Laser Eye Surgeries Differences: Other Laser Surgeries vs SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro vs LASIK:
With SMILE PRO:
- There is no flap, which means no flap complications
- Minimally invasive
- Less dry eye
- Less corneal aberrations (less halos at night)
- Quick recovery
SMILE Pro vs SmartSight
“SmartSight” is a new laser technology that does a similar surgical procedure to SMILE-Pro (Lenticule Extraction). “SmartSight” is done with the Schwind ATOS laser system.
Both SMILE-Pro and SmartSight have the following advanced technological features:
- Cyclotortion control
- Automated pupil centration
SMILE-Pro has the advantage of:
- Shorter treatment duration time (10 seconds)
- 10mm minimum lenticule thickness (Safer as there is less chance of leaving lenticule remnants behind)
- Most tried and tested system (over 9 million cases worldwide)
- Most common lenticule extraction system in Australia and the World
SMILE-Pro vs SILK
“SILK” is the new lenticule extraction surgery developed by Johnson and Johnson and performed with their ELITA laser system. The ELITA system has:
- A flat interface which causes high pressure in the eye and can cause discomfort during the treatment
- A biconvex lenticule which may affect the visual quality
Explore the distinctive advantages of SMILE Pro as we compare it with other laser eye surgery procedures, highlighting key differences in precision, comfort, and recovery.
SMILE-Pro vs SILK, SMARTsight, CLEAR
SMILE surgery has been commercially available for over a decade. SMILE has been performed more than 9 million times globally. SMILE gives such great results that other laser surgery companies have produced lasers that do similar surgery to SMILE.
These procedures cannot be called “SMILE” as the “SMILE” is trademarked to Zeiss; hence these procedures have their own name, such as “SILK, SMARTSight, CLEAR”
These new alternative treatments have subtle differences to SMILE. There is little evidence to show these treatments are as safe, or as good as SMILE.
SMILE-Pro has the following advantages over these new laser platforms:
- SMILE is the most common lenticule surgery procedure performed in Australia and around the world.
- Evidence-based: SMILE has the longest track record and has extensive evidence to prove its safety and accuracy.
- FASTEST treatment: SMILE-Pro laser only takes 10 seconds. This makes it a better experience for the patient and reduces the risk of suction loss during the procedure.
- Gentle treatment: SMILE uses low suction when making a lenticule. This makes it very gentle on the eye and, makes the procedure easy and comfortable.
SMILE-Pro at Eye Laser Specialists
We are the most experienced lenticule extraction surgery centre in Victoria. We have been doing SMILE surgery since 2020 and have done over 4000 successful SMILE procedures. SMILE is our preferred treatment option for patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism. We will soon be able to do SMILE for hyperopia.
Vision improvement with SMILE Pro laser eye surgery in Melbourne
Dr Anton van Heerden describes patients’ experiences after SMILE Pro eye surgery.
Benefits of Choosing SMILE Pro
Life becomes a joyful journey when you liberate yourself from the obstacles that drag you down and hinder your progress.
Rapid Recovery with SMILE Pro’s Minimally Invasive Approach
One of the standout benefits of SMILE Pro is its rapid healing time. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery, with just a small incision, significantly reduces recovery duration, enabling patients to return to their daily routines swiftly.
SMILE Pro: Perfect for Active, On-the-Go Lifestyles
SMILE Pro is a game-changer for active individuals or those with busy lifestyles. Its quick recovery and minimal post-operative restrictions mean less downtime, making it an ideal choice for those who can’t afford long recovery periods.
SMILE Pro: Cutting-Edge Precision in Vision Correction
SMILE Pro laser eye surgery utilises state-of-the-art laser technology, offering unprecedented precision in vision correction. This advanced approach allows for more accurate reshaping of the cornea, enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
Rapid Recovery with SMILE Pro’s Minimally Invasive Approach
One of the standout benefits of SMILE Pro is its rapid healing time. The minimally invasive nature of the surgery, with just a small incision, significantly reduces recovery duration, enabling patients to return to their daily routines swiftly.
SMILE Pro: Perfect for Active, On-the-Go Lifestyles
SMILE Pro is a game-changer for active individuals or those with busy lifestyles. Its quick recovery and minimal post-operative restrictions mean less downtime, making it an ideal choice for those who can’t afford long recovery periods.
Ready to start your new journey today?
Enhance your vision of life in just three simple steps:


