(212) 759-9617
Manhattan
(201) 843-3861
Paramus, NJ
(516) 461-2300
Roslyn, NY
(914) 416-6800
Westchester, NY
x

SMILE Laser Vision Correction

What is SMILE laser eye surgery and how does it work?

​​​​​​​SMILE, also known as ZEISS SMILE, stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

Only performed at select, premier laser eye surgery centers across the United States, SMILE is the most advanced 3rd generation laser vision correction. In other words, it is the world’s safest and most precise laser vision correction technique and technology.

Without ablation, without a flap, the SMILE treatment is a single-step procedure to improve nearsightedness and astigmatism. It is not only as effective and predictable as earlier forms of laser surgery, but also provides safety and stability that is superior to them.

The Procedure

SMILE, 3rd Generation Laser Vision Correction

SMILE uses a precise laser to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.
This no-flap procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye, and is performed in three simple steps.

Step 1: Lenticule Creation

It takes only about 10 seconds of laser time on each eye to create the lenticule, a thin contact lens-shaped layer of tissue, just beneath the surface of the eye.

Step 2: Lenticule Removal

The lenticule is then removed from a tiny 3.5mm incision created by the laser, with minimal disruption to the cornea.

Step 3: Vision Correction

Removal of the lenticule changes the way light focuses onto the eye, allowing the patient to see clearly again. The incision heals on its own in a few days.

What makes SMILE different from LASIK?

​​​​​​​Since its FDA approval in 2016, SMILE laser eye surgery has been an excellent option for patients with nearsightedness, astigmatism, and Contact Lens Intolerance. To date, 8 million ZEISS SMILE procedures have been performed worldwide. Take a look at the graph that shows how fast ZEISS SMILE is gaining popularity!

Performed with the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser, an advanced technology that ensures excellent predictability and ease of recovery, SMILE is the only bladeless and flapless option to correct your vision.

SMILE corrects the refractive error through the removal of the lenticule from the cornea – a thin contact lens-shaped layer of tissue, just beneath the surface of the eye. It is a one-step, one laser procedure, while LASIK is a two-step, two laser procedure.

The 3.5 mm incision made on the cornea is 80% smaller than the flap cut made during conventional LASIK. This makes the cornea biomechanically stronger after SMILE as compared to other forms of laser vision correction. It also reduces the common dry eye condition that may occur with PRK/LASEK and LASIK procedures. In effect, it combines the advantages of older laser vision correction options and reduces or eliminates their shortcomings and side effects.

There is no noise, no pressure, no burning smell during the process. This provides added comfort and convenience for the patient. It is an advancement in technology millions have been waiting for over the last several decades. In FDA studies, 90% of patients who received SMILE had 20/20 vision or better.

Why Choose SMILE?

  • Safest
  • Flapless
  • Cornea stays strongest
  • Reduced chance of postoperative dryness
  • Quicker healing time and a more comfortable recovery
  • If there are any complications in LASIK, then 99% of them are due to flap
  • Since SMILE has no flap, there are no flap-related complications
  • For those playing contact sports, there is no risk of flap displacement

“Having a minimally invasive SMILE treatment at our center that prevents or minimizes dry eye postoperatively is a game-changer. Now, most patients can return to normalcy much faster without lingering dry eye issues and frequent use of lubricating eye drops.”

– Dr. Niksarli

Read Our Blog: Dr. Niksarli Answers Your Questions About SMILE

Am I a SMILE Candidate?

If you are nearsighted, with or without astigmatism, and qualify for LASIK, you will qualify for SMILE. Certain subset of patients who do not qualify for LASIK due to low corneal thickness, will also qualify for SMILE. Many patients who are told PRK as their only option elsewhere, are also pleased to find out that they can have SMILE and recover their vision quicker and easier.

SMILE is a great option for those with:

  • Active lifestyles
  • Thin corneas
  • Dry eyes
  • Contact Lens Intolerance; characterized by dry eyes, irritation, and pain when wearing contact lenses

To be a SMILE candidate, you must meet the following:

  • Aged 18 or older
  • No change in prescription within the last 12 months
  • Myopia ranging from -1.50D to -10.00D with no more than -3.00D of astigmatism
  • Not pregnant or nursing
  • No history of eye disease

Take our LASIK Self-Test to learn more about your laser vision correction candidacy.

Why get SMILE at Manhattan LASIK Center?

At Manhattan LASIK Center, we started performing SMILE back in 2017, and were the first center in the East Coast to perform the flapless vision correction technique. To date, we have performed more than 12,000 SMILE procedures at Manhattan Lasik Center, and remain the leader in the Nation with the quantity and quality of SMILE LASIK cases performed annually which makes us the most experienced SMILE Center in the Nation.

With 4 ZEISS Visumax SMILE lasers in the NY tri-state area, Manhattan Lasik Center is the Nation’s clear leader in SMILE LASIK and has the most experienced surgical team to go along with that. Our surgeons Dr Niksarli and Dr Buchsbaum, with more than 12,000 SMILE cases under their belt, as the most experienced team, are at ease with this most advanced technology and technique, and enjoy offering its significant benefits over LASIK to their valuable patients 6 days of the week.

At Manhattan LASIK Center, SMILE LASIK has become by far the most popular method to correct one’s vision nowadays, and at Manhattan LASIK Center leads the nation in the number of SMILE procedures and successful outcomes.

Schedule a FREE Virtual Consultation to speak with our experienced team of consultants and learn more about your SMILE at At Manhattan LASIK Center.

What Our Patients Say About Us

“I Had An Amazing Experience”

The atmosphere was very relaxing and comforting. The staff is incredible and they are attentive of you which I found great. The place was super clean and everyone was very professional as soon as I walked in!

Cindy H. SMILE Patient

“The Gift Of Sight Is Truly Remarkable”

While 2020 Vision was a bust, I’m ecstatic to announce that I started 2021 with a clear focus. The gift of sight is truly remarkable, and I have that now thanks to the SMILE LASIK procedure I had done at the Nation’s best LASIK center, Manhattan LASIK Center. It was a seamless, painless and quick procedure. Nothing can compare to the feeling I had the next morning waking up and being able to see the NYC skyscrapers from my bed!

Sushma K. SMILE Patient

“My vision is now exceptional”

I am very pleased with the service and the staff were really nice. I have not seen this good in years. The doctors are extremely experienced and professional. It was one of the best decisions I made. High recommended!

Zaki U. SMILE Patient

“I Was Able To See Better The Same Day”

…I had SMILE, only within hours of the operation! My vision is now amazing. I am truly thankful to Manhattan LASIK Center for changing my life.

Zaher A. SMILE Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

Your vision will start improving in a few hours following your SMILE procedure, and you will achieve clear vision after the first 24 hours. Since there is no flap with SMILE LASIKyoucan resume activities like swimming, outdoor sports, etc. as early as the next day.

Yes, SMILE is usually done for both eyes at the same time. Same day treatment is preferred by the majority of our patients for added convenience, quicker visual recovery, and less time away from work. However, the preference of our patients will guide us in the treatment plan.

Yes. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb the eyes and there will be NO pain sensation during the procedure.

WARNING: Internet Explorer does not support modern web standards. This site may not function correctly on this browser and is best viewed on Chrome, Firefox or Edge browsers. Learn More.