SMILE Laser Vision Correction
Advanced Vision Correction at Caster Eye
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is one of the newest forms of vision correction that uses a minimally invasive technique to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Caster Eye Center provides advanced SMILE laser vision correction using only the highly precise VisuMax laser by Zeiss, with decades of surgical expertise.
SMILE can be performed in one quick, painless step: no incisions, less dryness, and all the same exceptional results as LASIK.
How SMILE Works
SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea entirely from within, with only a tiny incision and no disruption to the eye’s surface whatsoever.
This procedure is done with the VisuMax laser, which creates a small, lens-shaped layer (lenticule) of tissue just beneath the surface of your cornea. Through a small opening at the edge of your eye, the thin tissue will be loosened and removed. Removing the small piece of tissue naturally changes the shape of your cornea enough to bring your vision into focus!
The entire laser step takes less than 30 seconds, and because nothing on the surface of your eye is ever cut or disturbed, there is no flap, no bandage, and very minimal recovery time. SMILE has become one of the most exciting advancements in laser vision correction. With millions of procedures performed worldwide, it has quickly become a preferred choice for patients seeking a fast, painless path to lasting clear vision.
SMILE at a Glance
SMILE is one of the most streamlined laser correction experiences available. The laser procedure itself takes about 30 seconds per eye, and the entire visit can take less than an hour.
Painless Procedure
To make the procedure as painless as possible, anesthetic numbing drops are applied to both eyes so there is no discomfort at any point. Using the VisuMax laser, the thin lens-shaped tissue is loosened and removed.
Recovery and Maintenance
Vision changes occur immediately after the procedure. Your eyes may feel sensitive for a short period of time, but there will be no significant discomfort. Because the procedure does not require a flap and the corneal surface remains intact, bandages or goggles are not required. In fact, SMILE offers minimal aftercare with little adjustment to your daily routine.
Seeing Your Results
Immediately After: Walk Out With Clear Vision
Most patients notice clearer vision almost immediately, with mild sensitivity around the eyes that typically fades within a few hours.
First Couple of Weeks: Minimal Aftercare
Most patients can return to work and drive comfortably soon after the procedure. Moisturizing eye drops can be used as needed, and follow-up visits are recommended to ensure your healing is on track.
3 Months: Final Vision Achieved
As with all types of laser vision correction, the final results of SMILE are fully established around three months after the procedure.
The final outcomes of SMILE are equivalent to those of LASIK and PRK. In many cases, patients see more clearly after SMILE than they ever did with glasses or contact lenses!
What Makes SMILE Different
In LASIK, a flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea so the laser can treat the tissue beneath it. The flap heals quickly and allows for rapid vision recovery, but it remains a permanent part of the corneal structure.
In PRK, the surface layer of the eye is removed before the laser is applied to the tissue underneath. There is no flap, but because the surface is disrupted during treatment, recovery is slower and patients may feel discomfort while the eyes heal.
LASIK is widely praised for its rapid recovery and immediate results while PRK is valued for its flapless design and the structural integrity it preserves. For a long time, patients had to choose between the two: fast recovery or no flap.
With SMILE, you can get the best of both worlds! By working entirely within the cornea without creating a flap or disturbing the surface, SMILE delivers the quick, comfortable recovery that LASIK patients love alongside the flapless design that makes PRK so appealing. The result is a procedure that combines the strengths of both techniques while minimizing the drawbacks of each. All three techniques achieve the same excellent long-term vision outcomes!
Who Is a Good Candidate for SMILE
SMILE is an excellent option for many patients seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses. During your personal consultation, Dr. Caster will assess your eye measurements and overall health to confirm it is the right fit for you. SMILE tends to be a particularly strong fit for the following patients:
- Prefer a completely flapless procedure with nothing to disturb long-term
- Experience dryness or sensitivity and want minimal impact on corneal nerves
- Lead active lifestyles and want a fast, restriction-free recovery
- Want to return to daily activities quickly after treatment
- Are nearsighted with or without astigmatism and meet candidacy requirements
Why Choose SMILE at Caster Eye
Choosing the right surgeon and technology is just as important as choosing the right procedure. At Caster Eye, SMILE is performed with:
- The VisuMax laser by Zeiss, the only laser in the world capable of performing SMILE
- 500,000 precisely placed laser spots per second for exceptional accuracy
- Personalized treatment planning based on detailed corneal measurements
- Extensive experience across all three laser vision correction techniques
Dr. Caster has been performing SMILE since 2016 and brings decades of combined laser vision correction experience to every procedure. Caster Eye is known for meticulous patient screening, conservative treatment planning, and outstanding long-term outcomes!
Schedule Your SMILE Consultation Today
Ready to find out if SMILE is right for you? Schedule a comprehensive consultation to see your options at Caster Eye. SMILE is here to help you take the next step toward lasting clear vision: no glasses, no contacts, no compromises!
Schedule your FREE Consultation