SMILE PRO Technology
SMILE is the most recent and advanced form of laser assisted refractive surgery. SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and is creating a revolution in the realm of laser vision correction procedures like never before.
SMILE is the first ‘NO FLAP’ technique that makes a small 2mm cut in the cornea to remove a thin slice of corneal tissue, unlike LASIK that creates a flap by cutting 28mm circumference of cornea. It uses a single femtosecond laser throughout the procedure, unlike LASIK that employs an excimer laser to treat the cornea under the flap. Here the tissue damage especially to the corneal nerve fibers is almost nil as compared to other laser-based procedures.
Now available at Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center in Albania, this revolutionary laser procedure redefines vision correction. The actual laser procedure in SMILE Pro lasts just a few seconds, and hence, SMILE Pro is a smarter, safer, and faster way to enhance the quality of life while giving freedom from eyeglasses.
Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center is the first and only eye hospital in Albania to offer SMILE pro laser treatments for individuals seeking the most advanced & safe laser vision correction.
Top features of SMILE Pro technology:
SMILE Pro represents the next generation in vision correction, catering to individuals looking for instant, painless, and safe laser vision corrections.
- Near Non-Invasive: In contrast to LASIK, which creates a flap, SMILE needs an incision of 2-3 mm to extract a lenticule for vision correction. The small incision and the precision of the femtosecond laser in SMILE results in excellent corneal biomechanical stability.
- Flapless procedure: SMILE Pro technology is American FDA-approved known for its accuracy, fastervision recovery, and painless features. Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE Pro involves a single-step, flapless procedure and hence there is no chance of the flap moving or folding.
- NO Blade: SMILE is an all-laser procedure that involves no use of any blade or needles.
- Faster Recovery: With SMILE, Patients recuperate more quickly and have less downtime.
- Improved Comfort: SMILE Pro reduces the occurrence of dry eyes and other complications. As corneal nerves are untouched in SMILE the incidence of dry eye is almost nullified resulting in better patient comfort following SMILE.
- Long-Lasting Results: Offers consistent and dependable visual results
- Fastest procedure: SMILE pro takes less than 10 seconds for actual vision correction.
- The procedure is also not affected by external factors like temperature and humidity as there is no flap which results in higher treatment accuracy. With SMILE the disadvantages of older laser vision correction treatments are eliminated retaining their advantages.
SMILE Pro with Albania’ s best and only SMILE pro surgeon, Dr Nishant Taneja
This hospital combines the best technology with the best surgeon.
Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center is the only centre that offers SMILE Pro technology.
Dr Nishant Taneja ranks among the best eye surgeons with 20 years of experience. Dr. Taneja has transformed countless lives with his surgical expertise and niche skills.
The bladeless, minimally invasive SMILE Pro treatment corrects myopia , hypermetropia and astigmatism with unrivalled accuracy and safety.
This innovative method reshapes the cornea with a single, microscopic incision, resulting in speedier recuperation, reduced dry eye concerns, and excellent vision.
Sophisticated technology, best results – the new SMILE PRO laser vision correction from Indian Eye Institute and laser Center, Tirana
SMILE PRO represents the next generation in the evolution of refractive eye surgery, building on the strengths of ReLEx SMILE and surpassing them in every way. This advanced technology is the result of years of research and development aimed at providing an even safer, more precise, faster, and more effective method than ReLEx SMILE for correcting vision defects. Using cutting-edge laser technology, the Visumax 800®robotic femtosecond system from Zeiss, SMILE PRO allows for even finer and more controlled treatment of eye tissue, significantly reducing risks and side effects. Patients benefit from a shortened recovery time, allowing for a quicker return to their daily activities. Additionally, the increased precision and effectiveness of SMILE PRO promise improved vision quality that far exceeds the results of conventional procedures. These innovations make SMILE PRO a groundbreaking option for individuals seeking the safest and most effective solution for their vision problems.
Although the Indian Eye Institute and laser Center, Tirana has been successfully offering FEMTO LASIK, PRK and other modalities of Laser vision correction for years, the new device makes the procedure even faster, easily tolerable and safer.
Safe, fast, and stress-free
Although this procedure has already been relatively quick and non-invasive, the new technology makes it even faster. Dr. Nishant Taneja, who has been performing laser eye surgeries for over 15 years, says: “The older version of the Visumax (Visumax® 500) could make an incision in 30 seconds. Now, with the new Visumax® 800, it takes less than 10 seconds. From a patient’s perspective, this is much more comfortable.”
