SMILE PRO or Regular SMILE: What is the New ZEISS VisuMax 800 Laser?

The ZEISS VisuMax 800 laser is a state-of-the-art, advanced laser designed for the next iteration of SMILE vision correction. The laser, along with the SMILE PRO software, was FDA approved in January 2024. Coastal Vision Medical Group is proud to be the first practice on the West Coast of the United States to adopt the latest ZEISS SMILE technology.

What is ZEISS SMILE Pro?

ZEISS SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a revolutionary, minimally invasive refractive surgery procedure designed to correct myopia and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, which requires the creation of a corneal flap, SMILE Pro uses the advanced VisuMax 800 laser to create a thin, contact-lens shaped layer just beneath the surface of the eye. This layer, called a lenticule, is then removed through a tiny opening, precisely reshaping the cornea to improve vision. This innovative approach offers similar results to LASIK but with less disruption to the corneal surface, making it a preferred option for many patients.

The VisuMax 800 laser is an advanced femtosecond laser capable of performing laser ablations in as short as 9 seconds. The older VisuMax 500 can take up to four times longer for the same ablation. The faster speed results in more comfort for the patient and increased safety due to a theoretically lower risk of suction loss.

SMILE Vision Correction is recommended for young, active patients who want independence from glasses. Coastal Vision Founder, Dan B. Tran, MD, was one of the first surgeons in the USA to perform the ZEISS SMILE procedure in Vietnam over seven years ago. Dr. Tran continues to lead advancements in refractive surgery alongside Dr. Jimmy Lee and Dr. Amir Marvasti, all of whom are corneal specialists and part of the refractive surgeon team at Coastal Vision.

When having SMILE Vision Correction be sure to make sure you are getting ZEISS SMILE Pro with the new Visumax 800.

The Visumax 800 laser in our Laser Suite.

ZEISS SMILE PRO FAQ

Why pick Coastal Vision Medical Group for your SMILE procedure?

The answer is simple: SPEED and EXPERIENCE. Coastal Vision Medical Group is the first practice on the West Coast to acquire the VisuMax 800 laser with the new ZEISS SMILE Pro software. This laser is one of the most advanced and fastest lasers for vision correction, capable of ablations in as little as 9 seconds. Coastal Vision has been a pioneer in offering advanced vision correction procedures and continues to lead with the latest technology and expert care.
 

Visumax 800 with both robotic arms up.

Should I get ZEISS SMILE Pro or regular SMILE?

SMILE Pro is the latest software for performing SMILE. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser procedure to correct myopia with or without astigmatism. In the US, SMILE can be performed with two lasers: the VisuMax 500 (the older, slower laser) or the VisuMax 800 (the newer, faster one). Only the VisuMax 800 laser has the SMILE PRO software. Coastal Vision Medical Group proudly offers the VisuMax 800 technology, ensuring patients receive the best possible care.

Is the Visumax 800 Robotic? 

• The VisuMax 800 has two sets of surgical optics on robotic arms, but the surgery is still performed by the surgeon.

• During SMILE procedures, a button is used to lower one or the other robotic arm to bring the optics close to the patient, allowing the surgeon greater flexibility for patient comfort.

• On the old VisuMax 500, the patient had to be moved from one optic to the other.

• Besides the 9-second ablations, this improvement allows for faster surgical times for the patient.
   

Laser arm activated.

Surgical Arm activated.