SMILE laser eye surgery in Kolkata
SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction, also called ReLEx SMILE) corrects short sight and astigmatism without a flap. A femtosecond laser shapes a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, and it is removed through a 2–3 mm opening. It is a good fit for many people who want to be free of glasses but are wary of LASIK's flap.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ananyabrata Das, MBBS, DOUpdated 23 October 2026
Why people choose SMILE
- No flap, so no flap complications and no worry with contact sports later
- Less dry eye than LASIK in most studies, because fewer corneal nerves are cut
- Suitable for many people with mild dry eye or contact-lens intolerance
- Little discomfort; most return to work in a day or two
Where SMILE is not the best choice
- Plus (hyperopic) power: Femto-LASIK is usually better
- Very high power or a thin cornea: an ICL may be safer
- Keratoconus or an irregular cornea: no laser reshaping; see cornea care
Tests before SMILE
Power with and without dilation, corneal topography and thickness, a dry-eye check, eye pressure, and a dilated retina examination. Stop soft lenses a week before, and rigid lenses about three weeks before.
SMILE or SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro is the same procedure on ZEISS's newer VisuMax 800 laser, with about 8 seconds of laser per eye and better eye-tracking aids. Dr. Das will tell you which one is planned for your eyes and why.
The first step is a LASIK assessment with Dr. Das at Chinar Park (about 2 hours, with dilation). Call +91 98308 73460 or book online.
Questions
Is SMILE safe?
SMILE has been done on millions of eyes worldwide. As with any surgery, safety depends on careful selection, which is why the assessment comes first.
What is the recovery time after SMILE?
Most people see well within a day or two and return to desk work then. Vision settles fully over a few weeks.
Is SMILE permanent?
The correction is permanent. Your eyes can still change with age, and reading glasses after 40 are still likely.