High Technology and Patient Success
The new laser is fast, but that is not the only improvement over the older version. The technology allows surgeons to plan operations in advance to ensure safer treatment and better outcomes for patients.
A highly advanced computer system is used to measure the eye with a camera. This data is electronically transmitted to the laser, and the computer matches the photo with the patient’s eye.
An infrared tracking device captures the eye and ensures it is correctly aligned for optimal treatment.
Because the new laser is so precise, the Indian Eye Institute and laser Center, Tirana can offer SMILE to a broader range of patients. This will particularly benefit patients with myopia, astigmatism, and also hyperopia.
The major difference lies in the treatment of astigmatism, which occurs when the cornea has the shape of a rugby ball. With previous technology, severe astigmatism often had to be treated with LASIK. Now it can be treated with SMILE PRO.
Recently, the Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) procedure achieved another significant milestone in 2024 by receiving CE certification for hyperopic refractive treatment. This certification confirms that SMILE meets stringent safety and performance standards in the European Economic Area. This development significantly expands the application possibilities of SMILE and solidifies its position as a versatile and advanced solution in refractive surgery. The CE marking underscores the high quality of SMILE, making it an even more attractive option for patients seeking precise and safe correction of their vision defects.
The new laser also features algorithms that enable us to treat hyperopia with SMILE, where previously only LASIK / FemtoLASIK was possible.
"At the Indian Eye Institute and laser Center, Tirana, we see it as our duty to offer our patients the best possible service – and this is just a continuation of that".
SMILE PRO refractive correction range
After years of extensive international research and collaboration, SMILE Pro has successfully gained approval for the treatment of hyperopia (farsightedness). This milestone achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of laser vision correction, allowing SMILE Pro to offer a safe and effective solution for individuals with hyperopia. The introduction of this capability has broadened the scope of SMILE Pro, making it a more comprehensive option for vision correction and further establishing its reputation as a leading technology in the field.
SMILE Pro is a versatile laser vision correction procedure designed to address various refractive errors with a specific correction range. It can effectively correct myopia (nearsightedness) up to -10.00 diopters, making it a suitable option for individuals with mild to severe myopia. Additionally, SMILE Pro can correct astigmatism up to -5.00 diopters, providing clarity for those with irregular corneal curvature. For individuals with hyperopia (farsightedness), SMILE Pro can correct up to +6.00 diopters, offering a comprehensive solution for a wide range of vision correction needs.
SMILE Pro is not only effective for standard refractive errors but also excels in correcting mixed astigmatism, including both myopic astigmatism and hyperopic astigmatism. Myopic astigmatism occurs when the cornea curves more steeply in one direction, leading to nearsightedness combined with astigmatism, while hyperopic astigmatism combines farsightedness with astigmatism due to the cornea being flatter in one direction. SMILE Pro is capable of addressing these complex refractive errors, offering precise correction and improved visual acuity for patients with mixed astigmatism.
Combining this with the previously mentioned correction ranges, SMILE Pro offers a comprehensive laser vision correction solution. This makes SMILE Pro a powerful option for individuals with a wide range of refractive errors, seeking to achieve clear, sharp vision without reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
The Treatment Steps:
Within the intact cornea, a refractive lenticule and a small incision are created with a femtosecond laser—all in one step.
The lenticule is removed through the incision with minimal impact on the biomechanics of the cornea.
By removing the lenticule, the shape of the cornea is altered, thereby performing the refractive correction.
What Makes SMILE PRO So Revolutionary?
- With ReLEx SMILE PRO, there is no flap and thus no flap-related complications.
- ReLEx SMILE PRO reduces the incidence of infections and epithelial ingrowth and accelerates epithelial healing.
- Up to 80% much more smaller side incision – While the FemtoLASIK method requires a side incision of about 20 mm, SMILE PRO, a small incision of 2-3 mm is very sufficient.
- Up to 30% smaller cap incision area – the lamellar incision area is about 1/3 smaller compared to the femtoLASIK method.
- Greater integrity of the upper corneal layers – with SMILE, most of the upper corneal layers remain intact. This offers the potential for more biomechanical support and stability.
- Less frequent occurrence of dry eye – since only a small incision is required instead of a flap, fewer nerves are severed. As a result, dry eye is less likely to occur.
SMILE PRO and ReLEx SMILE
The main difference between SMILE PRO and ReLEx SMILE is the femtosecond laser that creates the lenticule within the cornea.
The SMILE PRO operation uses the latest generation of the ZEISS Visumax® 800 femtosecond laser, the most advanced eye laser technology. ReLEx SMILE is performed with the Visumax 500.
