Life Without Glasses, in Under 10 Seconds of Laser Time
Fogged-up glasses under a mask, contact lenses that sting after a long day at the screen, fumbling for spectacles the moment you wake up. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and you have a gentler way out.
At Maxivision Eye Hospitals, we offer ZEISS SMILE pro on the ZEISS VISUMAX 800, the latest generation of the world's leading 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 your treatment.
What Is SMILE pro?
SMILE pro is a minimally invasive, computer-guided laser procedure that corrects short sight (myopia) and astigmatism, so you can reduce or stop wearing glasses and contact lenses. SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It works in three simple steps:
- The laser shapes a tiny disc of tissue (a lenticule) inside your cornea, the clear front window of the eye, in less than 10 seconds.
- Your surgeon removes the disc through a small keyhole opening of about 4 mm.
- Your cornea takes its new shape, bringing images into sharp focus. The opening heals naturally, without stitches.
Unlike LASIK, no flap is cut and no excimer laser is needed. The upper layers of the cornea stay largely untouched, so your eye keeps more of its natural strength. More than 10 million eyes have been treated with ZEISS SMILE worldwide.
How the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 Helps You
The ZEISS VISUMAX 800 is ZEISS's newest femtosecond laser from Germany. Here is what its technology means for you.
Less than 10 seconds of laser time
With a 2 MHz laser, the lenticule is created in under 10 seconds per eye. Less time under the laser means less time holding still and less stress.
Perfectly centred treatment
CentraLign auto uses your pupil and the natural visual axis of your eye to centre the treatment before the laser starts, adjusting automatically for small deviations.
Corrects for eye rotation
When you lie down, your eye rotates slightly. OcuLign reads your iris pattern and adjusts the treatment for this rotation. This matters most when correcting astigmatism.
Stable and steady
A gentle contact glass keeps your eye still, and height tracking keeps it stable throughout the laser step.
Gentle on your eye's surface
Because only a small opening is made, fewer corneal nerves are disturbed than with LASIK. This means fewer dry-eye symptoms for many patients.
Comfortable positioning
You stay on one bed under the integrated ZEISS microscope for the whole procedure. You do not need to move between machines.
Treatments Available with the ZEISS VISUMAX 800
SMILE pro: Keyhole Laser Vision Correction
For short sight with or without astigmatism. Flapless, bladeless and completed in under 10 seconds of laser time per eye.
How it helps you: fast recovery, fewer dry-eye symptoms and a strong, stable cornea. Ideal for active lifestyles.
Femto-LASIK (Blade-Free Flap)
For patients better suited to LASIK, for example some with long sight or specific corneal shapes. The VISUMAX 800 creates the corneal flap in about 5 seconds, instead of a mechanical blade.
How it helps you: precise, customised flaps and very quick visual recovery.
CIRCLE: Enhancement After SMILE
If a small residual power remains after SMILE, the CIRCLE option can convert the original treatment into a flap for a fine-tuning correction.
How it helps you: a safe, planned route for touch-ups if they are ever needed.
Keratoconus Care: Ring Tunnels
The laser creates precise tunnels in the cornea for intracorneal ring segments that help support and flatten a keratoconus cornea.
How it helps you: accurate depth and placement, and better tolerance of glasses or contact lenses afterwards.
Laser-Assisted Corneal Transplant
For scarred or damaged corneas, the laser makes precise cuts for full-thickness (PKP) or partial-thickness (ALK) transplants.
How it helps you: an exact fit and smoother healing.
Arcuate Incisions for Astigmatism
Fine, curved laser incisions in the cornea can reduce certain types of astigmatism.
How it helps you: precise, repeatable incisions planned for your eye.
Who Is SMILE pro For?
SMILE pro may be right for you if you have short sight from about -0.50 D up to -10.00 D, with or without astigmatism up to 5.00 D, and healthy eyes confirmed by our scans.
SMILE pro may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune conditions, keratoconus, glaucoma, cataract or other eye diseases, or have very thin corneas. If it is not right for you, your surgeon will suggest the safest alternative, such as Femto-LASIK, Contoura Vision, PRK or ICL.
Book a Free Eligibility Check- Aged 18 years or older
- Stable glasses power for at least a year (change of no more than 0.50 D)
- Healthy eyes and corneas of adequate thickness
- Tired of contact lens discomfort or dry eyes from lenses
- Play sports, work outdoors, or in a profession where glasses are a hindrance (police, defence, aviation aspirants, athletes, actors)
- Long hours on screens and want a procedure gentler on the eye's surface
How Does SMILE pro Compare to Other Laser Procedures?
