SMILE Pro Eye Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a flapless laser vision correction procedure. A femtosecond laser sculpts a thin disc of tissue (lenticule) inside your cornea, which the surgeon removes through a 2–4 mm keyhole incision. This reshapes the cornea and corrects your vision. It runs on the Zeiss VisuMax 800 platform. Learn more about how SMILE Pro works.

LASIK creates a 20 mm corneal flap; SMILE Pro uses a keyhole incision roughly 80% smaller. This means fewer nerves are cut, less dry eye, and stronger corneal structure post-surgery. LASIK uses two lasers; SMILE Pro uses one. Our SMILE Pro vs LASIK comparison covers every difference in detail.

SMILE Pro uses the newer VisuMax 800 platform, which completes the laser in ~10 seconds per eye versus ~23 seconds on the older VisuMax 500. Faster laser time means less suction duration, improved patient comfort, and more precise lenticule creation. See our SMILE to SMILE Pro upgrade guide.

The laser itself takes about 10 seconds per eye. Including preparation, positioning, and both eyes, the entire time in the procedure room is typically under 15–20 minutes. You’ll be at the centre for about 1–2 hours total including pre-op checks.

Yes. The entire procedure uses a femtosecond laser—no blades, no excimer laser, and no corneal flap. It is fully bladeless from start to finish. More on this at is SMILE Pro bladeless.

Yes. Bilateral simultaneous treatment (both eyes in one session) is standard practice. There is no need for a second appointment.

Yes. Anaesthetic eye drops numb the surface completely. You’re awake but feel no pain. The surgeon will ask you to look at a fixation light during the brief laser application. Learn more at are you awake during SMILE Pro.

No. Anaesthetic drops numb the eye. During the laser, you’ll feel mild pressure for about 10 seconds—not pain. After surgery, mild grittiness or watering is common for 2–6 hours. Standard paracetamol handles any residual soreness.

Patients describe it as gentle pressure on the eye—similar to pressing a finger lightly against your closed eyelid. Vision dims briefly during suction, which is normal. The sensation lasts only seconds.

You may feel very slight contact when the surgeon separates and removes the lenticule, but this is painless. The anaesthetic drops ensure you feel pressure at most, never pain.

Adults aged 18+ with stable myopia (−1D to −10D) and/or astigmatism (up to −5D) for at least 12 months, adequate corneal thickness, and no active eye disease. Full criteria are here: SMILE Pro candidacy guide.

SMILE Pro preserves more corneal tissue than LASIK (no flap), so some patients with thinner corneas who don’t qualify for LASIK can still get SMILE Pro. However, minimum thickness thresholds still apply—your surgeon will confirm during the pre-operative evaluation.

Patients with well-controlled diabetes may qualify after additional evaluation. Uncontrolled diabetes or diabetic retinopathy are contraindications. See our guide on laser eye surgery for diabetic patients.

Yes. SMILE Pro corrects astigmatism up to −5 dioptres when combined with myopia. The lenticule geometry is customised to address the asymmetric curvature of an astigmatic cornea.

Yes—this is a recent advancement. SMILE Pro for hyperopia is now available at Visual Aids Centre in Delhi, one of the first centres in India to offer it.

The minimum age is 18. There is no strict upper limit, but patients over 40 should understand that presbyopia (age-related near vision difficulty) is a separate condition SMILE Pro doesn’t address. Details here: SMILE Pro age limit.

No. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can temporarily alter your prescription. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 3 months after stopping breastfeeding and confirming prescription stability before proceeding. See SMILE Pro and pregnancy.

Usable vision returns within 4–6 hours. Most patients resume desk work in 2–3 days and exercise within a week. Full visual stabilisation takes 1–4 weeks. Detailed milestones are in our SMILE Pro recovery timeline.

Most patients can drive within 2–3 days, once their surgeon confirms adequate visual acuity at the first follow-up. Do not drive yourself home on surgery day.

Light screen use is usually fine from the next day, with frequent breaks. Extended screen sessions are comfortable for most patients by day 3–5. See phone use after SMILE Pro.

Light exercise (walking, light cardio) is fine within 3–5 days. Gym workouts after about a week. Swimming and water sports after 2–4 weeks. Contact sports like boxing or martial arts after 1 month. Full guide: exercise after SMILE Pro.

Typically antibiotic drops (to prevent infection), anti-inflammatory/steroid drops (to control healing), and preservative-free lubricating drops (for comfort). Your surgeon will give you a specific schedule. Details at eye drops after SMILE Pro.

You can shower from the next day, but avoid direct water on your face for the first 2–3 days. Use a damp cloth for face cleaning. Hair washing is fine if you tilt your head back to keep water out of your eyes. More at washing hair after SMILE Pro.

Avoid all eye makeup for at least 7–10 days. Waterproof formulas and kohl/kajal should wait 3–4 weeks. Face makeup away from the eyes is fine after 2–3 days.

The corneal reshaping is permanent—it doesn’t “wear off.” A small percentage of high-prescription patients may experience minor regression over years, which can be addressed with an enhancement procedure. Age-related presbyopia (after 40) is a separate natural process.

The majority of SMILE Pro patients achieve 20/20 or better. Results depend on your starting prescription, corneal anatomy, and healing response. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations during the pre-operative consultation.

Significant regression is rare. Minor changes (0.25–0.50D) can occur in a small percentage of patients, particularly those with very high starting prescriptions. An enhancement can correct this if needed. More details at can my number come back after SMILE Pro.

A repeat SMILE Pro is possible if corneal thickness allows. Alternatively, a LASIK or PRK enhancement can be performed on a post-SMILE eye. Your surgeon will assess your options based on remaining corneal tissue. See can SMILE Pro be repeated.

Common short-term effects include temporary dryness, mild night halos/glare (resolves in 1–3 months), and slight haziness the first week. Serious complications (infection, significant correction errors) occur in well under 1% of cases at experienced centres.

Some temporary dryness is common but typically milder and shorter-lasting than after LASIK, because the smaller incision disrupts fewer corneal nerves. Most patients are off lubricating drops within 1–3 months. Full explanation at dry eyes after SMILE Pro.

Both procedures have excellent safety profiles. SMILE Pro has structural advantages—no flap means no flap-related complications and better corneal biomechanical stability. Dry eye incidence is also lower. However, “safer” depends on individual anatomy. Our SMILE Pro safety guide explains the evidence.

The VisuMax 800’s centration tracking and suction system are designed to handle micro-movements. If suction is lost (extremely rare), the surgeon can re-dock and continue or reschedule. The laser does not fire unless alignment is confirmed.

SMILE Pro is priced higher than standard LASIK or Contoura Vision due to the advanced VisuMax 800 platform. At Visual Aids Centre, the cost includes pre-op testing, the procedure, medications, and all follow-ups for the first year. Detailed pricing: SMILE Pro cost.

Most Indian health insurance plans classify refractive surgery as elective and don’t cover it. However, some corporate group policies may offer partial reimbursement. Check with your insurer. More at insurance coverage for SMILE Pro.

Yes. Visual Aids Centre offers EMI options and can guide you through available payment plans during your consultation.

Standard follow-ups are at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery. Additional visits are scheduled if needed based on your healing. All follow-ups for the first year are included in the procedure cost.