SMILE is a keyhole laser procedure mainly used to correct short-sight and some astigmatism. Suitability depends on prescription, corneal health, and lifestyle.
Typical SMILE candidates
SMILE suits many adults with stable prescriptions who want independence from glasses or contact lenses. The cornea must be thick and healthy enough to keep its strength after tissue removal.
- Usually for myopia and myopic astigmatism rather than long-sight
- Prescription should be stable for at least one to two years
- Patients should be over 21 with healthy eyes
- Ideal for those in contact sports because there is no surface flap
Who may not be suitable for SMILE
Certain corneal or medical conditions can make SMILE unsafe. Alternative procedures may offer better outcomes in these cases.
- Irregular corneas or suspected keratoconus are usually excluded
- Very high prescriptions may fall outside the safe treatment range
- Severe dry eye or autoimmune disease may limit suitability
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or uncontrolled diabetes usually delay surgery