All modern laser vision procedures are safe and effective in the right eyes. Here is how they differ for you.
| What matters to you | PRK (surface laser) | LASIK / Femto-LASIK | Classic SMILE | SMILE pro (VISUMAX 800) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flap | No flap; surface layer removed | Flap of about 8 to 9 mm | No flap | No flap |
| Opening size | Whole treatment area | Large flap edge | Small keyhole, 2 to 4 mm | Small keyhole, about 4 mm |
| Laser time | Varies | Two lasers, several steps | About 25 to 30 seconds | Under 10 seconds |
| Comfort in first days | Discomfort for 3 to 5 days | Mild | Mild | Mild |
| Dry eye after surgery | Moderate | More common | Less common | Less common |
| Corneal strength | Good | Flap reduces it slightly | Well preserved | Well preserved |
| Contact sports | After healing | Small risk of flap injury | No flap to dislodge | No flap to dislodge |
| Back to routine | About 1 week | 1 to 2 days | 1 to 2 days | Usually the next day |
What to Expect with SMILE pro
Your eligibility check includes corneal mapping (topography), corneal thickness, glasses power, tear film and a retina check. Soft contact lens users stop wearing them for about a week before tests, and rigid lens users for longer. Your surgeon will explain whether SMILE pro is right for you and answer every question.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye. There are no injections.
- A gentle eyelid holder keeps your eye open, so you don't need to worry about blinking.
- You look at a soft target light. A curved contact glass rests on your eye and holds it steady.
- The laser works for less than 10 seconds. You may feel light pressure and your vision may dim briefly. There is no pain.
- Your surgeon removes the lenticule through the small opening.
- The whole procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes for both eyes. You go home the same day. Arrange for someone to drive you.
Your vision may be hazy or watery for a few hours, with mild grittiness. Rest your eyes at home. Most patients notice a big improvement the next morning, and vision continues to sharpen over the following days and weeks.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Recovery after SMILE pro is quick and comfortable for most people. Follow these simple steps:
- Use your eye drops exactly as prescribedAntibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops protect healing; lubricating drops keep eyes comfortable.
- Don't rub your eyes for at least 2 weeksWear the protective shield while sleeping for the first few nights.
- Keep water and soap out of your eyes for about a weekYou can have a head bath after 3 to 5 days, with your eyes closed.
- Wear sunglasses outdoorsProtects against dust, wind and glare.
- Screens are fine in moderation from the next dayTake regular breaks.
- Skip eye make-up for about a week, and swimming for 2 weeks
- Attend all follow-upsUsually the next day, at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months.
| Activity | When you can usually resume |
|---|---|
| Office and screen work | Next day to 2 days |
| Driving | Once your doctor confirms your vision meets the standard, often within a few days |
| Gym and jogging | After about 1 week |
| Swimming | After about 2 weeks |
| Contact sports (cricket, football, martial arts) | After about 2 to 4 weeks, with protective eyewear |
Why Choose Maxivision for SMILE pro?
Latest ZEISS VISUMAX 800
Latest ZEISS VISUMAX 800 technology at our Somajiguda (Hyderabad) and Rajkot centres.
Experienced Refractive Surgeons
They guide you to the right procedure, not just the newest one.
Detailed Pre-Surgery Evaluation
Advanced corneal diagnostics for safety.
A full range of options
A full range of options under one roof: SMILE pro, Contoura Vision, Femto-LASIK, PRK and ICL.
30 Years of Trusted Eye Care
Across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Transparent pricing
Transparent pricing and easy EMI options.
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 excellent. SMILE pro has no flap, causes fewer dry-eye symptoms and keeps the cornea stronger, so it suits active people and screen users. LASIK may be better for some powers and corneal shapes. Your surgeon will recommend the best fit.
The correction of the cornea is permanent. Natural age-related changes, such as needing reading glasses after 40, can still happen.
Mild dry eye is often manageable, and SMILE pro is gentler on the surface than LASIK. Your surgeon will assess and treat dry eye before surgery if needed.
Vision correction surgery is usually considered elective and not covered. Our team can explain costs and EMI options.
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.
- Easy appointments — book in minutes
- Personalised refractive consultation
- Advanced corneal diagnostics
Book Your Appointment
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Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information. Suitability and results vary. Please consult a Maxivision eye specialist for advice about your eyes.
