SMILE Pro in Turkey: The Next Generation of Laser Vision Correction
Quick Answer
SMILE Pro is one of the most advanced laser vision correction procedures available today for treating myopia (short-sightedness) and myopic astigmatism. Using the ZEISS VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser, the procedure is flap-free, minimally invasive and remarkably fast. However, SMILE Pro is not the best choice for every patient. A comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine the most suitable treatment.
What Is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the latest evolution of laser vision correction.
Unlike traditional LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, SMILE Pro reshapes the cornea through a tiny incision. During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a thin lens-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) inside the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision, changing the cornea’s shape and correcting vision.
The entire laser treatment is completed in just a few seconds.
SMILE Pro was developed to make laser vision correction less invasive while maintaining excellent visual outcomes.
How Does SMILE Pro Work?
Vision problems such as myopia occur because light entering the eye does not focus precisely on the retina.
SMILE Pro changes the curvature of the cornea so that light focuses accurately, resulting in clearer vision.
Unlike procedures that use both a femtosecond laser and an excimer laser, SMILE Pro uses only a femtosecond laser.
This eliminates the need to create a large corneal flap.
What Is ZEISS VisuMax 800?
The ZEISS VisuMax 800 is the newest generation SMILE platform.
Compared with earlier systems, it offers:
- Faster laser treatment
- Improved patient comfort
- Gentle docking
- Enhanced centration
- High precision
- Excellent reproducibility
The laser portion of the procedure typically takes around 8–10 seconds per eye, helping reduce the time patients need to maintain fixation.
What Can SMILE Pro Treat?
SMILE Pro is commonly used to treat:
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Myopic astigmatism
Not every refractive error can be treated with SMILE Pro. Patients with hyperopia (long-sightedness) or certain complex prescriptions may achieve better outcomes with other procedures such as Femto LASIK or lens-based treatments.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
- Are over 18 years of age
- Have a stable spectacle prescription
- Have healthy corneas
- Have sufficient corneal thickness
- Have myopia or myopic astigmatism
- Have realistic expectations
The final decision should always be based on a detailed examination rather than spectacle prescription alone.
Who May Not Be Suitable?
SMILE Pro may not be recommended if you have:
- Hyperopia
- Certain irregular corneal conditions
- Progressive keratoconus
- Significant cataracts
- Severe untreated dry eye disease
- Unstable refractive error
- Certain autoimmune or ocular surface disorders
Alternative treatments may provide safer or better long-term results.
Advantages of SMILE Pro
Minimally Invasive
Only a small incision is required, preserving more of the cornea’s natural structure.
No Corneal Flap
Unlike LASIK, SMILE Pro does not require creating a large flap.
Rapid Recovery
Many patients notice improved vision within the first day, with continued improvement over the following days.
Comfortable Procedure
The treatment is performed using anaesthetic eye drops and usually causes little or no pain.
Potentially Less Dry Eye
Because fewer corneal nerves are affected, many patients experience fewer dry-eye symptoms during recovery compared with traditional flap-based procedures. Individual results vary.
Excellent Visual Quality
When performed on suitable candidates, SMILE Pro provides highly predictable visual outcomes with excellent long-term stability.
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Like every surgical procedure, SMILE Pro has limitations.
These include:
- Not suitable for every prescription
- Not ideal for every corneal shape
- Hyperopia generally requires alternative treatments
- Temporary glare or halos may occur during healing
- Dry eye symptoms can still occur, although often to a lesser degree
- Enhancement procedures require individual assessment
The most appropriate procedure depends on your individual eyes rather than the latest technology.
SMILE Pro vs LASIK
Both procedures are highly successful.
SMILE Pro may offer advantages for many patients with myopia because of its flap-free design and minimally invasive approach.
Femto LASIK remains an outstanding procedure and continues to be an excellent option, particularly for hyperopia, mixed refractive errors and treatments requiring excimer laser customisation.
Neither procedure is universally superior.
The safest and most predictable treatment depends on careful patient selection.
