Laser vision · SMILE
SMILE: flapless laser vision correction
Reviewed by Rajesh Khanna, MD
SMILE (small-incision lenticule extraction) corrects nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, without a LASIK flap. A femtosecond laser shapes a thin lenticule inside the cornea, and Dr. Khanna removes it through a small opening. SMILE Pro is the same surgery on the newer ZEISS VISUMAX 800.
How it works
What SMILE is
In SMILE, a femtosecond laser creates a thin lenticule, a small disc of tissue, inside the cornea. Dr. Khanna removes it through a small opening, which reshapes the cornea and corrects the prescription. No flap is lifted.
SMILE Pro is the same small-incision method on the newer ZEISS VISUMAX 800, which creates the lenticule faster and adds digital aids for centration and eye rotation. For timing on the day, see SMILE Pro; Dr. Khanna explains which platform fits your eyes at your VIP consult.
Compare
SMILE vs SMILE Pro
The same surgery on two generations of ZEISS laser.
| Feature | SMILE | SMILE Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Small-incision lenticule extraction | Small-incision lenticule extraction |
| Laser | ZEISS VisuMax | ZEISS VISUMAX 800 |
| Alignment aids | Surgeon-guided | CentraLign and OcuLign |
| Monthly cost | $135 per eye for 24 months | $150 per eye for 24 months |
| Learn more | On this page | SMILE Pro |
Candidacy
Are you a candidate for SMILE?
A glasses prescription alone can’t tell whether your cornea is safe for laser correction. Your VIP consult measures it.
Often a good fit
- Age 22 or older (current U.S. labeling)
- Stable prescription over the past year
- Nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, in the approved range
- Healthy corneal shape and enough tissue
- Healthy or well-treated eye surface
May not be right, or not yet
- A prescription that is still changing
- Irregular corneal maps, keratoconus or higher ectasia risk
- Significant untreated dry eye
- Farsightedness (not covered by the U.S. approval)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, or certain eye or general health conditions
Procedure day
What treatment day is like
Map and qualify
Refraction, corneal topography and tomography, thickness and eye-surface testing at your VIP consult.
Numb and position
Drops numb the eye and the laser gently docks. You stay awake and may feel pressure.
Create and remove
The laser shapes the lenticule. Dr. Khanna removes it through the small opening.
Protect and recover
Your eye is checked, drops and limits are reviewed, and someone drives you home.
Recovery
Recovery
Many patients notice clearer vision quickly, sometimes by the next day. Healing and activity clearance vary, so follow Dr. Khanna’s instructions rather than a timeline from social media.
Surgery day
Hazy vision, watering and light sensitivity are common. Use your drops, rest, don’t rub your eyes, and have a driver.
First 24 hours
Vision often improves but can fluctuate. Come to your scheduled follow-up.
First few days
Use drops as directed, take screen breaks, and wear sunglasses outdoors.
Water and sports
Wait 2–3 weeks for swimming, hot tubs and the ocean. Contact sports need Dr. Khanna’s clearance.
Call the surgical team right away for increasing pain, sudden vision loss, marked redness or discharge.
Benefits and risks
The honest version
Why people consider SMILE
- No LASIK flap; the cornea is entered through a small incision
- Many suitable patients see well soon after treatment
- Less dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- Fine-tunings and enhancements are included in the price
What no one can promise
No refractive surgery is risk-free. Possible effects include temporary blur, dryness, light sensitivity, glare, halos, under- or over-correction, regression, inflammation, infection, and the possible need for glasses, contacts or more treatment.
We can promise a careful evaluation and a clear recommendation. We cannot promise perfect vision, zero risk or the same recovery for everyone.
Your surgeon
The technology is advanced. The judgment is personal.
Rajesh Khanna, MD is a UCLA clinical instructor with 25+ years in practice and 25,000+ vision procedures.
At your visit, Dr. Khanna decides whether surgery is the right choice, which procedure fits your eyes, and how to manage the result. The aim is the safest path to the vision that matters in your life, not the newest procedure for everyone.
"I've operated on my own mother, my wife and my son." (Dr. Khanna)
About Dr. KhannaCost and financing
What SMILE costs
| Option | Per eye, per month |
|---|---|
| SMILE | $135 for 24 months |
| SMILE Pro | $150 for 24 months |
Monthly amounts are for qualified applicants through our financing partners. Approval, APR and terms are set by the lender, not by Khanna Vision Institute.
Our procedure prices include all exams, measurements, surgeon’s and anesthetist’s fees, implant fees where applicable, 24 months of follow-up, all fine-tunings and enhancements, dry eye care, YAG where applicable, and the drops needed for surgery.
We have dropped, and will continue to drop, HMO and optical (vision) insurance plans. For questions about a specific plan, call (310) 482-1240.
Vision questionnaire
Take the 2-minute vision quiz
Four quick questions point you to the options Dr. Khanna will look at first. No name, email or phone needed, and your answers stay on this page.
SMILE questions
What is the difference between SMILE and SMILE Pro?
The core method is the same. SMILE Pro is performed on the next-generation ZEISS VISUMAX 800 platform with a newer, digitally assisted workflow. Your surgeon explains which platform fits your eyes at your consultation.
How much does SMILE cost?
SMILE is $135 per eye per month for 24 months. SMILE Pro is $150 per eye per month for 24 months. Figures are for qualified applicants through our financing partners.
Does SMILE create a flap?
No. The lenticule is removed through a small opening, so no LASIK flap is made.
Can SMILE correct farsightedness?
No. The current U.S. approval covers nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. Dr. Khanna can explain other options for farsightedness.
How soon can I swim?
Wait 2–3 weeks for swimming, hot tubs and the ocean. Contact sports need Dr. Khanna’s clearance.
VIP consult
Request your VIP consult
Your first visit is a VIP consult: more time with each patient, and enough time with the surgeon, Dr. Khanna. Candidacy is decided there, and the answer may be a procedure or no surgery at all.
- VIP consult for SMILE Pro, SMILE, LASIK, EVO ICL, PIE, PRK and LASEK
- A surgery consultation, not a full eye exam
- In-office or virtual, as offered
Beverly Hills: Monday and Thursday · Westlake Village: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday · 8 AM–5 PM, last appointment 4 PM. Saturday by arrangement only: please call.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Rajesh Khanna, MD (review pending before launch). This page is educational and does not replace an exam. Eligibility, risks, benefits, alternatives and recovery are reviewed with your surgeon. Results vary.