up later?+

Yes. Enhancement is usually done with PRK on the surface if needed — uncommon with modern SMILE results.

A keyhole approach to vision.

A lens of tissue, removed cleanly.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Laser creates lenticule

Small incision

Lenticule removed

Fast return

Call us if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

A keyhole approach to vision.

A lens of tissue, removed cleanly.

Here's the plan —and why it works.

Laser creates lenticule

Small incision

Lenticule removed

Fast return

Call us if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.