While LASIK has long been the gold standard in laser vision correction, experts believe that distinction will soon be held by ZEISS SMILE Pro. ZEISS SMILE Pro is always all-laser and does not require the creation of a corneal flap as the LASIK procedure does. It also has a lower rate of complications, faster recovery time, and potentially better results.

ZEISS SMILE Pro is widely considered to be both safe and effective, especially when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. Still, there are risks and side effects associated with every surgical procedure. Side effects of ZEISS SMILE Pro, while very rare, include:

• Inflammation

• Infection

• Glare and/or halos

• Over- or undercorrection of vision

Most likely, yes! ZEISS SMILE Pro is an excellent choice for correcting myopia and minor astigmatism. The minimally invasive procedure and quick recovery time make ZEISS SMILE Pro a terrific option for patients with active lifestyles or who work in physically demanding occupations. You must be at least 21 years old, in overall good eye health, have sufficient corneal thickness, and have maintained a stable vision prescription for at least the past year. Our team can provide you with all the details during a consultation and determine if ZEISS SMILE Pro is right for you.

You’ll notice the benefits of your ZEISS SMILE Pro surgery after your eyes have fully healed: crisp vision, reduced or even eliminated need for corrective eyewear, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re seeing the world the way it was meant to be seen. ZEISS SMILE Pro is much cheaper than a lifetime of eyewear and related eyecare, but you can’t put a price on true clarity. That said, we realize the up-front cost of ZEISS SMILE Pro may cause hesitation for some of our patients. If this is the case, please get in touch! We can help you learn about payment and financing options so you can make your dream of clear vision a reality.

SMILE Pro is the latest generation of ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction, performed using the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 laser. It is a minimally invasive, flapless procedure that corrects nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, through a small incision rather than creating a corneal flap.

​​​​​​​At Coastal Vision Medical Group, we were the first practice in California to offer the VISUMAX 800 and remain one of only a few centers in Southern California with this advanced technology. While the procedure itself is the same proven SMILE treatment, the VISUMAX 800 enhances it with faster laser treatment, improved precision, and a more comfortable patient experience.

SMILE Pro is not a different procedure. It is the next generation of the proven SMILE procedure performed on the advanced ZEISS VISUMAX 800 platform.

Compared with the previous VISUMAX 500 system, SMILE Pro offers:

• 4× faster laser speed
• Laser treatment completed in less than 10 seconds
• Advanced CentraLign® digital centration guidance
• OcuLign® digital astigmatism alignment technology
• Approximately 25 to 30% shorter procedure time
• A more comfortable experience with less time under suction

​​​​​​​In short, the VISUMAX 500 introduced SMILE, while the VISUMAX 800 refines it with faster treatment, greater precision, and an improved patient experience.

SMILE Pro combines the proven benefits of flapless laser vision correction with the latest advances in ZEISS technology.

Benefits include:

• Flapless, minimally invasive procedure
• Laser treatment completed in less than 10 seconds
• Less time under suction for greater patient comfort
• Lower risk of suction loss during treatment
• Advanced digital centration technology for improved treatment accuracy
• Digital astigmatism alignment for enhanced precision
• Approximately 25 to 30% faster overall procedure
• Quick recovery with many patients returning to normal activities within a day or two

​​​​​​​Every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether SMILE Pro is the best option for their vision correction goals.

The refractive surgeons at Coastal Vision Medical Group specialize exclusively in advanced vision correction and were among the earliest surgeons in California to adopt the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 platform.

​​​​​​​Using the latest SMILE Pro technology, our surgeons customize every procedure based on your prescription, eye anatomy, and visual goals to deliver the safest and most precise treatment possible.

Preparing for SMILE Pro is straightforward.

Before surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive eye examination to confirm you’re a good candidate. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll be asked to discontinue them for a period before your evaluation so your corneas can return to their natural shape.

On the day of surgery:

• Eat a light meal.
• Avoid makeup, lotions, or perfume.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home.
• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

​​​​​​​Our team will review all preoperative instructions and answer any questions before your procedure.

SMILE Pro is a quick outpatient procedure performed using the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 laser.

After numbing eye drops are applied, the laser creates a thin disc of tissue within the cornea through a tiny incision. Your surgeon then gently removes this tissue to reshape the cornea and correct your vision.

​​​​​​​The laser portion of treatment takes less than 10 seconds per eye, and most bilateral procedures are completed in approximately 7 minutes. The shorter treatment time reduces the amount of time under suction while helping improve comfort and surgical efficiency.

Most patients notice improved vision within the first day after surgery, with vision continuing to sharpen over the following days and weeks.

During recovery:

• Use your prescribed eye drops as directed.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Avoid swimming and hot tubs until cleared by your surgeon.
• Attend all scheduled follow up appointments.

​​​​​​​Many patients return to work and normal daily activities within one to two days.

Who is a candidate for SMILE Pro?

SMILE Pro is FDA approved for adults with nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, who have healthy eyes and a stable prescription. A comprehensive consultation is the best way to determine if you are a candidate.

Is SMILE Pro painful?

No. Numbing eye drops keep your eyes comfortable during the procedure. Most patients feel only mild pressure for a few seconds.

Why is the faster laser important?

The VISUMAX 800 completes the laser treatment in less than 10 seconds, compared to approximately 25 seconds with the previous generation. Less time under suction means less opportunity for eye movement, a lower chance of suction loss, and a more comfortable experience for many patients.

What makes SMILE Pro more precise?

SMILE Pro incorporates CentraLign® digital centration guidance to help precisely center treatment and OcuLign® technology to improve alignment for patients with astigmatism. These technologies help optimize treatment accuracy and visual outcomes.

How long does the procedure take?

The laser treatment itself takes less than 10 seconds per eye, while most bilateral SMILE Pro procedures are completed in approximately 7 minutes.

Will I still need glasses?

The goal of SMILE Pro is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses for distance vision. As part of the normal aging process, most people will eventually need reading glasses later in life.

Is SMILE Pro covered by insurance?

Because SMILE Pro is an elective vision correction procedure, it is generally not covered by medical insurance. Financing options are available to help make treatment more affordable.