SMILE Pro: the newest flapless laser for glasses removal
SMILE Pro is the latest version of keyhole laser vision correction, done on the ZEISS VisuMax 800. The laser part takes about 8 seconds per eye, there is no flap, and most people see clearly within a day or two. Dr. Ananyabrata Das assesses every eye first and tells you plainly whether SMILE Pro, Femto-LASIK or an ICL is the safer choice for you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ananyabrata Das, MBBS, DOUpdated 23 October 2026
How SMILE Pro works
- The eye is numbed with drops. A soft suction ring holds it steady.
- The femtosecond laser shapes a thin, lens-shaped piece of tissue (a lenticule) inside the cornea, in about 8 seconds.
- The surgeon removes the lenticule through a 2–3 mm opening. Taking it out changes the cornea's curve, and that corrects your power.
Because no flap is cut, the strong upper layers of the cornea stay intact and fewer corneal nerves are cut than with LASIK.
What's different about SMILE Pro
The original SMILE has been done worldwide for over a decade. SMILE Pro uses ZEISS's newer VisuMax 800 laser:
- Faster: about 8 seconds of laser per eye, against roughly 25–30 seconds before, so there is less time for the eye to move.
- Eye-tracking aids: centration and rotation are checked, which matters when correcting cylinder.
- The principle, the incision and the recovery are the same as classic SMILE.
Who suits SMILE Pro
- Age 18+, with power stable for at least a year
- Myopia (minus power), with or without astigmatism (cylinder)
- People in contact sports, the police or forces, or anyone worried about a flap
- Many people with mild dry eye or contact-lens intolerance
It is not the answer for everyone. Thin or irregular corneas (keratoconus), very high power, or plus (hyperopic) power may be better treated with an ICL or Femto-LASIK. See LASIK vs SMILE vs ICL.
Recovery
- Vision is hazy for a few hours, then clears; most see well the next day
- Screens and desk work: usually after 1–2 days
- Face wash and head bath: after a few days, without splashing the eyes
- Swimming, contact sports and eye make-up: after about a week or as advised
- Drops for a few weeks; check-ups at day 1, week 1 and month 1
Cost
SMILE Pro is the most expensive laser option because of the laser's per-eye cost. See current LASIK, SMILE and ICL prices in Kolkata. You get a written estimate after the assessment.
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 Pro better than LASIK?
Not better for everyone. It avoids a flap and tends to cause less dry eye. LASIK treats a wider range of power, including plus power. The assessment decides.
Does SMILE Pro hurt?
No. The eye is numbed with drops. You feel pressure from the suction ring for a few seconds.
Can SMILE Pro correct cylindrical power?
Yes, astigmatism along with myopia is treated in the same procedure.
Can both eyes be done the same day?
Usually yes, one after the other.
Is SMILE Pro available in Kolkata?
Yes. Dr. Ananyabrata Das performs SMILE Pro in Kolkata. Book a LASIK assessment on +91 98308 73460.