SMILE Pro is a distinct technique from both LASIK (which uses a flap) and PRK/surface ablation (which removes the outer epithelium and reshapes the cornea on its surface). It combines the structural advantages of flapless surgery with a fast, comfortable procedure and rapid visual recovery.
Dr Chiu has extensive experience with SMILE Pro and performs the procedure at our laser suite in the Sydney CBD.
How SMILE Pro Works
A femtosecond laser creates a thin, disc-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea, along with a small incision of approximately 2 to 3 mm. The lenticule is then gently removed through this tiny incision. By removing the lenticule, the shape of the cornea changes, correcting the refractive error.
The entire procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 seconds of laser time per eye, with total procedure time of around 25 minutes for both eyes.
What Does SMILE Pro Treat?
- Myopia (short-sightedness) — the primary indication for SMILE Pro
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness) – Since 2025, hyperopic SMILE Pro is now available
- Astigmatism — smaller degrees can be corrected alongside myopia or hyperopia
SMILE Pro requires the prescription to be above a minimum degree so the lenticule is thick enough to be safely removed intact. For very low prescriptions, LASIK is preferred if suitable. PRK is also an option.
Advantages of SMILE Pro
- No flap — because no flap is created, there are no flap-related complications. SMILE Pro is sometimes referred to as keyhole LASIK
- Smaller incision — the tiny incision preserves more corneal nerves, which may result in less post-operative dry eye compared to LASIK
- Corneal biomechanical strength — the flapless approach preserves more of the anterior corneal stroma, maintaining better structural integrity
- Fast procedure — the laser time is very short, with the procedure completed quickly and comfortably
Am I Suitable for SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro is generally suited for adults aged 21 and over with stable myopia and hyperopia, with or without astigmatism. Suitability depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and health, pupil size, and overall eye health. Dr Chiu will assess all of these during your consultation.
If SMILE Pro isn’t suitable, Dr Chiu may recommend LASIK, PRK, ICL surgery, or another procedure.
Recovery
Visual recovery is quick, with most patients seeing well the day after surgery. Some mild blurriness may persist for a few days as the eye heals. Dry eye symptoms are typically less pronounced than after LASIK.
Risks
SMILE Pro has an excellent safety profile. Risks include dry eyes (usually less than LASIK), halos or glare (usually temporary), undercorrection or overcorrection, and, very rarely, difficulty extracting the lenticule. SMILE Pro avoids flap-related complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SMILE Pro and LASIK?
LASIK creates a flap with the femtosecond laser and uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap. SMILE Pro removes a lenticule through a small incision without a flap, using only a femtosecond laser. Both produce excellent visual results; SMILE Pro may have advantages for dry eye and corneal strength.
Is SMILE Pro the same as LASEK?
No. They are different procedures. LASEK is a surface ablation technique, similar to PRK, where the outer layer of the cornea is treated. SMILE Pro is a lenticule extraction procedure that works within the cornea through a tiny incision. The techniques, recovery, and mechanisms are distinct.
Can SMILE Pro treat long-sightedness?
SMILE Pro is approved for myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism, and more recently can now treat hyperopia. If you’re long-sighted, LASIK, ICL, or RLE may be more appropriate.