Skip to main menu Skip to main content Skip to footer

ZEISS SMILE pro

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

The 3rd Generation of Laser Vision Correction
ZEISS SMILE pro is LASIK without a flap and PRK without pain.

Better Vision, Better Life!


ZEISS SMILE pro – The Latest in Laser Vision Correction

step 1

A refractive lenticule and small incision are created inside the intact cornea – all in one step.

step 2

The lenticule is removed through the incision with only minimal distruption to the corneal biomechanics.

step 3

Removing the lenticule changes the shape of the cornea, thereby achieving the desired refractive correction.

What is ZEISS SMILE pro Laser Surgery

ZEISS SMILE pro stands for small incision lenticule extraction. It is a laser-based operation that helps correct specific vision problems. There are several components to the technique that make it special. For starters, it is designed to be minimally invasive and creates a gentle and comfortable procedure, both during, and after, the procedure. ZEISS SMILE pro® Correction uses the latest in laser technology to gently create a thin- contact lens shaped piece of material, just beneath the surface of the eye, which is then removed through a tiny opening. While it does involve moving tissue and making an incision, it does so on a smaller scale than most alternative methods

The procedure is accomplished in one step by using a femtosecond laser. The precision of the laser allows the doctor to reshape your cornea, thus reducing your dependency on glasses and contact lenses and in less time than by other means. Because of this, the average procedure time for a ZEISS SMILE pro procedure is only 24 seconds. Because the procedure is flapless, your doctor is able to reduce any risks for a number of complications. It also allows a single technique to be applied to different sources of visual problems, to include the correction of myopia and astigmatism.

Jesse Mason’s Vision Experience with ZEISS SMILE pro Laser Surgery

 

Choosing the Right procedure for You

Are you tired of relying on glasses or contacts for clear vision?

Wondering if there’s a better solution out there for you? Look no further! Discover which vision correction procedure is right for you today. Take the first step towards clear, effortless vision by clicking here to find out more.

Former Miss New Mexico Gets ZEISS SMILE pro Laser Surgery

The Difference Between ZEISS SMILE pro and LASIK

One of the easiest ways to understand ZEISS SMILE pro laser vision correction is to compare it to LASIK. The latter has been a popular surgical method for decades, and many people have at least some familiarity with it. In essence, the two procedures take a very different approach to optical treatments. Modern LASIK uses an all-laser approach while creating a corneal flap. The flap is then lifted like a window, allowing your doctor to reshape the cornea with a second laser called and excimer, and finally once the laser has reshaped the cornea, they are able to lay the flap back down. It recognizes its original place, and starts to heal within just minutes. With a ZEISS SMILE pro procedure, that flap is never created. Instead, the rapidly pulsing light is applied beneath the first layer of the cornea, allowing your doctor to protect the bio-mechanics of the eye. The same stimulated light amplification is then used to make a small incision (approximately 4mm) in order to remove the piece of material from a small pocket. The end result is a reshaped cornea without a hinging flap, with a much smaller incision, and with less invasion overall.

The lack of a flap is a pretty big deal. The substantially larger incision for LASIK (approximately 20mm) can be a source of inflammation, irritation, and poses the potential for complications that can occur after LASIK. By removing that step from the procedure, all of the negative side-effects attached to the methodology disappear. This doesn’t mean that this method is complete without side-effects, but the range of things that can go wrong is reduced by the simplified procedure.

The lack of a corneal flap also changes the nature of incision lenticule extraction as an option for vision problems. Ultimately, it forces this refractive surgery to be more specialized than LASIK. ZEISS SMILE is FDA approved to treat Myopia and Astigmatism and it treats problems within a range to a higher degree than LASIK can. This difference is ultimately what helps doctors and patients determine which method is the right one for each case. Rest assured your doctor will take all considerations into thought (lifestyle needs, occupational needs, and more) while recommending the best procedure for your individual outcome.

ZEISS SMILE pro Requires One Laser

ZEISS SMILE pro Technology

Lenticule extraction uses advanced optical technology. The tools in question perform extremely fast pulses. This increases precision and control in the operation.

To put this in context, a femto-second is a quadrillionth of a second. That’s difficult to put in perspective, but here are a few attempts. Light is the fastest thing in the universe, yet it can only go about 30 centimeters between the pulses of this tool. In a full second, light can circle the globe 7 times. These exceedingly fast pulses allow the doctor to make incredibly minute adjustments to the operation. That’s a big part of how lenticule extraction is able to treat more advanced nearsightedness than other optical techniques.

Eligibility

Some corrective techniques can only treat a small range of underlying conditions. With lenticule extraction, doctors can treat a larger range of root issues, provided that nearsightedness is the ultimate problem. It is not limited to just myopia or astigmatism. It can treat combination issues and resolve them just as effectively. ZEISS SMILE pro surgery is just as effective at astigmatism or myopia treatments. Within the scope of nearsightedness, ZEISS SMILE pro can treat a larger range of eligible candidates than many alternative methods.

