Smile Eye Surgery: What Is It, Details & Cost.
Smile Eye Surgery: What Is It, Details & Cost.
Smile Eye Surgery: What Is It, Details & Cost.
Thinking about ditching glasses? Discover SMILE eye surgery, costs, benefits, how long it lasts, and top clinics in saudi arabia.
Smile laser eye surgery (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is one of the latest and most advanced procedures for correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Here's everything you need to know:
Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE laser eye surgery does not involve creating a large flap in the cornea. Instead, it uses a small incision of only 2–4 mm.
It uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin, lens-shaped piece of tissue (called a lenticule) within the cornea, which is then removed through the small incision.
Because there's no flap, the corneal surface remains more stable. This reduces the risks of flap-related complications and makes it suitable for patients with active lifestyles.
Most patients experience rapid visual recovery and can return to their daily activities within 1–2 days after the surgery.
SMILE laser eye surgery typically causes less dry eye syndrome compared to LASIK because fewer corneal nerves are disturbed.
The laser technology ensures high accuracy and long-term stability of vision correction.
SMILE laser eye surgery is becoming increasingly popular worldwide for its safety, comfort, and effectiveness, especially for people looking for a modern alternative to lasik
What is Smile Pro Eye Surgery? It’s the latest evolution in laser vision correction, a faster, safer, and more precise upgrade of the traditional SMILE technique. Designed for people who want clearer vision without the discomfort and recovery time of older methods like lasik, Smile Pro brings robotic accuracy and ultra-fast treatment times into one seamless experience.
SMILE Pro Eye Surgery is an advanced version of traditional SMILE Eye Surgery, offering faster treatment, greater precision, and enhanced comfort. While both are flapless and minimally invasive, SMILE Pro uses the newer VisuMax 800 laser, completing the procedure in under 10 seconds per eye, compared to 20–30 seconds with standard SMILE. It also features AI-powered alignment and real-time eye tracking, which improves accuracy and speeds up recovery, with many patients seeing clearly within 24 hours.
People with Thin or Irregular Corneas
If your cornea is too thin or has an abnormal shape (like in keratoconus), SMILE may not be safe for you.
Unstable Vision (Changing Prescription)
If your vision is still changing — especially in the past 12 months — you may need to wait until it stabilizes.
Severe Dry Eye Syndrome
While SMILE causes less dryness than LASIK, people with chronic dry eyes may still experience worsening symptoms.
High Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
SMILE is currently approved for myopia and astigmatism. If you have significant hyperopia, SMILE may not be suitable (though some new versions like SMILE Pro are exploring this).
Autoimmune or Healing Disorders
Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes (if uncontrolled) may affect healing and increase risk.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Hormonal changes can affect vision temporarily, so it's recommended to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Eye Infections or Inflammation
Any current infections, injuries, or active eye diseases must be treated before considering surgery.
Under 18 Years Old
SMILE is not recommended for minors, as their eyes are still developing.
Many people considering vision correction often ask, "How long does SMILE eye surgery last?" The good news is that SMILE is designed to deliver long-term, often permanent results. For most patients, the improved vision achieved after surgery remains stable for many years — even decades. Of course, natural aging and other eye conditions (like presbyopia or cataracts) can affect vision over time, but the correction from SMILE typically doesn't fade. So if you're wondering, how long does SMILE eye surgery last, the answer is: potentially for life, especially if your vision was stable before the procedure. It's normal to ask how long does SMILE eye surgery last, and for the majority of patients, the benefits are both lasting and life-changing.
SMILE eye surgery cost can vary depending on several important factors. These include the clinic’s location, the experience of the surgeon, and the type of laser technology used — such as whether it’s a standard SMILE procedure or the more advanced SMILE Pro. Some clinics also include pre-operative tests, follow-up visits, and medications in the total price, while others charge separately. In countries like Saudi Arabia, SMILE eye surgery cost may also differ based on the reputation of the medical center and whether it's a private or government-affiliated facility. Ultimately, understanding what’s included in the SMILE eye surgery cost helps you make an informed and confident decision.
Minimally invasive: No corneal flap is created, reducing complications.
Faster recovery: Most patients return to daily activities within 1–2 days.
Less dry eye: Smaller incision means fewer corneal nerves are affected.
High accuracy: Excellent visual outcomes, with many achieving 20/20 vision or better.
Comfortable procedure: Quick, painless, and performed with advanced laser technology.
Stable results: Long-lasting vision correction for myopia and astigmatism.
Ideal for active lifestyles: No flap means less risk of dislocation from sports or physical activity.
Under- or over-correction: Vision may still require glasses or contacts in some cases.
Glare or halos: Especially at night, though this usually improves with time.
Temporary dry eyes: Less common than with LASIK, but still possible.
Visual disturbances: Mild blurriness or contrast sensitivity issues (usually temporary).
Infection or inflammation: Very rare when performed in a sterile environment.
Not suitable for everyone: Especially those with thin corneas or unstable vision.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
No corneal flap is created, which lowers the risk of flap-related complications.
Quick Recovery Time
Most patients return to work and daily activities within 24–48 hours.
Less Risk of Dry Eye
Smaller incision size preserves more corneal nerves compared to LASIK.
Painless and Comfortable
The procedure is quick (usually under 10 minutes per eye) and performed with numbing eye drops.
Long-Lasting Results
Delivers stable vision correction for years, especially if your prescription is stable.
High Success Rates
Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better without glasses or contacts.
No Flap Complications
Unlike LASIK, there’s no risk of flap dislocation, making it ideal for athletes and active individuals.
Less Light Sensitivity and Glare
Fewer reports of night vision issues compared to other laser surgeries.
SMILE eye surgery in Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly popular option for people seeking safe and effective vision correction. With advanced medical facilities and highly trained ophthalmologists, the country offers world-class treatment using the latest laser technology. Whether you're in Riyadh, Jeddah, or the Eastern Province, many clinics now provide SMILE eye surgery in Saudi Arabia with personalized care and excellent results. The procedure is minimally invasive, quick, and offers long-lasting vision improvement. If you're considering laser vision correction, SMILE eye surgery in Saudi Arabia could be a comfortable and convenient solution close to home.
If blurry vision, dependence on glasses, or discomfort with contact lenses are holding you back, SMILE eye surgery in Saudi Arabia could be your game-changing solution. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure not only restores clear vision but also offers a quicker recovery, fewer side effects, and long-lasting results, all without the risks of a corneal flap.
At Al-Kahhal Medical Complex, we’re proud to offer SMILE eye surgery in Saudi Arabia using the latest laser technology, performed by expert ophthalmologists who prioritize safety, precision, and your personal comfort. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we ensure every step of your journey is smooth, informed, and tailored to you.
Don’t let poor vision limit your lifestyle. Discover the confidence and clarity you deserve with SMILE eye surgery in Saudi Arabia, book your consultation today at Al-Kahhal, where expert care meets vision for life.
A flap-free, minimally invasive laser procedure to correct myopia and astigmatism with quick recovery.
An upgraded version of SMILE using advanced laser tech for faster, safer, and more precise results.
SMILE Pro is faster (under 10s per eye), more accurate, and offers quicker recovery than standard SMILE.
Usually permanent and stable for decades, though aging may affect vision later.
