SMILE PRO vs SMILE LASIK: What’s the Difference?

Vision correction technology has been advancing rapidly in recent years.

SMILE LASIK emerged as an evolution of traditional LASIK and LASEK, and now,

an upgraded version called SMILE PRO has been introduced, leading many to wonder about the differences between the two.

However, just because a procedure uses newer equipment doesn’t automatically mean it’s better.

Both surgeries are known for their excellent safety profiles and high precision,

but they each have distinct advantages.

That’s why it's important to choose the procedure that best suits your eye condition,

based on accurate information.

What is SMILE LASIK?

SMILE LASIK differs from traditional LASIK or LASEK in that it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap.

Instead, it corrects vision by using a small 2–4 mm incision to remove a thin lenticule formed within the cornea.

Since the incision is smaller, recovery is faster, pain is minimized, and the structural stability of the cornea is better preserved.

For these reasons, SMILE LASIK is considered a procedure that overcomes the drawbacks of LASIK and LASEK.

What is SMILE PRO?

SMILE PRO is an upgraded version of SMILE LASIK that utilizes the latest technology

from ZEISS—the VISUMAX 800—to achieve higher precision and speed.

One of the most significant differences lies in the laser speed.

While SMILE LASIK uses a 500kHz laser, SMILE PRO operates at 2MHz—almost four times faster.

This results in a much shorter laser application time, reducing the entire procedure to under 10 seconds.

That means fewer variables like patient anxiety or eye movement can affect the outcome.

Another key advancement is in eye centration.

Previous SMILE procedures required manual alignment, which could limit the precision of astigmatism correction.

SMILE PRO, however, is equipped with CentraLign and OcuLign—automated centration alignment features

that recognize the visual axis and even compensate for slight eye rotation when the patient lies on the surgical bed.

Thanks to this technology, more accurate outcomes can be expected in complex cases

like high astigmatism, compound astigmatism, or hyperopic astigmatism.

Does that make SMILE LASIK a lesser option?

Not at all. SMILE LASIK has already proven its safety and predictability through extensive clinical results

and remains a standard procedure for correcting myopia and moderate astigmatism.

From a medical standpoint, understanding the strengths of

both SMILE LASIK and SMILE PRO is crucial to choosing the best procedure for each patient.

For example, a patient in their 20s with good corneal health

and a moderate prescription can expect excellent results with SMILE LASIK alone.

Conversely, if a patient has high astigmatism, asymmetric corneal alignment, or needs fast recovery

and precise correction—perhaps due to their occupation—SMILE PRO may be more suitable.

Beyond cost and equipment: what’s best for you?

Even if the surgical techniques seem similar, differences in technology

can affect surgical efficiency and patient comfort during the procedure.

SMILE PRO, being built on cutting-edge equipment, tends to be more expensive than SMILE LASIK.

But what matters most is not just the price—it’s about identifying the surgery

that matches your eye condition, desired recovery speed, and lifestyle.

In the end, SMILE and SMILE PRO aren’t necessarily better

or worse than each other—they are distinct options that should be selected

based on the patient’s eye characteristics, daily life, and degree of correction needed.

Your doctor must consider more than just the surgical equipment—

they should evaluate the corneal thickness, curvature, tear film, retina,

and optic nerve through comprehensive tests to determine the safest and most effective method.

Vision correction is a one-time procedure that can impact your eyesight for life.

That’s why it’s crucial to make an informed decision through thorough testing and consultation.

While technology keeps advancing, it’s the responsibility of the medical team to apply it precisely to each patient.

Whether you choose SMILE or SMILE PRO, BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil strives

to understand your eyes and lifestyle in the most personalized way.

If you’re looking for a high-quality surgery backed by the expertise and skill developed

through over 100,000 procedures, we invite you to visit BGN Eye Clinic for a consultation.