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Disclaimer

This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another.

What is laser vision correction?

The facts about ZEISS SMILE

Lenticule Extraction with SMILE® from ZEISS is an advanced laser vision correction. Using ZEISS SMILE, your surgeon can correct near-sightedness with or without astigmatism in a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure aims to eliminate or reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

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Why choose ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction?

Vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is minimally invasive. Some patients can return to many of their regular activities of daily living as soon as the following day. However, patients should avoid risky activities such as contact sports or being in dusty or smoky environments. Before and after the procedure, your eye doctor will advise you on when it is appropriate and safe to resume any specific activities. Always talk to them about your particular options.

What are the advantages of ZEISS SMILE?

Minimally invasive – quick recovery

With LASIK, the surgeon creates a flap to access your cornea; this flap could become dislodged and cause complications afterwards. With ZEISS SMILE, however, your ophthalmic surgeon creates a small opening that’s around 4-6 mm, which means there is no chance of developing a complication related to the flap.

Contact an eye doctor today to see if ZEISS SMILE may be the right choice for you.

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    Minimally invasive

    ZEISS SMILE enables a minimally invasive procedure using a small opening that’s around 4-6 mm.

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    Less dry eye symptoms

    Because laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is minimally invasive, patients may experience fewer dry eye symptoms after the procedure.

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    Fast recovery

    With ZEISS SMILE, some patients can return to many of their regular activities of daily living as soon as the following day. Your eye doctor will give you specific post-op guidance.

What happens during the procedure with ZEISS SMILE?

ZEISS SMILE uses a single laser which means the laser part of the surgery takes less than 30 seconds. The entire procedure, including the removal of the corneal tissue, generally takes 10 to 20 minutes in total. Beforehand, your eyes are numbed using eye drops to allow for a comfortable treatment. Then just lie back, try to relax and follow the instructions of your doctor.

Is ZEISS SMILE right for me?

Using ZEISS SMILE, your surgeon can correct myopia (near-sightedness) with or without astigmatism, a condition which causes blurred vision, headaches and eye strain.

U.S. Armed Forces soldier.

ZEISS SMILE is currently offered by the U.S. Military

All four main branches of the U.S. military currently offer ZEISS SMILE as an acceptable form of laser vision correction for eligible candidates. This includes qualifying personnel within the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force, where a speedy recovery and reliable results are mandatory throughout all types of jobs and occupations. Please consult your military superior as well as your eye doctor to find out if you personally qualify for ZEISS SMILE.

Recovery after vision correction
with ZEISS SMILE

With ZEISS SMILE some patients can return to many of their regular activities of daily living as soon as the following day, dependent on your doctor’s recommendations. They will also advise you on what’s best for your recovery.

Common side effects with ZEISS SMILE

Laser vision correction is a clinically proven and established method of treating refractive errors. Like any other medical procedure, Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE is not free of risks and side effects. Your surgeon will perform a pre-surgery health assessment and eyesight check to ensure any risk is minimized. However, it is important you know about the most common side effects so you can identify them quickly and discuss them with your eye doctor.

Astigmatism and ZEISS SMILE

Astigmatism is a very common condition leading to blurred or distorted vision that can cause headaches and eye strain. Astigmatism often happens alongside other vision conditions such as near-sightedness. ZEISS SMILE can be an option to correct astigmatism.

ZEISS SMILE facts & figures

Did you know that …
  • 10,000,000

    Over 10 million eyes have been successfully treated with ZEISS SMILE.

  • Flapless

    ZEISS SMILE offers vision correction without creating a flap in the cornea.

  • 30 Seconds

    ZEISS SMILE uses a single laser which means the laser part of the surgery takes less than 30 seconds. The entire procedure, including the removal of the corneal tissue, generally takes 10 to 20 minutes in total.

Millions of people around the globe have had a ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction. Hear about the experiences of real patients across the United States:

  • My ZEISS SMILE treatment just took under 20 minutes and I noticed a fast visual recovery!

    Brodie DeJernett OD

    Therapeutic Optometrist, Texas

  • As someone who is always on the go, I knew ZEISS SMILE was the perfect option for me! It was truly life changing. My only regret is not having it done sooner!

    Francesca Presti

    Radio Show Host, Maryland

  • I want to thank my surgeon for helping me get out of glasses and contacts, which I've been wearing since being 10 years old. The ZEISS SMILE surgery offered me a fast visual recovery. I am a professional fighter, so being able to see is a huge advantage for me.

    Montana DeLaRosa

    Mixed Martial Artist, Texas

  • My ZEISS SMILE procedure felt like a breeze. Before I knew it, both eyes were done! My downtime felt like no time!

    Amanda Nagy-Lukose

    Insurance Agent, Pennsylvania

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ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction

To find out more about ZEISS SMILE and your personal suitability, don’t hesitate to talk to an eye doctor that offers ZEISS SMILE.

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Frequently asked questions about ZEISS SMILE

  • ZEISS technology is leading the way in a range of sectors, from medical technology to high-precision vision care.

    You may know ZEISS from your last visit to the optician, as ZEISS is a leading manufacturer of spectacle lenses. ZEISS’ expertise also extends to camera lenses and binoculars as well as observation and rifle scopes. In fact, ZEISS optics in the James Webb Space Telescope allow humanity to see into the furthest reaches of the universe.

    But the company is more than that. With a history that stretches back over 175 years, ZEISS is an established, world-leader in advanced medical lasers and scientific optics. With its origins in Germany, the company now employs more than 35,000 people at 160 locations in 50 countries. Research and development are undertaken in 27 specialist research and development facilities to ensure ZEISS is always at the forefront of technology.

  • Your surgeon will use the latest ZEISS medical technology and software during your treatment. Lenticule extraction using ZEISS SMILE is performed on the VisuMax® from ZEISS. Each laser pulse delivers a very precise burst of light, thereby reducing the potential for harm to any nearby healthy tissue that must remain intact.

    To help the surgeon do their job effectively, ZEISS VisuMax also features high-quality ZEISS microscopes, digital cameras, advanced interactive touch screens and integrated illumination. And for you, the patient, there’s a comfortable, ergonomic couch that supports you throughout the short surgery time.

  • As with all surgical procedures, you may experience side effects after your surgery. However, vision correction with ZEISS SMILE has been designed to be as minimally invasive as possible. Unlike other laser eye correction, your surgeon only needs to create a small, keyhole opening in your eye. The upper layers of the cornea remain virtually unaffected, which means side effects with ZEISS SMILE are very rare.

    However, you should know potential side effects may include:

    • Disorders of the cornea, retina and other parts of the eye
    • Visual disturbance
    • Visual impairment
    • Ocular pain

    A few patients may also experience some temporary limitations, such as delayed visual recovery.

  • In most cases following the ZEISS SMILE surgery, many patients enjoy improved vision that will even get better within a couple of days. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding post-op medication and any restrictions. During the healing process, you should avoid rubbing your eyes. What’s more, you may feel some minor discomfort, such as sensing foreign bodies or blurred vision while your eyes are recovering.

    Many patients can resume normal activities such as exercising, wearing makeup, working and playing sport as soon as the next day.

    Read more about the healing process here

  • Go to our FAQ page
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    This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another.