SMILE Pro vs TransPRK
Both procedures avoid creating a large corneal flap.
SMILE Pro works inside the cornea through a small incision, while TransPRK reshapes the corneal surface.
SMILE Pro generally offers faster visual recovery and greater comfort for suitable patients, whereas TransPRK may be preferred in selected cases such as certain corneal characteristics or occupations.
What Happens During Surgery?
The procedure is performed as day surgery.
After anaesthetic eye drops are applied:
- The eye is positioned under the laser.
- The femtosecond laser creates the lenticule.
- A tiny incision is made.
- The lenticule is carefully removed.
- The procedure is repeated for the second eye.
Most patients spend less than 30 minutes in the treatment room.
Recovery After SMILE Pro
Recovery is usually quick.
Most patients:
- Notice improved vision within 24 hours
- Return to office work within a few days
- Resume many normal daily activities shortly afterwards
Eye drops are prescribed for several weeks, and follow-up examinations ensure healing is progressing normally.
Is SMILE Pro Permanent?
The corneal reshaping is permanent.
However, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia or cataracts can still develop later in life.
Some patients may eventually require reading glasses because this is part of the normal ageing process rather than a failure of the procedure.
Why Choose Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital?
Laser vision correction has been performed by Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu since 1992.
Our philosophy is simple:
We do not recommend the same procedure for every patient.
Instead, we evaluate your cornea, tear film, prescription, lifestyle and long-term visual needs before recommending the treatment that offers the safest and most predictable result.
Our refractive surgery service includes:
- Comprehensive pre-operative examination
- ZEISS VisuMax 800 technology
- Professor-led assessment
- Personalised treatment planning
- English-speaking international coordinators
- Comprehensive postoperative care
Professor’s Perspective
“Technology has transformed refractive surgery dramatically during my career. From mechanical microkeratomes to femtosecond lasers and now SMILE Pro, every advance has improved precision and patient comfort. Yet one principle has never changed: successful refractive surgery begins with selecting the right patient for the right procedure. The newest technology is not automatically the best option for every eye.”
— Prof. Dr. Mahmut Kaşkaloğlu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMILE Pro painful?
No. Anaesthetic eye drops are used, and most patients experience only mild pressure for a few seconds.
How long does SMILE Pro take?
The laser treatment itself usually lasts around 8–10 seconds per eye. The complete procedure generally takes 20–30 minutes.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
Yes. In most cases, both eyes are treated during the same session.
How soon can I return to work?
Many patients return to office work within a few days, although recovery varies between individuals.
Is SMILE Pro safer than LASIK?
Both procedures have excellent safety profiles when performed on appropriately selected patients. The best option depends on your individual eye characteristics.
Quick Answers (Atomic Blocks)
Is SMILE Pro worth it?
For suitable candidates, SMILE Pro offers excellent visual outcomes, rapid recovery and a minimally invasive flap-free technique.
Does SMILE Pro treat astigmatism?
Yes. SMILE Pro can correct many cases of myopic astigmatism.
Can SMILE Pro fail?
Serious complications are uncommon, but no surgical procedure can guarantee a perfect outcome. Careful patient selection is essential.
Is SMILE Pro permanent?
Yes. The corneal reshaping is permanent, although natural age-related eye changes continue throughout life.
What is the age limit for SMILE Pro?
There is no strict upper age limit. Suitability depends more on eye health than chronological age.
Can I have cataract surgery after SMILE Pro?
Yes. Previous SMILE Pro does not prevent cataract surgery later in life.
Is SMILE Pro better for athletes?
Because there is no large corneal flap, SMILE Pro may be an attractive option for many active individuals and contact sports participants. Suitability should always be assessed individually.
Related Articles
- Laser Vision Correction in Turkey
- Femto LASIK in Turkey
- TransPRK (No-Touch Laser)
- PRK Eye Surgery
- EVO ICL in Turkey
- How to Choose the Best Laser Eye Surgery
- Is SMILE Pro Better Than LASIK?
- Am I a Candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
