Who Benefits Most from SMILE Technology?

SMILE eye surgery works best for patients with mild to moderate nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism. If you have a prescription between -1.00 and -10.00 diopters of myopia and up to -5.00 diopters of astigmatism, you may be an excellent candidate. The procedure is FDA-approved for these ranges and has demonstrated outstanding safety and effectiveness within these parameters.

Beyond prescription requirements, ideal SMILE candidates are at least 22 years old with stable vision for at least one year. You should have healthy corneas with adequate thickness and no eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye. People with active lifestyles particularly appreciate SMILE because the absence of a corneal flap means less risk of flap dislocation from contact sports or physical activities.

Patients who previously experienced significant dry eye with contact lenses often find SMILE especially appealing. The procedure's minimal disruption to corneal nerves typically results in less post-operative dryness compared to LASIK, making it an attractive option for those concerned about dry eye symptoms.