Advanced Femtosecond Laser
Refractive Surgery

SMILE: Flapless Vision Correction

The next generation of visual freedom. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) offers the power of laser vision correction through a microscopic 2mm keyhole, preserving the strength and natural nerves of your eye.

The 3rd Generation of Laser Surgery

Ophthalmic surgery has undergone three major evolutions. First was PRK (Surface ablation), then came LASIK (Flap-based surgery), and now we have SMILE. Unlike LASIK, which requires cutting a 20mm circular flap in the cornea, SMILE is 100% flapless.

At Prasan Nethralaya, we recommend SMILE for patients who want the fastest possible return to their normal lives. Because the procedure is "minimally invasive," it avoids many of the historical side effects associated with laser surgery, particularly chronic dry eye and the structural weakening of the cornea.

Why SMILE is the "Athlete's Choice"

By utilizing a keyhole approach, SMILE provides clinical benefits that go beyond simple vision correction:

  • • Flapless Freedom: No risk of flap displacement during sports, swimming, or physical activities.
  • • Maximum Comfort: Minimizes the severing of corneal nerves, resulting in significantly fewer dry eye symptoms.
  • • Structural Strength: Keeps the anterior (front) layers of the cornea intact and strong.
  • • Odorless & Silent: Unlike LASIK, the SMILE laser is completely quiet and produces no surgical odor.

The Keyhole Surgical Protocol

Dr. Neelam Sharma utilizes a high-precision Femtosecond laser to perform the SMILE procedure in a single, continuous step.

1. Lenticule Creation

While you relax under numbing drops, the Femtosecond laser creates a microscopic, lens-shaped tissue (a lenticule) deep within your intact cornea. The laser operates with such precision that it does not affect the surface of the eye at all during this step. This takes approximately 25 seconds.

2. The Micro-Incision

In the same step, the laser creates a microscopic keyhole incision, measuring only 2 to 4 millimeters. For comparison, a traditional LASIK flap requires an incision nearly 20mm in length.

3. Lenticule Removal

Dr. Neelam then uses specialized microscopic instruments to gently remove the lenticule through the small incision. This action instantly changes the shape of your cornea, correcting your nearsightedness or astigmatism.

4. Immediate Stability

Because there is no flap to heal, the cornea remains structurally stable immediately after the procedure. The small 2mm incision heals overnight, allowing you to return to your active lifestyle without the weeks of "caution" required by older technologies.

Am I a Candidate for SMILE?

SMILE is currently used to treat myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. It is an ideal option for patients with high prescriptions or those who have borderline dry eyes that might be exacerbated by LASIK. During your comprehensive screening, we will measure your corneal topography and tear film to ensure SMILE is the safest and most effective choice for your unique eyes.

Refractive Director
Dr. Neelam Sharma

Dr. Neelam Sharma

Cornea & Refractive Expert

Mastering the latest in minimally invasive lenticule extraction to provide high-performance vision correction.

View Credentials ↗

SMILE Screening

Are you a candidate for flapless laser surgery? Secure your clinical evaluation today.

Patient
Questions.

Clinical clarity regarding the flapless procedure, dry eye safety, and the "keyhole" technology.

In LASIK, a 20mm circular flap is created and folded back. In SMILE, there is NO flap. Instead, a tiny 2mm incision is used to remove a microscopic 'lenticule' from inside the cornea. This keeps the eye's surface stronger and more intact.

LASIK requires a large circular cut that severs many corneal nerves responsible for tear production signals. SMILE uses a tiny keyhole incision, leaving the vast majority of these nerves untouched. This significantly reduces the risk of post-operative dry eye syndrome.

Yes. Because there is no flap, there is zero risk of a flap shifting, wrinkling, or dislodging due to physical contact or eye rubbing. This makes it the absolute preferred choice for those in contact sports, the military, or emergency services.

Recovery is exceptionally fast. Most patients can return to work, use screens, and drive within 24 hours. Because the keyhole incision is only 2mm, it heals naturally almost instantly without the need for stitches.

No. We use advanced anesthetic drops to ensure the eye is completely numb. Most patients describe a sensation of mild pressure for about 30 seconds but no sharp pain during or after the procedure.

The Keyhole Advantage.

Discover why the world's elite performers choose SMILE for flapless vision correction. Schedule your evaluation today.

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