Treatment
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive, flapless laser vision correction for myopia and astigmatism with rapid recovery.
Overview
Understanding the Procedure
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) represents the latest generation of laser vision correction. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require creating a corneal flap — instead, a femtosecond laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision of just 2-4mm.
This flapless approach preserves more of the cornea's structural integrity, making it particularly suitable for patients with active lifestyles, contact sports participation, or those concerned about flap-related complications.
Miss Tina Khanam performs SMILE surgery at her London clinics using the latest VisuMax femtosecond laser platform, offering precise, predictable outcomes with minimal disruption to the corneal surface.
SMILE can correct myopia (short-sightedness) up to -10.00 dioptres and astigmatism up to -5.00 dioptres, making it suitable for a wide range of prescriptions.
Benefits
What This Means for You
- Flapless — no corneal flap complications
- Minimally invasive 2-4mm incision
- Preserves corneal biomechanical strength
- Reduced dry eye compared to LASIK
- Rapid visual recovery — most see clearly within 24-48 hours
- Quiet, comfortable procedure with no excimer laser noise
Our Approach
Consultant-Led Care
Miss Khanam takes a thorough, evidence-based approach to SMILE surgery. Every patient undergoes a comprehensive pre-operative assessment including corneal topography, pachymetry, and wavefront analysis to ensure SMILE is the optimal procedure for their eyes.
As a consultant ophthalmic surgeon specialising in refractive and corneal surgery, Miss Khanam will advise honestly whether SMILE, LASIK, or surface treatment is best suited to your individual prescription and corneal anatomy.
Suitability
Is This Right for You?
- Myopia (short-sightedness) up to -10.00 dioptres
- Astigmatism up to -5.00 dioptres
- Patients with active lifestyles or contact sports
- Those concerned about corneal flap complications
- Adults aged 18+ with a stable prescription for at least 12 months
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser and does not create a corneal flap. Instead, a small lenticule is removed through a tiny incision. This preserves more corneal nerves and structural integrity compared to LASIK.
No. The procedure is performed under anaesthetic eye drops. You may feel slight pressure during the laser application, but the treatment itself takes only 25-30 seconds per eye.
The laser treatment takes approximately 25-30 seconds per eye. The entire procedure, including preparation, takes around 15-20 minutes for both eyes.
Currently, SMILE is approved for myopia and astigmatism correction. For hyperopia (long-sightedness), LASIK or lens-based surgery may be recommended instead.
Most patients can return to non-contact sports within a few days and contact sports within 1-2 weeks — faster than LASIK due to the absence of a corneal flap.
Quick Facts
Duration
15-20 minutes for both eyes
Anaesthesia
Topical anaesthetic drops — no injections
Recovery
Most patients see clearly within 24-48 hours
Pain Level
No pain
Guide Price
surgeon's fee per eye (additional fees apply)
A detailed quote will be provided following your consultation.
View All FeesReady to Learn More?
Take our quick suitability quiz or book a consultation to discuss your options with your consultant.
Related
Understanding Your Condition
Learn more about the conditions this treatment addresses. Knowledge is the first step toward confident decision-making.
Take the Next Step
Book a consultation to discuss SMILE Laser Eye Surgery with your consultant. Transparent advice, no pressure, and a personalised plan for your vision.