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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. This site is also not intended for patients and healthcare providers residing in the United States of America and Japan.

Is ZEISS SMILE right for me?

Choosing laser vision correction

Millions of people around the globe are already enjoying improved vision thanks to lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE. And you could too – find out here if you might be suitable for laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE.

Doctor and patient in discussion about laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE before treatment.

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 18 years of age4, have a stable prescription that has not changed by more than 0.50 dioptres in the year before surgery, and have healthy eyes free from retinal problems or other eye diseases, you may be eligible for laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE. Please note that you cannot have surgery with ZEISS SMILE if you are pregnant or nursing.

Also, if you have other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts or retinal diseases, you are not eligible for laser vision correction. This is also true for patients suffering from certain other medical conditions, such as diabetes, hepatitis C, herpes, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. The same applies if you are taking immunosuppressant drugs or underwent previous therapies such as radial keratomy. 

Portrait of a young woman in glasses, representing potential eligibility for laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE.

Are there any age restrictions?

Minimum and maximum age limits for ZEISS SMILE patients

Lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE is available to all eligible patients 18 years of age and older4 as long as they meet the general health criteria mentioned above.

Woman working at her desk, representing fast recovery and restored vision following laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE.

Is laser vision correction compatible with my job?

People in many occupations benefit from improved vision with ZEISS SMILE

ZEISS SMILE can simplify everyday life by reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. This is especially valuable for professionals such as emergency responders, builders, lorry drivers, photographers, IT consultants, and athletes, where clear vision is essential. Most patients experience quick vision improvement and a fast recovery, allowing them to return to work shortly after the procedure6. To determine if ZEISS SMILE is the right choice for you, consult with a clinic to discuss your suitability, potential side effects, and the necessary pre- and post-operative care.

Man running outdoors at night, illustrating the freedom of an active lifestyle with laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE..

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. Are your glasses constantly slipping while you workout or run? Do you have to take your glasses off or contacts out before swimming? Do you have to invest in prescription eyewear for your favourite sport? ZEISS SMILE aims to eliminate or reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

Young woman wearing glasses in bright daylight, suggesting a ZEISS SMILE candidate before undergoing vision correction.

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 and whose eyes are within the refractive ranges below5:

  • Nearsightedness: -10.00 to -0.5 dioptres
  • Astigmatism: 0.0 to 5.00 dioptres
  • Overall prescription strength (including both nearsightedness and astigmatism): up to -12.50 dioptres

Can my vision be improved?

  • This is a common vision problem called myopia (or nearsightedness). 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 may have hyperopia (farsightedness). While ZEISS SMILE is currently not suitable for correcting hyperopia, ZEISS SMILE pro may be an option. Your doctor can advise you further, as this procedure is designed to treat hyperopic patients.

    Read more about ZEISS SMILE pro

  • Astigmatism means your eye’s shape is more oval like a rugby ball than round 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 a clinic to learn if ZEISS SMILE could be an option for you.

    To be a candidate for the procedure with ZEISS SMILE, you should be over 184, have a stable prescription and be in good health with no history of eye disease. In any case, your eye doctor is the right person to advise you on the best way to proceed and explain your options.

    Contact an eye doctor today

Clinic Finder

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  • Out-of-focus view of sunlit leaves and branches against a bright sky.

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  • Man in sports gear smiling after vision correction, symbolizing confidence and mobility post lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE pro.

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  • Woman reading comfortably in natural light, representing sharp, unaided vision after ZEISS SMILE pro treatment.

    ZEISS SMILE pro

    Lenticule extraction with SMILE® pro from ZEISS is an advanced laser vision correction treatment. Using ZEISS SMILE pro, your surgeon can treat nearsightedness and farsightedness¹ with or without astigmatism in a minimally invasive procedure – with less than 10 seconds of laser exposure when treating nearsightedness2 and less than 13 seconds when treating farsightedness3.

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    ZEISS SMILE

    Lenticule extraction with SMILE® from ZEISS is an advanced laser vision correction. Using ZEISS SMILE, your surgeon can correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism in a minimally invasive procedure.

  • Man smiling outdoors in a city environment, representing clarity and confidence following PRK laser vision treatment.

    PRK

    PRK, developed in the 1980s, was the first laser vision correction procedure and is still used today for certain patients. It can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While newer techniques like ZEISS SMILE, ZEISS SMILE pro and LASIK are available, PRK remains a trusted option for patients with specific eye conditions.

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    ZEISS PRESBYOND

    As you age, your vision becomes increasingly blurry up close. This condition is called presbyopia and refers to the natural decline in our eyesight over time. If you are seeking an alternative to glasses or contacts, laser vision correction like ZEISS PRESBYOND may help.

  • Out-of-focus view of sunlit leaves and branches against a bright sky.

    Astigmatism

    If you experience blurry vision, halos, or glare, especially at night, you may have astigmatism. This common condition occurs alongside nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). While glasses or contact lenses can correct it, laser vision correction offers an alternative solution for treating astigmatism.

  • Man in sports gear smiling after vision correction, symbolizing confidence and mobility post lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE pro.

    Treatment comparison

    Explore other options of laser vision correction and how they differ in technique, treatment approach or recovery time. Your eye doctor can help determine the best option for you.

  • 1

    Approved and available in selected markets.
  • 2

    Data on file (unpublished). Myopia with optical zone of 6.5 mm.
  • 3

    Data on file (unpublished). The whole procedure including extracting the lenticule lasts about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
  • 4

    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.
  • 5

    Please be aware that the suitable treatment range may vary from one country to another. For United States of America, Japan, and Canada the mentioned treatment range is not applicable.
  • 6

    With ZEISS SMILE, some patients can return to their daily activities (including light work, for example in an office) as early as the day after the operation. Your doctor will advise you on post-operative care.