Although the original SMILE procedure is quick and painless, SMILE PRO is even faster and more comfortable for patients.
How Does the Zeiss VISUMAX 800 Femtosecond laser Improve Laser Eye Surgery?
Visumax 800 is the latest and most advanced laser for refractive surgery from ZEISS. As the number “800” suggests, it is much faster than the Visumax 500. In fact, it is even faster than the difference between these two numbers would imply.
The “500” laser operates at 500 Hertz, while the “800” laser operates at 2000 Hertz. Thus, the SMILE Pro laser time with the VISUMAX is less than 10 seconds, and the FemtoLASIK only takes 5 seconds. 10 seconds pass very quickly. SMILE Pro and FemtoLASIK operations at the Lasikwelt eye center have become much simpler! We are confident that our patients will have a much better experience with the new laser.
Why We Chose the VISUMAX 800 Laser?
One of the biggest concerns people have when undergoing laser eye surgery is whether they can hold still long enough for the laser to do its job. Until now, the Visumax 500 femtosecond laser was the only available laser for performing SMILE operations. The Visumax 500 takes 32 seconds for the SMILE operation and 17 seconds for the flap in FemtoLASIK.
As you can imagine, it is important to hold completely still during laser eye surgery. Any major head or eye movement can prevent the successful completion of the treatment by the laser. In this case, you may need to come back another day or undergo a different procedure. While 32 seconds is not long, during an eye laser procedure, it can feel like an eternity! This brings us to our new VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser.
Benefits for SMILE PRO Patients
The biggest advantage of the new laser is the significantly shorter treatment time, especially for SMILE PRO patients. Additional advancements that will improve the outcomes and experience for SMILE PRO patients include robot-assisted systems that control the centring of the laser treatment on the cornea and the treatment of astigmatism.
Benefits of Time Savings
A shorter suction time means of course more comfort for the patients. It reduces the stress and anxiety of the patient. Therefore, we aim to provide the best experience with the best and latest technology.
Is SMILE PRO Available Everywhere?
SMILE PRO is only available at centers that use the Carl ZEISS Visumax 800 femtosecond laser. The Indian Eye Institute and laser Center, Tirana is one of the very first and only eye hospital in Albania to offer this latest and proven technology. All SMILE PRO procedures are performed on-site in our clinic.
Preparing for the Surgery
What to Expect During Your SMILE PRO Procedure: The actual SMILE procedure (setup and operation) takes about 5-10 minutes per eye. The procedure is painless because a local anesthetic (eye drops) is administered to numb the front part of the eye. Additionally, an instrument is placed under your eyelids to prevent you from closing or blinking your eye during the procedure.
The doctor will talk to you throughout the procedure and give you instructions on where to look. It is normal to feel a slight tugging sensation when the doctor removes the lenticule, but it is painless. Once the treatment is complete, the doctor will administer antibiotic and steroid eye drops.
Before the Surgery: Please expect to spend 1 hour at the facility. This includes the pre-operative administration of eye drops, including a sedative, as well as some instructions on what to expect in the laser suite. It is important to have a friend or family member accompany you on the day of the procedure to drive you home afterward. While you will be able to see, you should not drive and your eyes will be particularly sensitive to light. Wear comfortable, warm clothing, as the laser room is set to a specific temperature and humidity to ensure optimal operating conditions for the laser.
If you wear contact lenses, you should stop wearing them 3 weeks before the procedure. This will be explained again during your consultation.
Postoperative Recovery: You will receive a hard eye shield to wear while sleeping to prevent you from rubbing your eyes at night. You will also receive a series of antibiotic and steroid drops that you must use at regular intervals. A follow-up examination will be conducted the next day, with another check-up 15 days later.
SMILE Pro Recovery Process
Postoperative Care and Precautions
After undergoing the SMILE Pro procedure, proper postoperative care is crucial to ensure optimal healing and to achieve the best possible visual outcomes. Patients will be prescribed specific eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. These drops typically include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and lubricants, which should be used exactly as directed by the eye surgeon. Adhering to the prescribed regimen helps to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation while keeping the eyes moist and comfortable during the healing process.
In the weeks following the procedure, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities that could strain the eyes, such as heavy lifting or intense physical exercise. It’s also important to avoid rubbing the eyes, as this could disrupt the healing process and potentially lead to complications. Patients should wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, when outdoors to shield the eyes from bright light and environmental irritants like dust and wind.
