Top Questions Patients Ask About ZEISS SMILE Pro Answered

If you have a refractive error like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, it affects every part of your life. From dealing with prescription glasses to running out of contact lenses and navigating a blurry world, these vision issues can be inconvenient, irritating, and expensive in the long term.

Laser eye surgery corrects these refractive errors, so you can see clearly without inconvenience. With so many eye treatments available today, though, how do you know which one is right for you?

ZEISS SMILE Pro is the newest generation of minimally invasive vision correction. It offers faster healing, greater comfort, and more precise results than other procedures, like LASIK and ReLEx SMILE. Using state-of-the-art technology, this flapless procedure corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism quickly and accurately.

As with any vision treatment, patients have questions before committing. To help you feel more confident, we’ve answered the most common ones here.

What is ZEISS SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro is the latest generation of minimally invasive laser eye surgery. It corrects refractive errors, like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, using the advanced ZEISS VisuMax 800 or 600 laser. This femtosecond laser allows for greater precision, shorter laser time, and enhanced comfort for the patient.

Since it does not create a corneal flap, SMILE Pro has fewer risks of complications and a faster recovery time. The procedure is designed for effectiveness, efficiency, and better visual results.

What happens during the procedure?

During SMILE Pro surgery, your eye surgeon uses the advanced ZEISS VisuMax 800 laser to create a very small opening in your eye (4-6 mm wide). In less than 10 seconds, the laser creates a thin, contact lens-shaped layer beneath the surface of the eye, called a lenticule. The surgeon removes this layer through the tiny incision, gently reshaping the cornea.

By changing the shape of the cornea, light can focus correctly on the retina, fixing issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for clear, sharp vision. This minimally invasive approach keeps most of the cornea intact. You experience more comfort during surgery and faster healing afterwards.

How does SMILE Pro differ from LASIK?

Both SMILE Pro and LASIK use a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea, but there are a few key differences. LASIK works by creating a corneal flap, which increases your risk of complications, decreases comfort, and prolongs the healing period.

SMILE Pro, on the other hand, is a flapless procedure. Consequently, you heal faster with less risk. This makes it a great option for patients with a higher risk for developing flap-related complications or dry eyes, as well as those with an active lifestyle or demanding work schedules.

How is SMILE Pro better than the original ReLEx SMILE?

SMILE Pro uses the groundbreaking ZEISS VisuMax 800, rather than the older VisuMax 600. Although both SMILE surgeries are safe and accurate, SMILE Pro is faster, more comfortable, and even more precise. The ZEISS VisuMax 800 laser is capable of creating even smaller incisions in less time; only 8 to 10 seconds per eye compared to the 25 to 27 seconds of laser time per eye with the ReLEx SMILE.

Is SMILE Pro safer than other laser eye surgeries?

All the laser eye surgeries offered by Clearview Vision Institute are safe and deliver reliable results. However, some offer less risk of complications, like the ZEISS SMILE Pro. Since this is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require the creation of a corneal flap, there is no risk of developing a flap-related complication post-surgery. Furthermore, the flapless nature of the treatment better preserves corneal nerves, resulting in a reduced risk of other side effects, such as dry eyes.

Who is a good candidate?

In order to be a good candidate for any laser eye treatment, you need to be an adult with a stable prescription (for at least a year) and in good eye health. You also need to have sufficient corneal thickness.

SMILE Pro is an eye surgery designed to treat refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. If you experience any of these vision issues, then SMILE Pro can help!

Additionally, SMILE Pro is ideal for those looking for a flapless, gentle procedure that aligns with their lifestyle. Athletes, those with physically active lifestyles, or physically demanding work occupations, should consider SMILE Pro.

How long does the procedure take?

The entire SMILE Pro surgery takes around 15 minutes. Due to the speed and precision of the ZEISS VisuMax laser, laser time has been reduced to under 10 seconds per eye.

Can SMILE Pro treat both eyes in one session?

Yes, both eyes are usually treated on the same day. SMILE Pro is known for its speed and accuracy, which allows patients to leave with both eyes corrected from a single appointment. This saves you time and ensures that recovery is simultaneous.

How do I prepare for SMILE Pro surgery?

Once your eye surgeon has determined that you are a good candidate for SMILE Pro and scheduled your surgery, there are a few things you should do to prepare.

First, stop wearing soft contact lenses at least two weeks prior. Then, in the days leading up to your procedure, avoid wearing eye makeup, like mascara or eyeliner. On the day of surgery, do not wear any cosmetics or lotions around your eyes. Make sure your face is clean to reduce the risk of infection.

You should also arrange a ride home after your procedure, since your vision will likely be too blurry to drive safely.

How soon will I see results with this refractive eye surgery?

With the ZEISS SMILE Pro, patients enjoy greater visual outcomes in less time. In fact, many patients can resume their normal routines after just one or two days. You will likely notice clearer, sharper vision within 24 hours, with your vision continuing to improve over the next few days. Final results of refractive eye surgery typically stabilize within a few weeks.

What is recovery like?

Recovery from ZEISS SMILE Pro is quick and comfortable. Most patients notice improved vision after just a day, with minimal discomfort. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, it results in less irritation, faster healing, and fewer activity restrictions compared to other laser eye surgeries.

Are there any risks?

All surgeries carry some risk, but ZEISS SMILE Pro is very safe. Complications are rare, especially because the procedure does not involve creating a corneal flap. Some patients may experience temporary dryness or light sensitivity; however, these usually resolve quickly with proper aftercare and follow-up appointments.

Choose Clearview Vision Institute for ZEISS SMILE Pro Eye Treatment

Clearview Vision Institute has a history of introducing advanced procedures to Canada—the ZEISS SMILE Pro is just the latest example. Our commitment to providing the best care and best treatment options to our patients has enabled more Canadians to improve their vision. Furthermore, we design vision correction plans that meet your specific needs and preferences.

To request more information on ZEISS SMILE Pro, call Clearview Vision Institute today at 647-493-6371 or contact us here.