GET YOUR CONSULTATION
Before any procedure, we’ll ascertain if you’re the right fit for this revolutionary treatment at our cutting-edge eye clinic near Melbourne CBD.
Ready to start your new journey today?
Enhance your vision of life in just three simple steps:
Unravelling the Magic of SMILE Pro Eye Surgery!
Dive deep into the essentials of SMILE Pro laser eye surgery
Are you eligible?
SMILE corrects visual imperfections, but eligibility is key:
– Age: Over 18 with stable vision for a year.
– Prescription: Best for myopia; treatable range determined by an eye exam.
– Corneal Thickness: A minimum is needed; thin corneas can complicate surgery.
– Pupil Size: Large pupils might cause post-op glare or halos.
– Eye Health: No major conditions like glaucoma or corneal diseases.
– General Health: Diseases like diabetes can affect healing.
– Pregnancy/Nursing: Wait till post-partum or post-nursing due to vision changes.
– Expectations: Discuss potential results and risks with a surgeon.
The Carl ZEISS VisuMax® 800 Femtosecond laser is a cutting-edge tool in SMILE Pro eye treatments, offering unmatched precision and efficiency. This advanced system is pivotal in enhancing the safety and comfort of laser eye surgeries, particularly in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) procedures.
Key features include its ultra-fast laser speed, significantly reducing the duration of surgeries and enhancing patient comfort. Its precision in creating corneal lenticules and incisions ensures optimal vision correction outcomes. The ergonomic design of the laser, with a curved contact surface, minimises pressure on the eye, contributing to a more comfortable patient experience.
Moreover, the VisuMax® 800 is equipped with advanced safety features and integrates seamlessly with other diagnostic and surgical systems, facilitating a streamlined, efficient surgical process. Versatile in its applications, it’s not only used for SMILE procedures but also for creating flaps in LASIK surgeries. This femtosecond laser represents a major leap in refractive surgery, combining technological sophistication with patient-centred care.
1. Consultation: Comprehensive eye exam to confirm stability and suitability.
2. Preparation: Eye area cleaned; anaesthetic drops applied for comfort.
3. Lenticule Creation: A femtosecond laser crafts a lens-shaped tissue piece within the cornea for correction.
4. Small Incision: A 2-4 mm incision is made, eliminating the need for a full flap.
5. Lenticule Extraction: The lens-shaped tissue is extracted, reshaping the cornea.
6. Natural Healing: Minimally invasive procedure allows for rapid, stitchless healing.
7. Post-op Care: Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed, with vision usually improving within a day.
8. Follow-up: Essential post-surgery check-ups to monitor healing and results.
What our patients say...
We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Dive into why a whopping 90% of our patients pick SMILE Pro!
SMILE Pro, the newest breakthrough in vision care, is now in Melbourne
SMILE Pro is considered the new revolutionary treatment of the vision correction world. Tailored for those battling myopia (short-sightedness) and that pesky astigmatism, it’s the evolutionary successor to PRK and LASIK. Shifting to the new 3rd generation of laser vision correction can guarantee less intrusion, minimised discomfort, and fewer post-op blues.
LASIK eye surgery, though revolutionary in its time, is akin to an artist meticulously creating a corneal flap, folding it, and lasering beneath for vision correction. Fabulous? Without a doubt. Yet, it occasionally comes with unwanted extras – notably dry eyes and flap drama.
Now, cue SMILE Pro. Imagine it as a tender embrace to the cornea, more of a caress than a full-blown handshake. Tiny incisions, negligible surface tampering, and the corneal nerves get the VIP treatment. The result? Quicker sessions, rapid recovery, reduced side effects, and a golden ticket to crystal-clear vision. Truly, the next-gen upgrade in vision tech.
For expert insights on SMILE Pro, explore the links provided below.
Explore more about SMILE Pro laser eye treatment through these links.
About Eye Laser Specialists
Our eye doctors bring a combined 40 years of eye surgery experience to Armadale

Dr Anton van Heerden, MBCHB; FRANZCO
Ophthalmologist & Laser Eye Surgeon
Dr Van Heerden is renowned both domestically and internationally for providing the highest standards of vision correction surgery. While his skills and experience are second to none, it is his fun, caring and down to earth nature that truly set’s him apart from the rest. You can sit back and enjoy the journey knowing every detail has been carefully considered.
Dr Anton Auret Van Heerden AHPRA Registration No MED0001218295, type: Specialist

Dr Edward Roufail, PhD, FRANZCO
Ophthalmologist & Laser Eye Surgeon
As an experienced eye surgeon, Dr Edward Roufail has expertise in performing corneal refractive procedures, including SMILE, LASIK, PRK and Presbyond. He’s passionate about improving his patients’ eyesight through laser vision correction. Edward has performed thousands of cataract, retinal and macular surgeries and routinely, performs over 500 intraocular surgeries a year, including MFIOL and ICL. He is passionate about using the latest technology to deliver the best outcomes for patients.
Dr Edward Roufail AHPRA Registration No MED0001139276, type: Specialist

Dr Benjamin Au
Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
Dr Benjamin Au is a registered ophthalmologist in Australia and Singapore specialising in Complex Cataracts and Refractive Surgery. Dr Au’s Singapore training in myopia and finesse in dealing with difficult cataract surgeries, combined with his passion for delivering predictable and outstanding visual outcomes, motivated him to refractive surgery. Ben aims to deliver the best professional and honest care paired with his personable and affable personality.
Ben is excited to be able to offer PRESBYOND surgery, a means to rid the need for reading glasses without compromises (loss of contrast, glares and haloes) available only through the Zeiss refractive laser system.
Dr Benjamin Wai Yin Au AHPRA Registration No MED0002321588, type: Specialist



























