If you’ve been squinting at faraway signboards or depending on glasses and contacts for decades, we understand — the fantasy of waking up with perfect eyesight is a real one. With new breakthroughs in eye care, the fantasy is now closer than ever. One such leap forward is SMILE Eye Surgery — a contemporary, minimally invasive vision correction solution that’s fast picking up steam.
SMILE is an acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, and it’s the new-generation procedure for LASIK to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. While LASIK makes a corneal flap, SMILE applies a keyhole method — a tiny incision of only 2-4 mm — to reshape your cornea. This provides a quicker, smoother healing with less risk.
The good news? SMILE preserves more of your cornea’s natural shape, so you’ll have more stability and possibly fewer long-term issues.
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we’re committed to pairing the latest technology with caring treatment, so you feel secure at every turn. Here’s all you need to know about SMILE: from how it works to what your recovery process will be like.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Let’s walk you through what actually happens during the SMILE procedure at Tandon Eye Hospital:
- Precision Laser Work
Using a femtosecond laser (don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds), your surgeon creates a small disc-shaped piece of tissue — called a lenticule — inside your cornea.
- Tiny Incision, Big Impact
Through a tiny incision (about 2 mm), the lenticule is gently removed. This reshapes the cornea and corrects the refractive error that’s been causing blurry vision.
- Quick & Comfortable
The whole process takes 10-15 minutes per eye, and you’re comfortably awake the whole time — just numbed with eye drops. No general anaesthesia, no stitches, no hospital stay.
Why Choose SMILE Over LASIK?
While LASIK has been the go-to vision correction procedure for decades, SMILE brings some serious advantages — especially if you’re looking for a gentler, more comfortable experience.
Here’s why more and more patients at Tandon Eye Hospital are choosing SMILE:
Minimally Invasive: No flap, less disruption to your eye’s surface.
- Stronger Corneas: Ideal for people with thinner corneas or who lead active lifestyles.
- Fewer Dry Eyes: SMILE spares most of the nerves responsible for tear production, reducing post-op dryness.
- Quick Recovery: Many patients return to work or school in just 1-2 days.
- Great for Moderate to High Myopia: SMILE can correct up to -10.00 D of nearsightedness, making it a solid option if you’ve been told you’re “too high” for LASIK.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Let’s be real — any kind of surgery sounds intimidating, especially when it involves your eyes. But SMILE’s recovery is one of its best features.
Here’s what to expect after your surgery at Tandon Eye Hospital:
Day 1: You’ll go home and rest. There might be some mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or blurry vision — all normal.
First Week: Vision stabilizes quickly. You’ll be using antibiotics and lubricating drops to help healing. Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or dusty environments.
1 Month Later: Most patients report crystal-clear vision and are back to all their normal activities.
Of course, your progress is closely monitored with follow-up visits, and our team is always just a call away if you have questions or concerns.
Are There Any Risks?
SMILE is approved by the FDA and has a very good safety profile. Complications are unlikely, but anything that involves cutting, some or the other complication can occur with any surgical intervention. Some have temporary glare or halos in the evening hours, but they tend to fade within weeks.
At Tandon Eye Hospital, our ophthalmologists employ cutting-edge diagnostics to thoroughly screen every patient. If SMILE isn’t the best choice for your eyes, we’ll point you in the direction of a better solution — no pressure, just honest care.
Is SMILE Right for You?
If you’re:
- Over 18
- Have a stable prescription for at least a year
- Are nearsighted (with or without astigmatism)
- And want to ditch glasses and contacts…
…then yes, you could be a great candidate for SMILE.
Why Choose Tandon Eye Hospital?
Because your eyes are worth the best hands and the best technology. At Tandon Eye Hospital, our SMILE surgeries are done by skilled, fellowship-trained surgeons on the most advanced femtosecond laser systems. We pair superior expertise with warm, patient-centered care — because excellent results begin with excellent care.
SMILE Eye Surgery is not merely a procedure — it’s an upgrade to your life. Think of traveling, exercising, or waking up without needing to grab your glasses. With SMILE at Tandon Eye Hospital, you can bring that fantasy to life.
Want to find out if SMILE surgery is for you? Schedule a consultation with our doctors today. Because life is better in high definition
