In recent years, almost every part of life has benefited from incredible technological advances that make our lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable. In no area are these developments more important than the medical industry.
That’s why, at London Vision Clinic, we not only utilise but contribute to the development of the most cutting-edge solutions in Laser Eye Surgery.
Our Harley Street clinic was one of the first in the world to offer SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery to our patients. By using a revolutionary, minimally-invasive laser, our surgeons are now able to more efficiently treat patients with moderate and high short-sightedness, thinner corneas, and greater contact lens intolerance than ever before.
Therefore, SMILE opens up Laser Eye Surgery to a whole new group of people who previously were considered to be unsuitable for treatment.
What SMILE Can Do
Our very own Professor Dan Reinstein was one of the innovators behind this latest generation of Laser Eye Surgery. The resulting ‘keyhole’ procedure is faster to perform than traditional LASIK and offers increased comfort and reduced recovery time to each patient.
SMILE procedures involve accessing the stroma tissue (inner portion of the cornea) through a tiny incision, created by the incredibly precise Carl Zeiss Meditec VisuMas femtosecond laser. Through this tiny incision, our surgeons are able to remove targeted tissue, reshaping the cornea.
In comparison, LASIK treatments disrupt a much larger portion of the epithelium (outer layer of the cornea). In this procedure, a flap is created to allow access to the corneal bed. Once the targeted tissue has been removed, this flap is moved back into position to heal.
The difference in disruption to the cornea means that, in SMILE, the eye can start healing itself almost immediately after the surgery. SMILE can also reduce and even eliminate the risk of post-surgical complications.
Thanks to the quick recovery for both eyes associated with SMILE surgery, as many as 80 per cent of SMILE patients report seeing an immediate improvement in their vision; the remaining patients are seeing clearly in just a few short days.
Who is SMILE best suited for?
SMILE has become an increasingly important option for patients who may not have been suitable for earlier forms of laser eye surgery. It is particularly effective for those with moderate to high myopia, patients with thinner corneas, or individuals who have experienced discomfort with contact lenses.
Because the procedure preserves more of the cornea’s natural structure, it is often considered a more conservative approach compared to flap-based treatments. This makes it an attractive option for patients with active lifestyles, including those involved in sports or physically demanding professions where eye stability is important.
At London Vision Clinic, suitability is determined through detailed diagnostic testing, ensuring that each patient is guided towards the safest and most effective treatment for their eyes.
SMILE vs LASIK: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Keyhole (minimally invasive) | Flap-based procedure |
| Corneal Impact | Preserves more corneal structure | Requires creation of corneal flap |
| Recovery Time | Fast, often within a few days | Very fast, often next-day clarity |
| Comfort | Minimal discomfort | Mild discomfort for first 24 hours |
| Dry Eye Risk | Lower risk | Slightly higher risk |
| Best For | Myopia, thinner corneas, active lifestyles | Wide range of prescriptions |
| Technology | Single femtosecond laser | Femtosecond + excimer laser |
Precision technology behind SMILE
At the core of SMILE is the femtosecond laser, capable of operating at an incredibly high level of precision within the cornea. This allows surgeons to create and remove a microscopic lenticule of tissue through a very small incision, without the need for a corneal flap.
This level of accuracy reduces disruption to the surface of the eye and supports a more natural healing response. It also contributes to the consistency of outcomes, with many patients achieving high-quality vision quickly after treatment.
The continued refinement of this technology, alongside surgical expertise, is what has enabled SMILE to become one of the most advanced options in modern refractive surgery.
SMILE in modern vision correction
As laser eye surgery continues to evolve, SMILE represents a shift towards minimally invasive, tissue-preserving procedures. It sits alongside treatments such as LASIK, PRK, and lens-based solutions, offering another pathway to visual freedom depending on the individual.
While no single treatment is suitable for everyone, the expansion of options means more patients than ever before can now be treated safely and effectively. For those who were previously told they were not suitable for laser eye surgery, advancements like SMILE have helped redefine what is possible.
The Future
While SMILE is not currently suitable for patients with long-sightedness (hyperopia), it is invaluable in offering an option to many patients that have previously been told they do not qualify for treatments such as PRK and LASIK, including patients with higher myopic prescriptions.
Despite its current shortcomings regarding hyperopia, it is hoped that continued research and development will soon make Laser Eye Surgery a suitable option for even more patients.
SMILE is now the fastest-growing Laser Eye Surgery procedure, gathering praise from both doctors and patients. Millions of people worldwide are now seeing clearly, thanks to SMILE Pro.
Long-sighted and unsure which treatments you could be eligible for? Contact one of our friendly clinic coordinators today and find out what Laser Eye Surgery could do for you.
