ZEISS SMILE Pro Surgery

Zeiss SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an FDA-approved, all-laser, flapless vision correction procedure that treats nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. The Zeiss VisuMax 800 laser creates a tiny disc of tissue — called a lenticule — inside the cornea, which is then removed through a small incision to reshape the eye and correct vision. Over 10 million SMILE procedures have been performed worldwide.

LASIK uses two lasers — one to create a corneal flap and a second to reshape the cornea underneath it. SMILE uses a single laser (the VisuMax 800) and requires no flap at all. Instead, the lenticule is removed through a small incision, which means no flap-related risks, less disruption to the corneal surface, and typically fewer dry eye symptoms in the first six months. Both procedures deliver excellent long-term vision outcomes.

SMILE Pro is FDA-approved to treat mild-to-moderate myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. It does not currently treat hyperopia (farsightedness) — patients with farsightedness may be better suited for LASIK, PRK, or a lens-based procedure.

SMILE Pro uses the Zeiss VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser — the only laser in the world FDA-cleared specifically for the SMILE procedure. It's the newest generation of the VisuMax platform, and Clear Vision Center has invested in this technology to give patients access to the most advanced option available.

You'll arrive at Clear Vision Center's on-site procedure suite and have the option to take a mild relaxation medication (Valium) about 30 minutes before the procedure. You can relax in a massaging recliner with a complimentary treat while you wait. Numbing drops are applied, then a gentle contact element connects your eye to the laser. The laser creates the lenticule in about 10 seconds, and it's carefully removed in a 5–10 minute process. The same steps are then repeated for your other eye.

No. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure, and the treatment itself is completely painless. The gentle contact element on the VisuMax 800 minimizes pressure on the eye. Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.

The laser treatment itself takes just 10 seconds per eye. The full lenticule removal process takes 5–10 minutes per eye. Total time in the procedure suite for both eyes is typically 15–20 minutes.

Most patients are surprised to find they have functional vision — without glasses or contacts — almost immediately after the procedure. Vision may have a hazy or cloudy quality for a few days, but it typically sharpens steadily over the course of the first week as the eye heals.

No — you will need a driver to take you home. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure.

Recovery with SMILE is typically fast. Most patients resume normal daily activities within 1–2 days. Vision continues to improve and stabilize over the following week. Because there's no corneal flap, recovery is generally more comfortable than LASIK, with fewer restrictions in the early days.

Common temporary side effects include:

• Hazy or cloudy vision for a few days (normal and expected)
• Light sensitivity in the first day or two
• Mild dryness — less common than with LASIK due to the smaller incision
• Mild discomfort or a gritty sensation in the first 24 hours

Serious complications are extremely rare and will be reviewed in full at your consultation.

SMILE tends to cause fewer and less severe dry eye symptoms than LASIK in the first six months after surgery. This is because the smaller incision disrupts fewer of the corneal nerves responsible for stimulating tear production. Patients with pre-existing dry eye should still discuss this carefully with Dr. Vrabec at their consultation.

The best candidates for SMILE Pro are generally:

• Between 20 and 49 years old
• Have mild-to-moderate myopia (nearsightedness) and/or astigmatism
• Have had a stable prescription for at least one year
• Have healthy eyes and corneas of adequate thickness
• Lead an active lifestyle or participate in contact sports (where flap-free is an advantage)

SMILE may not be the right choice for patients who are farsighted (SMILE does not treat hyperopia), have keratoconus, severe dry eye syndrome, certain autoimmune conditions, or thin corneas. Patients over 49 are typically better suited to a lens-based procedure. Dr. Vrabec will review all of this at your consultation and recommend the right path forward.

Your consultation at Clear Vision Center includes advanced 3D corneal scans that create a detailed map of your eye, a comprehensive eye health evaluation, and a personal meeting with Dr. Vrabec himself. He'll discuss your vision goals, your prescription, lifestyle factors, the procedure, recovery, and all-inclusive pricing. Unlike many laser centers, the surgeon — not a technician — conducts your consultation. The visit is free, with no obligation to proceed.

Clear Vision Center also offers LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL (implantable contact lens), and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Dr. Vrabec takes a personalized approach — he'll recommend whichever procedure gives you the best outcome, or let you know honestly if no surgical option is the right call for you.

Yes. SMILE Pro has a safety rate of over 99%, comparable to LASIK, and has been FDA-approved since 2016. Over 10 million procedures have been safely performed worldwide. As with any surgical procedure, some risks exist — the vast majority of which are preventable through rigorous candidate screening, experienced technique, and modern technology. All risks will be reviewed in full at your consultation.

No. Because SMILE is a flapless procedure, flap-related complications — such as flap displacement from a direct impact — are not a risk. This is one of the key reasons active patients and athletes often prefer SMILE over LASIK.

Clear Vision Center uses all-inclusive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or upsells. This includes:

• All post-procedure eye drops
• All follow-up appointments
• Enhancement procedures for up to 2 years after surgery

Full pricing details are provided at your consultation appointment.

Yes. 0% financing is available over 24 months, making SMILE Pro accessible without a large upfront cost.

SMILE Pro can save most patients over $20,000 compared to the lifetime cost of glasses and contacts, making it a strong long-term financial investment in addition to the lifestyle benefits.

All procedures are performed by Dr. Josh Vrabec, MD — a board-certified refractive surgeon, Charter Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgeons, and certified Zeiss SMILE Pro provider with over 25 years of vision correction experience.

Yes. Unlike many laser centers that rely on technicians for consultations, Dr. Vrabec personally meets with every patient — from the initial screening and 3D corneal scan through the procedure itself and all post-operative appointments.

Clear Vision Center has offices in Rochester and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, serving the greater Detroit metro area. All procedures are performed on-site in our modern procedure suite — no transfers between facilities.