Is it right for me?
Choosing laser vision correction
Millions of people across the globe are already enjoying improved vision thanks to Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE. And you could too – find out here if you are suitable for ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction.
Can my vision be improved?
Objects near to you are clear and sharp but you have difficulty seeing objects in the distance.
This is a common sight problem called myopia (or near-sightedness). You can improve your sight with glasses or contact lenses. Alternatively, you may want to contact your eye doctor to see if ZEISS SMILE is an option for you.
You can see far away objects clearly but things nearby are blurred and out of focus.
You might have hyperopia, or far-sightedness. ZEISS SMILE is currently not able to correct hyperopia. Please talk to your doctor to find out what other ZEISS technologies might be the best option for you.
Your vision is blurred and you know you have astigmatism.
Astigmatism means your eye’s shape is more oval like a football. This can lead to blurred vision, headaches and eye strain. ZEISS SMILE aims to reduce or eliminate myopia with or without astigmatism. Take the next step by contacting your eye doctor.
The ZEISS SMILE suitability check
Am I a suitable candidate for laser vision correction?
To be considered for vision correction with ZEISS SMILE, you will need to be assessed by your eye doctor to determine if you are suitable for the procedure. If you are at least 22 years of age2, have a stable prescription that has not changed by more than 0.50 diopters in the year before surgery and have healthy eyes free from retinal problems or other eye diseases, you may be eligible for ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction. Please note, you cannot have surgery with ZEISS SMILE if you are pregnant or nursing.
If you have other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts or retinal diseases, you cannot be considered for the surgery. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hepatitis C, herpetic eye infections, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or are taking immunosuppressive drugs, please inform your doctor as this may affect your candidacy and/or healing.
Are there any age restrictions?
Minimum and maximum age limits for ZEISS SMILE patients
ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction is available to all eligible patients over 22 years of age and older2 as long as you meet the general health criteria mentioned above.
Is laser vision correction compatible with my job?
People in many occupations benefit from improved vision with ZEISS SMILE
If you are an emergency responder, builder, lorry driver, photographer, IT consultant or a professional athlete, you should talk to your eye doctor to see if ZEISS SMILE is right for you.
While it is true you need to make an informed decision about any possible side effects or consequences, as every healing process is different. Many patients recover from the procedure within a few weeks and may go back to work. Speak to your eye doctor about what the recovery might look like for you.
Supporting an active lifestyle
Enjoying sports after ZEISS SMILE laser vision correction
If you lead an active lifestyle, you may find glasses and contact lenses get in the way more than they help; your glasses constantly slipping during a workout or run, taking out your lenses before swimming, having to invest in prescription eyewear for your favorite sport. ZEISS SMILE aims to eliminate or reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
Check your prescription
The refractive ranges that ZEISS SMILE can correct
You might already know your prescription from a previous eye test for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure with ZEISS SMILE may be suitable for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria in addition to the refractive ranges below3:
- Sphere: -1.00 to -10.00 Diopters
- Astigmatism: -0.75 to -3.00 Diopters
- Spherical equivalent: up to -10.00 Diopters
Sticking with glasses
You can still benefit from ZEISS technology and precision
Of course, you could decide to keep using your glasses. ZEISS offers high-precision lenses which could even improve your current vision. Find out more about ZEISS branded lenses on our ZEISS Vision pages.
Find a ZEISS SMILE center near you
Providers offering the procedure with ZEISS SMILE
To find out more about ZEISS SMILE and your personal suitability, don’t hesitate to talk to a surgeon that uses ZEISS SMILE. To find a provider near you using ZEISS SMILE, search our clinic finder.
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1
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. This site is also not intended for patients and healthcare providers residing in the United States of America and Japan.
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2
Please be aware that the suitable age range may vary from one country to another. Patients in the United States of America need to be at least 22 years of age.
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3
Please be aware that the suitable treatment range may vary from one country to another. For Japan and Canada, the mentioned treatment range is not applicable.