| SMILE Procedure Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard SMILE | The standard SMILE procedure involves creating a small incision on the cornea and using a laser to create a lenticule. |
| ReLEx SMILE | ReLEx SMILE (Refractive Lenticule Extraction SMILE) is a variation of SMILE that uses a femtosecond laser for the surgery. |
| TransPRK SMILE | TransPRK SMILE combines the principles of TransPRK (Trans-Epithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) with SMILE surgery. |
| Enhanced SMILE | Enhanced SMILE refers to SMILE procedures that incorporate advanced technologies or techniques to further improve outcomes. |
SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a modern flapless laser vision correction procedure designed to treat myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to carve a small disc of corneal tissue (called a lenticule) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive error.
Because no flap is created, the procedure preserves more corneal integrity and reduces the risk of dry eye symptoms that some patients experience after conventional laser surgery. The entire process typically takes under 30 minutes for both eyes, and most patients notice improved vision within 24 to 48 hours.
SMILE is particularly suitable for individuals with moderate to high myopia who may not be ideal candidates for standard LASIK. It is also a preferred option for people with active lifestyles, as the flapless design reduces the risk of flap-related complications.

Before recommending SMILE surgery to a patient, the eye doctors thoroughly examine the eyes by performing tests like:
The results of these tests indicate whether it is safe for an individual to undergo SMILE LASIK.

Step 1: Pre-Operative Preparation
Anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb both eyes, ensuring the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure. The eye area is cleaned and a speculum is placed to keep the eyelids open.
Step 2: Femtosecond Laser Application
A femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule (a thin disc of corneal tissue) within the cornea. This step takes approximately 25 to 30 seconds per eye and is entirely computer-guided for precision.
Step 3: Lenticule Extraction
The surgeon removes the lenticule through a small incision of about 2 to 4 mm. No flap is created, which helps preserve the corneal surface structure.
Step 4: Corneal Reshaping
With the lenticule removed, the cornea is reshaped to correct the refractive error, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina.
Step 5: Post-Procedure Care
Protective eye drops are administered. Most patients resume routine activities within a few days, with follow-up visits scheduled to monitor healing and visual recovery.

Chennai , Chennai
Chennai , Chennai
Ambattur , ChennaiConsult the Best Ophthalmologist Near you
At Pristyn Care, we leverage the specialized SMILE technology to correct refractive errors. The technology is minimally invasive and allows precise correction of the corneaâs shape.
Our LASIK surgeons specialize in all techniques of laser eye surgery. They have 10+ years of experience performing all types of LASIK surgery with a success rate of 98% or higher.
Pristyn Care provides a recovery guide and multiple post-surgery consultations without additional charges. Our care coordinators will stay in touch to ensure that you have a smooth recovery.
We provide free services that reduce the expense of the treatment at the patientâs end and offer No-Cost EMI service to divide the cost into smaller and easily payable monthly installments.
SMILE surgery is one of the latest advancements in laser eye surgeries for vision correction. It is a bladeless procedure where the corneal surface cells are hardly disturbed. The lenticule creation technique is a much better option for people who don’t qualify for standard LASIK or other forms of refractive surgeries.
It is a high-precision technique that helps people to get rid of spectacles for the long term in a minimally invasive manner. If you are prone to dry eyes and have a thin cornea, get in touch with Pristyn Care and undergo SMILE surgery in Chennai. We provide treatment at a reasonable price under the care of expert eye surgeons.
Being a leading healthcare provider, Pristyn Care provides holistic care to the patients. Whether you are undergoing SMILE surgery or any other procedure, with us, you will get the following-
We make the treatment journey easy and comfortable for all our patients. To learn more about our services, give us a call or fill out the Book Appointment form.
| Sr.No. | Doctor Name | Registration Number | Ratings | Experience | Book Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Kaushik Pillappakam Bahukutumbi | 64261 | 4.5 | 28+ + Years | Book Appointment |
| 2 | Dr. Indu G | 86018 | 4.5 | 17+ + Years | Book Appointment |
| 3 | Dr. Rachel R G | 93995 | 4.5 | 16+ + Years | Book Appointment |
We have several experienced and highly rated doctors for SMILE Lasik surgery in Chennai. Some of our top specialists include: Dr. Kaushik Pillappakam Bahukutumbi (28+ Years Experience Overall), Dr. Indu G (17+ Years Experience Overall), Dr. Rachel R G (16+ Years Experience Overall), etc.
Yes, health insurance plans cover the cost of SMILE surgery if the patient has refractive power of 7.5 D or above that. The refractive power below this range wonât be covered by insurance, and youâll have to pay for the treatment personally. It is advised that you talk to your insurance provider to understand the terms and conditions of the policy.
Some potential side effects of SMILE surgery include the following-
The visual recovery after SMILE takes around 2-3 hours to 2-3 days. The full healing of the cornea will take around 2-3 weeks. However, vision stabilization might take around 3 to 6 months.
The key difference between LASIK and SMILE is the creation of the flap. In LASIK, the flap creation is essential to access the corneal tissues for modifications. In SMILE, instead of creating a flap, a lenticule is extracted to access and modify the corneal tissues.
Divyanshu Nagar
Recommends
Pristyn Care's Smile LASIK surgery was a life-changing experience for me. The eye specialists were thorough in their assessments and performed the surgery with precision. My vision is now excellent, and I'm forever grateful to Pristyn Care for this incredible gift of clear sight.