Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is the most recently developed type of minimally invasive laser eye procedure which can correct various vision impairments.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is the most recently developed type of minimally invasive laser eye procedure which can correct various vision impairments.
SMILE uses femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea. The laser’s high peak intensity over a very short pulse duration (within a few femtoseconds of time) allows it to create micro-precision single holes (bubbles) that form together cuts or planes in the corneal tissue without affecting the surrounding tissue.
It takes an average of 23 seconds for the laser to create a small lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (called the lenticule) inside the cornea. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small incision outer part of the eye.
This reshapes the cornea and corrects the refractive error. The femtosecond laser produces a thin layer just beneath the surface of the eye, and at the same time creates a small opening. It’s an almost silent, noiseless, odourless procedure and the patient can remain in the same position from start to finish.
Femtosecond lasers are designed to harmlessly pass through the upper layers of the cornea, to create the lenticule only at a specific sublayer inside the cornea, which means:
There are many similarities between LASIK and SMILE. They are:
Ultimately, both SMILE and LASIK are affordable procedures to improve refractive errors, with certain limitations on who is a good candidate for each option.
Read our comprehensive content on Tips to heal faster after Lasik Surgery and get your hands on effective post-Lasik Surgery tips.
Get advanced eye treatment by the leading SMILE Specialist in Mumbai and improve your vision at Arohi Eye Hospital a renowned eye hospital in Mumbai.
If you are looking for a SMILE Specialist in Mumbai or Lasik eye treatment in Mumbai you can Call: +91-9820111315.
I had a Lasik performed by Dr Shradha Goel and the consultation was done by Dr Shalomith Uppapalli for the same. Both of them are friendly and helped me throughout the process to be calm. Lasik was performed in no time and the whole process was smooth, thanks to the doctors 🙂
I was very nervous coming for my operation that I had been delaying for the past 10 years, but coming to Arohi was a very positive experience. The staff was very kind and my interaction with Dr. Shradha was comfortable. Highly Recommend!
Due to my higher eye power, I was operated for ICL. Arohi Eye Hospital has taken all the care and has been followed us up regarding our checkup. It was a fantastic experience for me and my family. The staff is very cooperative and the environment is very positive. Most importantly, Dr Shradha Goel has helped us a lot.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses a femtosecond laser to create a lenticule inside the cornea and remove it via a tiny incision (~4 mm) to reshape the cornea and correct vision.
SMILE is minimally invasive (no large flap), the outer corneal layers remain largely intact, dry-eye risk is lower, and corneal stability is higher compared to many LASIK variants.
Candidates are typically over 18, with myopia (with/without astigmatism) and healthy corneas. The detailed evaluation will confirm suitability.
The laser portion for creating the lenticule takes about 23 seconds, and the whole procedure is quick and performed on an outpatient basis.
Vision improvement is rapid, with minimal downtime thanks to the small incision, and patients can usually resume normal activities soon after.
SMILE is effective for myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism, though not typically used for hyperopia (farsightedness) at present.
While SMILE offers many advantages, it cannot yet correct some higher-order aberrations or hyperopia as well as certain LASIK technologies.
Choose a clinic with experienced refractive surgeons, modern diagnostics, and one that offers SMILE as a technology option—Arohi Eye Hospital promotes itself as such.
Yes — because SMILE involves a smaller incision and preserves more corneal tissue compared to flap-based procedures, making it more suitable for some with thinner corneas.
Expect a full eye-health check (corneal thickness, map, dry eye assessment), discussion of technology and outcomes, and personalised advice on whether SMILE or another refractive option is best.
