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This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. This site is also not intended for patients and healthcare providers residing in the United States of America and Japan.

What happens during the procedure with ZEISS SMILE?

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Do you want to improve your eyesight and reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses or contact lenses? Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE may be a solution for you. Learn here how the procedure is performed and how ZEISS SMILE can improve your vision.

  
      What is ZEISS SMILE?
      
    Advanced laser vision correction used around the world

Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE is an advanced laser vision treatment. Millions of people across the world have already benefited from high-precision ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction. Find out more here.

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Step by step through vision correction with ZEISS SMILE

What to expect during the procedure

Here, we highlight the typical steps involved in the laser vision correction procedure using ZEISS SMILE. Your surgeon will explain these steps in more detail and answer any additional questions you may have.

1st Step
Preparing you for the procedure

Before starting the procedure, your eye is numbed using anaesthetic drops. To keep your eye open during surgery, an eyelid holder is fitted. A contact glass is placed on your eye and the suction it produces will keep your eye still. You may experience some slight pressure during this step.
2nd Step
Reshaping your cornea with ZEISS SMILE

Lenticule extraction is performed on VisuMax® with SMILE® from ZEISS. Using a femtosecond laser, in less than 30 seconds, the laser creates a small disc of corneal tissue (called a lenticule) and a small opening of ~ 4 mm. The exact size and shape of the lenticule is specific to your refractive error.
3rd Step
Preparing to remove the lenticule

The lenticule is then removed through the small opening created by the laser.
4th Step
Correcting your vision to make you smile

Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, thereby correcting your vision. The small opening will close as your eye heals.
5th Step
Healing and Recovery

With ZEISS SMILE, some patients can return to many of their regular activities of daily living as soon as the following day. However, patients should avoid risky activities such as contact sports or being in dusty or smoky environments. Before and after eye surgery, your doctor will advise you on when it is appropriate and safe to resume any specific activities.

The advantages of ZEISS SMILE

Why should you choose vision correction with ZEISS SMILE?

The procedure with ZEISS SMILE corrects near-sightedness with or without astigmatism in patients who qualify. In most cases following surgery with ZEISS SMILE, many patients enjoy improved vision that will even get better within a couple of days. Here’s some more advantages of the Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE:

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Flapless procedure 

Vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is a minimally invasive, flapless and bladeless procedure where the small opening created by the laser is ~ 4 mm.
It’s technologically advanced

ZEISS SMILE is high-precision technology that can correct near-sightedness with or without astigmatism.
Fast recovery

With ZEISS SMILE, your vision should stabilise within a few weeks. Your eye doctor can advise you when it is appropriate to resume any specific activities.

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I have always had issues with using lenses and specs, as they don’t make me feel comfortable. So, I started exploring laser treatments, the counselor explained all the different surgeries and I felt that ZEISS SMILE is a better option for me as I am moving abroad very soon.

It's been one of my best decisions till date. I am very happy, and I am asking my wife to also get the procedure done! The procedure was very quick! My vision is bright and clear now!

Gautam Nanjapa 32 Yrs.
Banker
I was suffering from myopia from last 3-4 years. So, I decided to get it corrected. After talking to the doctor, I decided on ZEISS SMILE as it was a fast and minimally invasive procedure, and it was convenient for me. I felt the process was fast and smooth.

My vision was almost back to normal on the same day of the procedure and after 2-3 days I had completely recovered. I got ZEISS SMILE procedure done to get rid of my glasses so I could play sports and do other recreational activities without any challenges.

I feel a lot more free and more confident after the SMILE procedure.

Rahul H. Kumar 22 Yrs.
IT Professional & Sports Enthusiast
I wore specs since I was in 4th standard in school. I would wake up in the morning and I was not able to see where I had kept my glasses, my eye power was -8. My brother’s friend got this procedure done and that is how I came to know about it. I then started doing my research and I realized that the surgery time was very less. So, I decided to get ZEISS SMILE done for myself.

My procedure was 3-4 mins, and by the next day itself I could see clearly. This has been a great experience. I play cricket as well; I am a bowler and my glasses used to fall off… this is a big change.

Varun 28 Yrs.
Software Engineer & Cricket Enthusiast
I am a dancer and spectacles were an inconvenience. Alongwith my costume and makeup it didn’t look good. That was the main reason for me to opt for a ZEISS SMILE procedure. I got to know about it from my friend who had undergone the same procedure and was very happy with it.

At first, I was anxious, but the doctors are very competent and friendly, and I was given end to end guidance. I could see the change from the next day of the procedure. I had been wearing the spectacles from last 5 years, it would fog up when I wore a mask or helmet to drive. Now I am not worried about any of this.

Keerthi Lakshmi 23 Yrs.
IT Professional & Dancer
I have been wearing glasses from 12th standard. Due to various unknowns, I had never been able to makeup my mind, but I wanted to get rid of the glasses before I turned 40 and be free!

I did some research online and talked to people who had got the procedure done. This gave me a lot of confidence to get the ZEISS SMILE procedure done and I decided that this is the best process for me as it is minimally invasive.

Now when I look at a clock and can see the time clearly, I see the difference! I feel relaxed as I don't have to carry lenses and solutions and spare glasses anymore. I am now going to do all the underwater activities that I have always wanted to try out!

Ramay K. 37 Yrs.
Software Engineer

ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction is approved for patients with near-sightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism. While myopia causes your vision to be blurred for far away objects, hyperopia means nearby objects or text is fuzzy and obscure. Astigmatism causes further distorted or blurred vision as the cornea is more oval than round (more like a rugby ball than a football) and can lead to headaches and eye strain

If you are looking for a vision correction centre powered by ZEISS technology, please consult our clinic finder.

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Your ophthalmic surgeon will provide you with a list of instructions about your procedure, including when to stop wearing your contact lenses, what to eat on the day, what to wear to your procedure and when to administer your post-op, prescription eye drops. Please note, you will need to arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure.
Following the procedure, you should avoid rubbing or touching your eye. Some ophthalmic surgeons may recommend wearing eye shields while sleeping for a day or so following your treatment.
In most cases, following the surgery with ZEISS SMILE, patients enjoy improved vision immediately – and it will even get better over the next few days.

However, you will not be able to drive after the procedure, so you will need to arrange for someone to take you home. Please also talk to your consultant for any details that might be applicable in your particular circumstances.
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Find a ZEISS SMILE centre near you

Providers offering the procedure with ZEISS SMILE

Not all providers offer ZEISS SMILE technology. To make it easy for you to find a centre offering ZEISS’ technology near you, search our ZEISS SMILE Clinic Finder.

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