Patient Financing

If you are looking for Premium Cataract or LASIK or ZEISS SMILE pro financing, Dr. Robert Melendez and the Juliette Eye Institute are thrilled to offer CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. You’ll find a wide array of monthly payment options to help you afford excellent vision.

The Alphaeon credit card allows you to move forward with scheduling your procedure without delay. Plus, with special financing options not available with other credit cards, you may find the Alphaeon Credit card is a better way to pay. There is no application or annual fee. With the Aphaeon CreditCard, you can receive the care that Dr. Robert Melendez recommends with flexible payment options that for your lifestyle.

Your eyes have what it takes to live your best life in technicolor detail. With the CareCredit healthcare credit card, the answer to clearer vision is right before your eyes. Apply today so you can enjoy the benefits of excellent vision! CareCredit can be used for multiple vision applications, including LASIK! Apply today so you can enjoy the benefits of excellent vision!

Calculator Icon

Discover Your Savings with Our Laser Vision Correction Calculator

Laser vision correction may be more affordable than you think!

Start Saving Today!

Looking to invest in your vision but worried about the cost?

Look no further than CareCredit and Alphaeon!

CareCredit Logo
Alphaeon Credit Logo
learn more

Vision Correction for All Ages

ZEISS SMILE pro, LASIK, and PRK

There’s now an option for people who are not candidates for LASIK but want clearer vision. RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) replaces the natural lens of the eye with an intraocular lens, providing clear vision. By replacing the natural lens, you will never get cataracts!

Refractive Lens Exchange

There are a variety of refractive surgeries that can improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a vision correction procedure that is intended for people aged 40 or older. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce the need for glasses and contact lenses.

Cataracts

As we age the natural lens of the eye can become clouded and reduce the quality of your vision. Cataract surgery replaces the natural lens with an intraocular lens restoring clear vision. With many lens options now available, you can not only have clearer vision, but eliminate your need for glasses all together.

Better Vision, Better Life!

ZEISS SMILE pro Eye Surgery FAQs

Small incision lenticule extraction is a treatment developed by ZEISS. This procedure is the latest innovation in minimally invasive laser vision correction completed in two steps.

Step 1 – The laser creates a lenticule (a separate piece of tissue in the cornea) and small incision on the corneal surface.

Step 2 – Removal of the lenticule by the surgeon through the 4-6 mm superior incision.

The total laser treatment time for lenticule creation is <10 seconds, with the overall treatment taking 5-10 minutes per eye.

We use the VISUMAX® 800 by ZEISS, the first and only laser approved for lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE pro.

The FDA approved the utilization of ZEISS SMILE pro in 2016, with the expanded indication for astigmatic treatment approved in 2018. Since the procedure’s introduction in 2011, over 10 million eyes have been treated with ZEISS SMILE pro globally.

For ZEISS SMILE pro, we typically charge:

This cost is approximately the same price as that for LASIK or PRK, which allows us to customize the surgical plan for our patients without making cost the basis for recommending treatment. As with other vision correction procedures, a patient’s FSA or HSA plan can be applied toward surgical treatment.

Patients looking for an alternative to glasses and contact lenses or have lens-free

lifestyle needs are excellent candidates to discuss laser vision correction options.

Similar to LASIK, patients must fall within a treatable refractive range and meet

the minimum residual stromal bed thickness to qualify for the procedure.

ZEISS SMILE pro treatment guidelines

• Myopia correction range: -1.00 to -10.00 Diopters

• Astigmatism correction range: -0.75 to -3.00 Diopters

• Age: 22 years of age or older

• Stability: Minimum of one year prescription stability ±0.50 diopters

Most patients can resume normal activity the next day as there is no flap with ZEISS SMILE pro. Visual fluctuation will occur over the first few days, with continued improvement during the first week as the cornea heals. Patients typically report minimal discomfort postoperatively with fewer reports of scratchiness, burning, or irritation of the eyes.

The preoperative appointment for ZEISS SMILE pro will follow the same clinical flow as that for LASIK patients. Similarly, a typical postoperative follow-up could be scheduled for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. Postoperative drops (antibiotic and steroid) prescribed for the patient will follow a similar schedule to that of LASIK patients.

Antibiotic:

Enter commonly prescribed antibiotic with dosing instructions up to two lines if needed

Steroid:

Enter commonly prescribed steroid with dosing instructions up to two lines if needed

As with any surgical procedure, complications are always possible. Many postoperative complications are very similar to those of LASIK and PRK, with a few rare findings specific to ZEISS SMILE pro. These can include epithelial implant, cap folds, retained lenticule fragments, and atypical diffuse lamellar keratitis. Because a flap is not created with ZEISS SMILE pro, there are no flap-related complications. For further questions or if a postoperative complication arises, please contact our office.

At Juliette Eye Institute, we are proud to offer ZEISS SMILE PRO, a cutting-edge solution for achieving clear vision with a quick recovery. Schedule your complimentary consultation today to find out if ZEISS SMILE pro is right for you! 

Headset Icon
book your complimentary
virtual consultation
Calendar Icon
Request an Appointment
Pencil on Paper Icon
LASIK/ZEISS SMILE pro Self-Test
Pencil on Paper Icon
cataract self-test