SMILE Eye Surgery
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses a femtosecond laser to remove a small lens-shaped piece of cornea through a tiny incision — flapless, minimally invasive laser vision correction.
- Success rate
- 95%
- Avg cost (US)
- $2,500–$4,000/eye
- Recovery
- 1–2 days
- US volume / yr
- ~40,000
Browse verified lasik & ophthalmology providers who offer this procedure.
Adults with nearsightedness and mild astigmatism seeking a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK; often good for dry-eye-prone patients.
15 minutes per eye, awake with numbing drops. Single small incision replaces the LASIK flap.
Return to work in 1–2 days. Full stability at 2–3 months.
$2,500–$4,000 per eye; rarely covered by insurance.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Am I a SMILE candidate given my prescription?
- How does SMILE compare to LASIK for my dry eye?
- How many SMILE cases has the surgeon performed?
Frequently asked
No corneal flap and a smaller incision, which may preserve more corneal nerves and reduce dry eye.
In the U.S., current SMILE approval is primarily for nearsightedness with or without astigmatism.
Related patient questions
Find a board-certified lasik & ophthalmology provider in your area.
Related procedures
General information only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for your specific situation.