In 2025, more surgeons are recommending SMILE Pro over traditional SMILE due to its advanced technology, faster procedure time, and improved precision.
SMILE Pro represents the latest iteration of the SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery, offering significant improvements that provide better patient outcomes and greater surgical efficiency.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the key reasons why SMILE Pro has become the preferred choice for many surgeons, how it compares to the original SMILE procedure, and what advantages it offers to both patients and medical professionals.
What Is SMILE Pro and How Does It Differ from Traditional SMILE?
Understanding SMILE: A Quick Overview
SMILE is a vision correction procedure designed to treat refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. It involves using a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule (a disc-shaped piece of tissue) in the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. This procedure has become popular for its minimally invasive approach and rapid recovery period.
The Evolution of SMILE Pro: Enhanced Technology
SMILE Pro builds upon the foundation of SMILE surgery by introducing enhanced technology and advanced laser capabilities. The key difference between SMILE and SMILE Pro lies in the laser irradiation speed. While the laser scanning in SMILE takes approximately 22 seconds per eye, SMILE Pro completes the procedure in under 10 seconds per eye. This improvement drastically shortens surgery time, making it over 50% faster compared to the traditional SMILE procedure.
Why Surgeons Prefer SMILE Pro Over SMILE?
1. Faster Laser Scanning Speed
Faster laser scanning speed is one of the most significant advantages of SMILE Pro. The procedure utilises the VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser, which operates at an improved pulse rate of 2 MHz compared to the 500 KHz pulse rate of the original SMILE. This reduced laser time means that the overall surgery time is shorter, which leads to several key benefits:
- Reduced risk of infection: Shorter exposure time may lower the chance of external contamination, though this hasn’t been conclusively proven in clinical trials.
- Less eye strain and inflammation: Shorter surgery time may also reduce strain and the chances of post-surgery inflammation.
- Faster recovery: Many patients report noticeable visual improvement within 24 hours, though recovery times can vary.
2. Improved Surgical Precision and Control
SMILE Pro incorporates enhanced laser technology and improved software, offering surgeons better control and precision during the procedure. The VISUMAX 800 laser system, for example, provides better centration and cyclotorsion alignment through the OcuLign and CentraLign systems. These systems help correct any potential rotational misalignments of the eye, which improves the accuracy of the lenticule creation.
Surgeons can also make finer adjustments to the incision size and lenticule shape, which can lead to more accurate corrections and better visual outcomes for patients.
3. Enhanced Astigmatism Correction
Astigmatism correction has seen notable improvements in SMILE Pro. The procedure now offers better correction of moderate to high astigmatism. With OcuLign technology, SMILE Pro is able to adjust the axis of astigmatism more effectively, which translates into better results for patients suffering from astigmatism.
4. Reduced Risk of Dry Eye Syndrome
One of the significant advantages of SMILE Pro over traditional SMILE and other refractive procedures like LASIK is its lower risk of dry eye syndrome. SMILE Pro is designed to minimise damage to corneal nerves, which play a crucial role in maintaining tear production. As a result, patients are less likely to experience dry eye symptoms post-surgery, making it an excellent choice for those prone to or concerned about this condition.
5. FDA Approval and Surgeons’ Confidence
In early 2024, SMILE Pro received FDA approval, marking a major milestone for the procedure. This approval not only signifies its safety and efficacy but also boosts surgeons’ confidence in recommending SMILE Pro as a reliable vision correction solution. With the introduction of SMILE Pro, surgeons now have a more refined, faster, and safer tool to perform refractive surgery, leading to improved patient outcomes.
6. Advanced Technology for Better Patient Experience
The improved laser pulse frequency and the enhanced software interface of the VISUMAX 800 help provide a smoother and more comfortable patient experience. The quick procedure time reduces patient anxiety, and the more intuitive system allows for better customisation of treatments to suit each patient’s unique eye characteristics.
The CentraLign system ensures that the eye is centred properly before the surgery even begins, leading to smoother and more efficient docking. This reduces the amount of stress during the treatment and enhances overall patient comfort.
What Makes SMILE Pro a Better Option Than Other LASIK Alternatives?
1. Reduced Risk of Complications
Compared to traditional LASIK, SMILE Pro offers a less invasive approach. Since it doesn’t require the creation of a large corneal flap, the risk of complications such as flap dislocation is eliminated. Additionally, the laser’s precision and the faster procedure time help minimise the chance of any surgical errors or complications.
2. Higher Patient Satisfaction
With its ability to correct astigmatism more effectively, reduce recovery time, and minimise the risk of dry eyes, SMILE Pro offers higher levels of patient satisfaction than both SMILE and traditional LASIK. Many patients report better visual outcomes and faster healing, contributing to a more positive overall experience with the procedure.
3. Less Post-Surgical Discomfort
The faster and more precise nature of SMILE Pro may mean less trauma to the eye, leading to less discomfort. Patients typically experience fewer post-surgical symptoms, such as irritation, light sensitivity, and halos, which are common with other refractive surgeries.
Conclusion: Why SMILE Pro Is the Future of Vision Correction?
SMILE Pro has quickly become the preferred choice for many surgeons due to its superior technology, faster procedure time, and improved outcomes. With advancements in laser precision, enhanced astigmatism correction, and reduced risk of complications, SMILE Pro offers a safer, more effective solution for those seeking vision correction in 2025 and beyond.
For patients looking for a quicker recovery, reduced dry eye risk, and better visual results, SMILE Pro presents a compelling option. As more surgeons adopt this advanced procedure, it’s clear that SMILE Pro is setting new standards for refractive surgery.
If you’re considering SMILE Pro, consult with your ophthalmologist to see if it’s the right option for your eye health and vision goals. Whether you’re dealing with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or simply seeking a better overall vision correction experience, SMILE Pro could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
