SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

About SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

SMILE, short for small incision lenticule extraction, is a laser procedure for short-sightedness, with or without astigmatism. A laser shapes a thin disc of tissue (a lenticule) inside the cornea, which the surgeon then removes through a small opening, changing the shape of the cornea.

Unlike LASIK, no flap is lifted. This may reduce some flap-related risks and may cause less dryness for some people, but sharp vision can take a little longer to return in the first days. Whether SMILE, LASIK, surface laser or no laser at all suits you depends on your measurements.

Who it may be suitable for

• Aged 18 or over, often older, with a prescription that has been stable for at least a year
• Corneas that are thick and regular enough on corneal mapping
• Healthy eyes, without conditions such as keratoconus, uncontrolled dry eye or active eye infection
• Short-sightedness with or without astigmatism within the range the technology treats

These are general points only. Whether a procedure is suitable for you is decided by the treating ophthalmologist after a full eye examination and detailed measurements in the clinic.

How it works

1. 01

   Records review

   You share your current glasses or contact lens prescription, any previous eye reports and your general medical history. The team confirms whether a full assessment is worthwhile.

2. 02

   Full eye examination

   In Istanbul, the ophthalmologist examines both eyes and takes detailed measurements. Drops that widen the pupils may blur your vision for a few hours, so you should not drive afterwards.

3. 03

   Laser treatment

   After numbing drops, the eye is gently held while the laser shapes the lenticule. The surgeon then removes it through a small opening at the edge of the cornea.

4. 04

   Follow-up checks

   The eye is checked after the procedure, usually the next day, before you fly. Later checks are arranged with an eye doctor near home, with your reports in hand.

What recovery usually looks like

1. First hours

   Vision is hazy and the eyes may feel scratchy or watery. Rest with your eyes closed as much as possible.

2. Next day

   The eyes are checked. Vision is often good enough for daily tasks but may be less crisp than after LASIK at this stage.

3. First weeks

   Use the prescribed drops, avoid rubbing your eyes and avoid swimming and eye make-up for the period the clinic recommends.

4. Months 1–3

   Vision continues to sharpen and stabilise. Dryness and glare usually settle.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Risks and considerations

• Dry, gritty eyes are common in the first months and usually improve; a few people have longer-lasting dryness.
• Glare, halos or starbursts around lights, especially at night, can occur and usually lessen over time.
• The correction can be slightly too little or too much, and some people need an enhancement or still use glasses for some tasks.
• Laser correction does not prevent the need for reading glasses with age, or other eye conditions later in life.
• Rarely, the cornea weakens and bulges (ectasia), or infection or inflammation develops. These need prompt treatment.
• If an enhancement is needed later, it is often done with a different laser technique rather than repeating SMILE.

Common questions