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 pro right for me?

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

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

The ZEISS SMILE pro suitability check

Am I a suitable candidate for laser vision correction?

To be considered for vision correction with ZEISS SMILE pro, 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 age¹, 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 ZEISS SMILE pro laser vision correction. Please note that you cannot have surgery with ZEISS SMILE pro 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 pro.

Are there any age restrictions?

Minimum and maximum age limits for ZEISS SMILE pro patients

ZEISS SMILE pro laser vision correction is available to all eligible patients 18 years of age and older¹ 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 pro.

Is laser vision correction compatible with my job?

People in many occupations benefit from improved vision with ZEISS SMILE pro

ZEISS SMILE pro 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 procedure2. To determine if ZEISS SMILE pro 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 pro..

Supporting an active lifestyle

Enjoying sports after ZEISS SMILE pro 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 or contacts out before swimming? Do you have to invest in prescription eyewear for your favourite sport? ZEISS SMILE pro aims to eliminate or reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

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

Check your prescription

The refractive ranges that ZEISS SMILE pro can correct

You might already know your prescription from a previous eye test for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure with ZEISS SMILE pro may be suitable for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and whose eyes are within to the refractive ranges below3:

  • Nearsightedness: -10.00 to -0.50 dioptres
  • Farsightedness: +0.15 to +7.00 dioptres
  • Astigmatism with nearsightedness: 5.00 dioptres
  • Astigmatism with farsightedness: 4.00 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 pro is an option for you.

  • You might have hyperopia (or farsightedness). Hyperopia can also be treated with ZEISS SMILE pro. Additionally, ZEISS SMILE pro is performed with the latest ZEISS VISUMAX 800 laser, offering enhanced precision and efficiency. Your doctor will help determine which option is best for you based on your vision needs.

  • 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 pro aims to reduce or eliminate myopia or hyperopia with or without astigmatism. Take the next step by contacting a clinic to learn if ZEISS SMILE pro could be an option for you.

    To be a candidate for the procedure with ZEISS SMILE pro, you should be over 18¹, 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.

Clinic Finder

Your eye doctor can help you find the best treatment option for your specific eye condition.

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    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.

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    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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    Astigmatism

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

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    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

    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.

  • 2

    The statements refer to patients who received a myopia treatment. Hyperopic patients reported longer times. For more detailed information please ask your doctor.

  • 3

    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.