SMILE Pro
Lenticule-based vision correction. Minimal incision, high precision, faster healing.
What is SMILE Pro and what is it about?
SMILE Pro is the latest generation of SMILE and the most advanced laser vision correction method currently available. Laser Visumax 800 reshapes the cornea by microdissecting 2-3 mm without creating a flap, so you get back to everyday life faster and usually experience dry eye less often.
At BLIKPOL as one of three clinics in Poland we make SMILE Pro as well as in cases of hyperopia. Zabieg przeprowadzany jest najnowocześniejszym laserem femtosekundowym VisuMax800 przez wykwalifikowaną lek. Aleksandrę Trzeciak po dokładnej kwalifikacji. Nasi pozostali specjaliści przeprowadzają zabiegi SMILE Pro przy krótkowzroczności i astygmatyzmie.
Who is the SMILE Pro treatment for?
For athletes
The minimally invasive nature of the procedure and the greater biomechanical stability of the cornea make SMILE Pro a popular choice for physically active patients, those involved in contact sports or anyone at risk of eye trauma.
For dry eyes
SMILE does not affect the corneal nerve endings, which significantly reduces the risk of dry eyes following the procedure. Ideal for people with Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) or those who cannot tolerate contact lenses.
For the discerning
State-of-the-art technology, the highest precision, minimally invasive, which is why it is often chosen by representatives of the uniformed services, rescue workers or aircrew members.
With SMILE Pro we correct*:
- Myopia from -0.75 to -10.0 D
- Hyperopia from +0.5 to +7.0 D
- Astigmatism up to 3.0 D
*Indicative range only. The consultation and method choice are determined by your doctor after examination. The final range is based on corneal thickness and geometry, pupil diameter, tear film quality, topography/tomography findings and fundus examination.
Advantages of the SMILE Pro method
Painless, fast and minimally invasive treatment
No flap - less risk of complications
Short recovery time
See how the procedure works
The treatment involves two main steps, using two different lasers - the femtosecond laser creates the flap and the excimer laser shapes the cornea.
Step 1: Preparation
The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops. You lie down under the laser. A gentle eyelid speculum keeps your eye open throughout the procedure and a soft suction device stabilises the eye.
Step 2: Creation of the lenticule
The femtosecond laser creates a tiny lenticule inside the cornea with a precise shape corresponding to your refractive error. The process takes about 25 seconds and is painless under topical anaesthesia.
Step 3: Microscopic incision
The laser creates a microscopic incision just 2–3 mm long on the corneal surface. This is significantly smaller than the flap in conventional LASIK, which minimises the invasiveness of the procedure.
Step 4: Removal of the lenticule
Through the microscopic incision, the surgeon carefully removes the lenticule. Once removed, the cornea takes on a new shape, correcting the refractive error. The incision heals naturally without stitches.
Recovery after SMILE
Day of procedure
You may experience a slight burning sensation and watering immediately after the procedure. Your vision improves the same evening. Rest at home and do not drive.
First follow-up visit
Significant improvement in vision. Follow-up visit with your doctor. After a positive assessment, you can return to most daily activities, including work. Minimal discomfort.
One-month follow-up
Vision stabilises. You can usually start light sport without physical contact. The incision is almost completely healed. Continue using your prescribed eye drops.
Further follow-up visits
Full recovery. You can return to all activities, including contact sports. Your vision should have reached full acuity by now, though this varies between individuals. Your doctor will assess the final outcome at your follow-up visit.
Limitations and possible symptoms
Which rules out the procedure:
- Keratoconus or abnormal topography; cornea too thin
- Active inflammation or severe dry eye disease (treat this first)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding; unstable refractive error (lasts 6–12 months)
- Uncompensated diabetes, active autoimmune disease or isotretinoin use
What you may experience afterwards:
- Dryness, a „gritty” sensation, and sensitivity to light in the first few days
- Fluctuations in focus, halo/glare at night
- Rare: transient light sensitivity syndrome (TLS)
- Very rare: infection or ectasia; occasionally a re-treatment may be needed
Aleksandra Trzeciak
Eye specialist, ophthalmic surgeon
Dr Aleksandra Trzeciak specialises in modern refractive surgery and assessing suitability for laser vision correction. At BLIKPOL, she looks after patients from diagnosis through to post-operative follow-up, ensuring safety and predictable results. Scope of specialisation:
- qualification and laser vision correction procedures, including SMILE Pro in hyperopia
- diagnosis of vision defects and corneal parameters
- management of patients after refractive surgery
CONTACT
Ready for SMILE?
Make an appointment for testing and see if SMILE is for you
FAQ
We will answer all your questions
Are the results of SMILE Pro long-lasting?
The results are usually long-lasting, with age comes a natural presbyopia (typically from the age of 40–45), which may mean reading glasses are needed regardless of any previous corneal correction.
SMILE versus SMILE PRO - what is the difference?
- Same idea, newer technology. Both methods are flap-free and involve the removal of a lenticule from the cornea. SMILE Pro it's the newer generation of the device: shorter laser duration, typically smaller incision and greater comfort in the hall.
- The correction rangeis as in SMILE - myopia and astigmatism (hyperopia is not available with standard SMILE, but is possible with SMILE Pro at BLIKPOL).
- For the patient: rapid return, less interference with corneal nerves (often less risk of dryness).
How soon will I return to normal life after the SMILE Pro method?
SMILE Pro offers one of the fastest recovery times. Most patients notice an improvement in vision the same evening. Most return to work after just 1–2 days. Non-contact sport is usually possible after one week and contact sport after one month.
Does SMILE Pro hurt?
No. The procedure is performed under topical anaesthesia (anaesthetic eye drops). You may feel a slight pressure during the procedure — this is completely normal. Afterwards, discomfort is minimal and most patients return to their normal daily life the very next day.
What is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the most advanced method of laser vision correction currently available. The femtosecond laser creates a tiny lenticule inside the cornea, which is then removed through a microscopic incision just 2–3 mm long. This is significantly smaller than the 20 mm incision in conventional LASIK, making the procedure minimally invasive.