Regular follow-up appointments with the eye surgeon are an integral part of the recovery process. These visits allow the surgeon to monitor the healing progress, assess the stability of the cornea, and address any concerns that may arise. Most patients will have several follow-up appointments scheduled within the first few months after the surgery to ensure that their vision is stabilising as expected and that there are no signs of complications.
In conclusion, the recovery process following the SMILE Pro procedure is typically swift and straightforward, with most patients experiencing a quick return to their daily routines. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure, combined with proper postoperative care, contributes to the high success rate and patient satisfaction associated with SMILE Pro. For individuals seeking a reliable and effective method of permanent vision correction with minimal downtime and long-term benefits, SMILE Pro is an excellent choice.
SMILE Pro: The World’s First Robot-Assisted Laser Vision Correction
6 Reasons to Love SMILE PRO
The World’s First Robot-Assisted Laser Vision Treatment
A laser vision correction that is robot-controlled, flapless, minimally invasive, gentle, and practically painless.
Fast and Proven
The fastest laser in the history of vision correction takes only 10 seconds to reshape your cornea. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Thanks to robot-assisted precision, SMILE PRO is gentle and minimally invasive compared to other laser correction procedures.
Quick Vision Recovery
Most of the patients return to their normal activities and works the next day.
Visumax 800
Fastest lenticule creation with the world’s fastest femtosecond laser
Strength of the Eye
SMILE PRO patients benefit from long-term eye strength and corneal stability after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better, SMILE PRO or LASIK?
Clinical reports and studies suggest that SMILE PRO offers potentially better biomechanical stability of the cornea compared to other competing methods.
Will SMILE PRO hurt?
Under the proper guidance of your doctor, numbing eye drops are administered, so you will not feel any pain during the SMILE PRO operation.
How soon can I return to work after SMILE PRO?
With vision improvement in a few hours, you can resume your normal daily routine within 2-3 days.
Why don’t more practices offer SMILE PRO?
SMILE PRO is expensive technology from Zeiss. Only institutions like Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center, which have always been at the forefront of refractive laser correction technology, have these devices to offer their patients the best and most affordable treatment.
Is SMILE PRO safe? How many procedures have been performed?
More than 10 million SMILE procedures have been successfully performed worldwide by efficient doctors.
Is it FDA-approved?
Approved by the FDA in 2016 after extensive studies and tests, which showed it to be a reliable and efficient method for improving vision.
Can SMILE PRO correct my astigmatism?
Yes, it is performed and proven that astigmatism can be corrected efficiently and cured with SMILE PRO.
Can SMILE PRO correct my hyperopia?
Yes, recently hyperopia can be also also corrected with Smile Pro Laser eye surgery merthod.
Hyperopia treatment is now possible with the SMILE PRO laser eye procedure.
After many years of highly organized international clinical studies and hard work by ZEISS, SMILE Pro received regulatory approval for the treatment of hyperopia using the SMILE laser eye method. The hyperopic SMILE module is expected to be released in September 2024 for the VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser devices.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a frequent refractive error where distant objects appear clearer than those nearby. This condition affects many people worldwide and makes everyday activities like reading, writing, and using digital devices difficult. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have introduced new and effective treatments for hyperopia, the most promising of which is the SMILE PRO laser eye surgery.
What is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature. This causes light entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurred vision for close objects. Symptoms of hyperopia can include eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating on tasks that require near vision.
Introduction to SMILE PRO
The “SMILE Pro” laser eye procedure represents an advanced version of the ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure. It includes several refinements and improvements to enhance the precision, safety, and outcomes of the original ReLEx SMILE technique. SMILE PRO has recently also been adapted for the treatment of hyperopia.
Originally developed for myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, the SMILE procedure has made progress and is now also a viable option for correcting hyperopia.
How SMILE PRO Works
SMILE PRO is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a Visumax 800femtosecond laser to create a thin, disc-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error.
The key steps of the SMILE PRO procedure include:
Preparation: The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, and a speculum is used to keep the eyelids open.
Lenticule Creation: The femtosecond laser creates a lenticule within the cornea.
Lenticule Removal: A small incision is made through which the lenticule is carefully removed.
Corneal Reshaping: Removing the lenticule reshapes the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina.
Corneal Reshaping: Removing the lenticule reshapes the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina.
Benefits of SMILE PRO for Hyperopia
The overall prevalence of hyperopia in the European population is estimated at about 35%, being higher among middle-aged and older adults than in younger age groups.
