What is SMILE surgery?
Quick answer
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced refractive technique that corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism through a minimal incision — just 2 to 4 mm — without creating a corneal flap as in LASIK.
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Dra. Ned Davila Avila
Cornea and Refractive Surgery
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced refractive technique that corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism through a minimal incision — just 2 to 4 mm — without creating a corneal flap as in LASIK.
The procedure is done in a single step with a femtosecond laser: a small lenticule of corneal tissue is created inside the cornea and removed through that micro-incision. Because there's no flap, the corneal surface is more stable from the very start.
It's an attractive option for patients with active lifestyles — contact sports, outdoor activities — or corneas that call for a more conservative approach. It's outpatient, takes just a few minutes per eye, and is performed with anesthetic drops.