Life Without Glasses, in Under 10 Seconds of Laser Time SMILE pro Laser Vision Correction at Maxivision
At Maxivision Eye Hospitals, we offer ZEISS SMILE pro on the ZEISS VISUMAX 800, the latest generation of keyhole laser vision correction. The laser works for less than 10 seconds per eye. There is no flap and no blade, and most patients are back to their routine the very next day. This page explains what SMILE pro is, how the VISUMAX 800 helps you, who it suits, how it compares with LASIK, and what to expect before, during and after treatment.
What Is SMILE pro?
SMILE pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive, computer-guided laser procedure that corrects short sight (myopia) and astigmatism. The laser shapes a tiny disc of tissue called a lenticule inside the cornea in less than 10 seconds. Your surgeon removes it through a small keyhole opening; the cornea takes its new shape and the opening heals naturally without stitches.
Unlike LASIK, SMILE pro does not require a flap or an excimer laser. The upper layers of the cornea remain largely untouched, helping preserve more of the eye’s natural strength. More than 10 million eyes have been treated with ZEISS SMILE worldwide.
- SMILE pro
- Femto-LASIK
- CIRCLE enhancement
- Keratoconus and corneal procedures
How the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 Helps You
The ZEISS VISUMAX 800 uses a 2 MHz femtosecond laser to create the lenticule in under 10 seconds per eye. CentraLign helps centre treatment using the pupil and visual axis, while OcuLign reads the iris pattern and compensates for eye rotation. A gentle contact glass stabilises the eye, and you remain on one bed throughout the procedure.
Less than 10 seconds of laser time
The rapid laser step means less time holding still.
Perfectly centred treatment
CentraLign uses your pupil and visual axis to centre treatment.
Compensation for eye rotation
OcuLign reads your iris pattern and adjusts for natural eye rotation.
Stable and steady
A gentle contact glass and height tracking help keep the eye stable.
Gentle on the eye’s surface
The small opening disturbs fewer corneal nerves than LASIK for many patients.
Comfortable positioning
You stay on one bed under the integrated ZEISS microscope. condition.
Treatments Available with the ZEISS VISUMAX 800
The VISUMAX 800 supports several laser procedures. Your surgeon will recommend the option that matches your prescription, corneal shape and eye health.
SMILE pro: Keyhole Laser Vision Correction
For short sight with or without astigmatism, SMILE pro is flapless and bladeless, with under 10 seconds of laser time per eye. It offers a small keyhole opening, fast recovery for many patients, and is suited to active lifestyles when clinically appropriate.
Ask About SMILE proKeratoconus Care: Ring Tunnels
For patients better suited to LASIK, the VISUMAX 800 can create a blade-free corneal flap in about 5 seconds. This may be considered for some prescriptions or corneal shapes.
Ask About Femto-LASIKFemto-LASIK, CIRCLE & Corneal Procedures
CIRCLE can convert a previous SMILE treatment into a flap for enhancement if residual power remains. The platform can also create ring tunnels for keratoconus, laser-assisted cuts for corneal transplants, and arcuate incisions for selected astigmatism cases.
Ask About Treatment OptionsWho Is SMILE pro For?
SMILE pro may suit adults aged 18 or older with a stable glasses prescription for at least a year, short sight of about -0.50 D to -10.00 D, with or without astigmatism up to 5.00 D, healthy eyes and adequate corneal thickness. Detailed scans are needed to confirm suitability. It may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune conditions, keratoconus, glaucoma, cataract, other eye diseases or very thin corneas. Alternatives may include Femto-LASIK, Contoura Vision, PRK or ICL. Your surgeon will discuss the safest option after a complete evaluation.
Book a Free Eligibility Check- Age 18+ with stable prescription
- Corneal mapping (topography)
- Tear film assessment
- Retina and eye health check
- Tear film assessment
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Corneal suitability scans
- Personalised treatment assessment
How Does SMILE pro Compare to Other Laser Procedures?
PRK, LASIK/Femto-LASIK, classic SMILE and SMILE pro differ in flap design, opening size, laser time, dry-eye effects and recovery. SMILE pro has no flap, uses a small keyhole opening of about 4 mm, and takes under 10 seconds of laser time per eye. Your surgeon will explain which approach fits your eyes.