For hyperopes considering refractive surgery, this has been more likely for many years. However, despite advancements in techniques and technology, the effectiveness, safety, predictability, and stability outcomes for hyperopic LASIK or FemtoLASIK still lag behind those of myopic or astigmatic LASIK.
A multicenter international study on hyperopic SMILE was recently completed, and the scientific analysis confirms that SMILE is a safe and effective option for correcting hyperopia. The state-of-the-art Visumax 800 femtosecond laser played a crucial role in these successful results. Its advanced technology not only enhances the precision and efficacy of hyperopic SMILE but also offers significant advantages in all corneal laser vision correction procedures. The innovative features of the Visumax 800, such as improved pulse frequency and optimized energy delivery, ensure exceptional accuracy and consistency, making it an invaluable tool for surgeons. These characteristics make it particularly suited for outstanding results in hyperopic SMILE, thus expanding the horizons of refractive surgery. This groundbreaking study underscores the potential of SMILE to revolutionize hyperopia treatment, providing patients with a reliable and minimally invasive alternative to traditional methods.
SMILE PRO also offers several benefits over traditional laser eye surgeries like LASIK and PRK:
- Minimally Invasive: With a smaller incision compared to LASIK, there is less disruption to the corneal structure.
- Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience quicker visual recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
- Lower Risk of Dry Eyes: The smaller incision preserves more corneal nerves, reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome.
- Precision and Safety: The femtosecond laser provides high precision, increasing the procedure’s safety and effectiveness.
Who is a Candidate for SMILE PRO?
- Age: Typically between 18 and 40 years old, ensuring their vision correction has stabilized.
- Stable Vision: Candidates should have a stable prescription for at least a year before the procedure. Significant changes in vision in the past year may disqualify a person until stability is achieved.
- Refractive Errors: SMILE PRO is mainly for individuals with myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, and hyperopia. It can correct myopia up to -10.00 diopters, astigmatism up to -5.00 diopters, and hyperopia up to +6.00 diopters.
- Corneal Thickness: Sufficient corneal thickness is required to ensure enough tissue is available to create the lenticule and maintain corneal integrity after the procedure.
- Overall Eye Health: Candidates should have healthy eyes, free from conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, severe dry eye syndrome, or keratoconus. Infections or eye diseases should be treated before considering SMILE PRO.
- General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health. Certain systemic diseases, like autoimmune disorders, can affect healing and outcomes and should be discussed with the surgeon.
- Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the surgery outcomes. While SMILE PRO can significantly improve vision, results may vary, and some individuals may still need glasses or contact lenses for certain activities.
- Not Pregnant or Nursing: Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait until after this period to undergo SMILE PRO, as hormonal changes can affect vision stability.
- Evaluation Process: A thorough eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist are necessary to determine suitability for SMILE PRO. This includes detailed eye measurements, assessment of vision stability, and discussion of the patient’s vision goals and medical history.
Ideal candidates for SMILE PRO are adults with stable refractive prescriptions. A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary to determine suitability. Factors such as corneal thickness, overall eye health, and the degree of hyperopia are assessed.
Smile Pro Recovery
The SMILE PRO procedure typically takes about 5-10 minutes per eye. After the surgery, patients may experience minimal or no discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients experience better vision within a few days, with the best results typically seen in a few weeks.
Compared to traditional laser eye procedures, SMILE Pro stands out with a minimally invasive approach requiring only a small incision. Patients can often resume normal activities the next day, as the cornea remains more stable and less prone to complications. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure also reduces the risk of dry eyes and other long-term complications, making SMILE Pro a preferred choice for many people seeking permanent vision improvement.
Postoperative care includes:
- Using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Avoiding strenuous activities and eye rubbing for a few weeks.
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.
Conclusion
The SMILE PRO laser eye surgery represents a significant advancement in hyperopia treatment, offering a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution for those seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses. As with any medical procedure, it is important to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to discuss individual needs and expectations. With SMILE PRO, the future of hyperopia treatment is brighter and clearer than ever before.
At Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center, Tirana, we are proud to be one of the first centers worldwide to offer the advanced Smile PRO procedure for hyperopic patients. Our commitment to high-quality service is demonstrated by our experienced team of professionals and the use of state-of-the-art technology. In addition to our exceptional care, we offer realistic and affordable pricing, making it easier than ever to achieve freedom from glasses and contact lenses. By choosing Indian Eye Institute, you opt for unparalleled expertise, innovative solutions, and accessible vision correction options tailored to your needs and budget.