SMILE Pro VisuMax® 800

There isn’t a strict age cutoff for SMILE Pro, but most candidates are over 18 and have a stable prescription for at least a year. Older adults can also benefit, provided their eyes are healthy.

Many patients can return to normal activities—such as work, light exercise, and routine errands—the next day. However, we recommend avoiding strenuous activities, swimming, or contact sports for at least a week or as directed by Dr. Kelly or Dr. Brissette. This ensures optimal healing and the best possible outcome.

SMILE Pro is often an excellent option for patients with thinner corneas because it does not involve creating a large flap, as in LASIK. However, every situation is unique. During the consultation, Dr. Kelly will measure your corneas to see if you’re a suitable candidate or if another procedure would be more appropriate.

SMILE Pro corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism but doesn’t stop natural age-related changes such as presbyopia (typically starting in your 40s). You may still need reading glasses later in life for close-up work.

Patients often report minimal to no pain during SMILE Pro. Numbing drops keep you comfortable, and the VisuMax 800’s streamlined design further reduces discomfort and anxiety. Afterward, you may experience mild irritation or dryness, but this usually subsides within a day or two.

You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, as your vision may be blurry or sensitive to light immediately after SMILE Pro.

Both SMILE Pro and PRK are bladeless and effective for correcting nearsightedness (and, in the case of SMILE Pro, astigmatism). However, PRK involves removing the top layer of the cornea and requires a longer healing period. SMILE Pro is less invasive, typically involves a faster recovery, and patients often return to normal activities more quickly.