No flap
The procedure uses a small keyhole opening rather than a large corneal flap.
Small opening
The lenticule is created rapidly with a 2 MHz laser.
Fast laser step
Laser time is under 10 seconds per eye.
Surface-sparing approach
Fewer corneal nerves are disturbed than with LASIK for many patients.
Active-lifestyle suitability
No flap to dislodge after healing.
Flapless correction. Rapid laser time. Personalised assessment.
What to Expect with SMILE pro
Your eligibility check includes corneal mapping, thickness, glasses power, tear film and a retina check. On the day, numbing drops are placed in your eyes; the laser works for under 10 seconds per eye. Your surgeon removes the lenticule through the small opening. Both eyes usually take about 10–15 minutes in total, and you go home the same day. Arrange for someone to drive you.
Before Surgery
Your team checks corneal shape and thickness, prescription stability, tear film and retinal health. Soft contact lens users should stop wearing them for about a week before testing; rigid lens users may need longer.
On the Day
Numbing drops are used. You look at a target light while a contact glass holds the eye steady.
Laser & Lenticule Removal
The laser creates the lenticule in under 10 seconds per eye. Your surgeon removes it through the small keyhole opening. The full procedure for both eyes takes about 10–15 minutes.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Vision may be hazy or watery for a few hours. Many patients notice a major improvement the next morning, with further sharpening over days and weeks. Attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Use prescribed drops exactly as directed. Do not rub your eyes for at least 2 weeks; wear your protective shield while sleeping for the first few nights. Keep water and soap out of your eyes for about a week, wear sunglasses outdoors, take screen breaks, avoid eye make-up for about a week and swimming for 2 weeks. Follow your surgeon’s activity guidance and attend all check-ups. Seek urgent advice for increasing pain, worsening redness, sudden vision drop or discharge.
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Use prescribed eye dropsUse antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops as prescribed.
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Avoid rubbingDo not rub your eyes for at least 2 weeks.
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Protect your eyesSupports a more comfortable Attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
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Attend follow-upsCommon visits are the next day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months.
How Does SMILE pro Compare with LASIK?
Both SMILE pro and LASIK can be effective for suitable patients. SMILE pro has no flap, uses a small keyhole opening and may cause fewer dry-eye symptoms for many patients. LASIK may be more suitable for some prescriptions and corneal shapes. Your surgeon will recommend an option based on your examination.
- No flap
- Small keyhole opening
- Under 10 seconds of laser time per eye
- Recovery often allows routine the next day
Why Choose Maxivision for SMILE pro?
ZEISS VISUMAX 800 technology, experienced refractive surgeons and detailed corneal diagnostics help guide personalised treatment for every patient.
Experienced Ophthalmologists
Experienced refractive surgeons who guide you to the right procedure.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Detailed pre-surgery evaluation with advanced corneal diagnostics.
Evidence-Based Protocols
SMILE pro, Contoura Vision, Femto-LASIK, PRK and ICL options under one roof.
Patient-Centred Care
Transparent pricing, easy EMI options and support through recovery.
“We believe technology is most valuable when it helps our specialists deliver safer, more precise, and more personalised eye care.”
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Numbing drops are used, and you may only feel light pressure for a few seconds.
Less than 10 seconds per eye. The full procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes.
Yes. Both eyes are usually treated in the same session.
Both are effective for suitable patients. SMILE pro has no flap and may cause fewer dry-eye symptoms; LASIK may suit some prescriptions and corneal shapes. Your surgeon will recommend the right fit.
The corneal correction is permanent, but natural age-related changes, such as needing reading glasses after 40, can still happen.
Mild dry eye is often manageable. SMILE pro is gentler on the eye surface than LASIK for many patients; your surgeon will assess and treat dry eye if needed.
Book a Free Eligibility Check
If you are tired of glasses or contact lenses, our refractive team can assess whether SMILE pro is suitable for you. We will explain your options and help you make an informed decision. corneal condition, our ophthalmologists can help you understand your options. Together, we'll create a
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- Personalised refractive consultation
- Advanced corneal diagnostics
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