Close-up of a human eye displaying intricate details and the text "A little SMILE goes a long way" superimposed on it, emphasizing vision care by ZEISS Meditec.

CAMPAIGN

ZEISS SMILE

A less invasive approach to
refractive surgery

Procedural mechanics

SMILE vs LASIK vs ICL

SMILE uses a single femtosecond platform to create an instrastromal lenticule and a 4-6 mm side-cut incision-compared to the ~20 mm lamellar flap required for LASIK. This eliminates the flap-related complications, preserves nerves and reduces postoperative dry eye risk.

LASIK requires creation of a hinged laellar flap to access the stromal bed. This cuts corneal nerves, reduces biomechanical strength and introduces flap-based complication risks.

ICL implantation requires entering the anterior chamber to place a synthetic lens, introducing intraocular risks such as IOP rise, endothelial cell loss or vault management challenges.

Diagram illustrating the normal nerve network alongside visual representations of LASIK and SMILE surgical procedures, highlighting the differences in incisions and techniques used.

Clinical rationale

Why minimally invasive matters

SMILE preserves the sub-basal nerve plexus and maintains biomechanical by avoiding a flap entirely. Corneal sensitivity returns faster and dry eye symptoms may be reduced.

SMILE’s low-pressure curved docking interface enhances patient comfort intraoperatively. Its quiet, odorless laser delivery also contributes to an improved patient experience.

Postoperative experience

SMILE offers rapid visual recovery and return to normal activities, without flap restrictions. Patients benefit from reduced discomfort, fewer dry symptoms and minimal surface disruption.

A circular progress indicator showing the percentage 94% in bold blue text on a white background with a blue outline.

of patients felt ready to resume normal activity within 24 to 36 hours after having ZEISS SMILE^1.

A circular progress indicator displaying a completion rate of 96% in bold blue text against a white background.

of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their one-day vision after having the ZEISS SMILE procedure¹.

Circle graphic displaying the text "98%" in bold blue font, set against a white background with a blue outer circle.

of patients reported that they would recommend or highly recommend ZEISS SMILE to a friend or family member¹.

Two medical professionals in blue scrubs and masks work in a clinical setting, with one using a microscope and the other observing a monitor displaying eye imaging.

Positioning in the refractive portfolio

SMILE does not replace LASIK or ICL-each option serves specific patient and anatomical needs. Instead, SMILE expands a surgeon’s armamentarium with a minimally invasive nerve-preserving option ideal for many myopic and astigmatic patients.

A healthcare professional in a white coat is discussing eye care with a patient at a desk, with a large screen displaying ZEISS Meditec products in the background.

Surgical mindset shift

When a flap is not required to correct vision-and when intraocular surgery can be avoided-surgeons should evaluate whether a less invasive approach is appropriate. SMILE enables correction with less disruption and faster healing.

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SMILE pro Lenticule Extraction Patient Surgical Experience Study Summary EN

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¹
Kennedy, D. and Rousseau, P. (2024). Patient Preference Testing on Surgical Experience and Early Postoperative Period After Undergoing Bilateral Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE pro. Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.