What is SMILE surgery?

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced refractive technique that corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism through a minimal incision — just 2 to 4 mm — without creating a corneal flap as in LASIK.

The procedure is done in a single step with a femtosecond laser: a small lenticule of corneal tissue is created inside the cornea and removed through that micro-incision. Because there's no flap, the corneal surface is more stable from the very start.

It's an attractive option for patients with active lifestyles — contact sports, outdoor activities — or corneas that call for a more conservative approach. It's outpatient, takes just a few minutes per eye, and is performed with anesthetic drops.