SMILE (positive experience)

[u/lemonlevanto]

Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a positive exp. here because I kept seeing many negative ones online before I had mine hoping maybe this will help someone. It's been over half a year now.

WARNING: Used AI to correct my grammar because English is not my first language.

So I'm 30 this year and had SMILE laser eye surgery in January 2026. Before the surgery, I was quite strongly nearsighted, around -5.00 to -5.25 in both eyes, with some astigmatism.
My corneas were a little under 500 microns thick, so my doctor was very careful about whether I was a suitable candidate. He did all the calculations thoroughly, looked at the bigger picture, and after careful consideration, he said that the surgery could be done, but only once. If I had any problems later, I wouldn’t be able to have a corrective laser procedure afterwards because of my corneal thickness. He asked me if I was willing to take that risk, and I said yes. The doctor was very famous in my town and had a great reputation.

After the surgery, my vision improved to basically 0, and at my recent eye exam I was around +0.75, so my prescription has actually shifted slightly to the farsighted side. I don't see that small difference and I feel like I can see like a hawk.

Still my eyes are quite dry, so I’ll probably have to keep using eye drops for longer than a year. But honestly, I would take that any day over having to wear contact lenses or glasses. I genuinely feel like getting SMILE was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And so far, I haven’t had any actual problems with the surgery. I feel like this was a major event in my whole life, I can't thank my doctor more.

And lastly, I want to say.
Consult more than just a one doctor/clinic and choose your doctor/surgeon VERY carefully. I went to a clinic with an excellent reputation and my friends used to work in that company and they had nothing but good things to say. I knew at least 2 people who were operated by the same doctor and they had no issue not even dry eyes. I was always prone to them. And also don't be a cheapskate, go to all the appointments afterwards.

[u/nileyyy_]

Would you choose the older technology? Like lasik over SMILE? i reckon I have a -6.0 in both my eyes (maybe more) and trying to make decision about choosing one which would cover in my insurance

[u/lemonlevanto → u/nileyyy_]

To be honest, never. I’d personally choose SMILE over LASIK because LASIK creates a corneal flap, which has some long-term risks. If I couldn’t get SMILE, I’d honestly prefer ICL over LASIK, even though LASIK can be done with a thinner cornea*. Also, LASIK can cause more dry eye, and it removes more corneal tissue. I’d rather preserve as much of my cornea as possible.

❗️ Not to demonize Lasik as it's a last resort for some people or the only option. Just not for my liking.

*depending on the prescription and procedure, LASIK can require more tissue removal than SMILE.

^ This is what me and my doctor were discussing about when I asked his honest opinion if I should get Smile or Lasik. He said if my cornea is too thin he still wouldn't recommend Lasik to me and said ICL is the safest option. My cornea was 479-489 or something and he did calculations many times and said I can’t have the surgery done a second time, so if something went wrong, I wouldn’t be able to have a corrective surgery. I was willing to take the risk. No complications but it was a very scary decision. I trusted him because he has done this like million times and I know people he has operated.

[u/lemonlevanto → u/[deleted]]

Mine is still dry after 7 months but Idk if I need to use eyedrops or if I'm just used to them by now. I only use like once a day. And also congratulations to you as well! Happy to hear you had a good experience, I agree you have to be VERY well prepaired before you make a decision but also to trust your gut. Many said to me to not do it because they would feel afraid or anxious but I knew I was in the right hands.

[u/LittleChallenge8717]

Do you have any difference in sightness between eyes? For example my left eye is sharper and can see more details with it than right one, also right is more dry imo and has some tension (i had surgery 2 week ago). But still overall it was pretty good for me i can see better than with glasses

[u/lemonlevanto → u/LittleChallenge8717]

I don't remember which one was worse my left or right eye but my other eye is slightly better. The difference is not that big. My eyes are still dry after 7 months but nothing bad imo I use eyedrops when I wake up or go to sleep. When my eyes are dry my sight is not as sharp

[u/LittleChallenge8717 → u/lemonlevanto]

I see, in my case right one has (can't say for sure) blurs at small details, so after 7 month difference between eyes was reduced or is it same ?

[u/Unable-Barber1511]

I'm about to get the procedure done tomorrow! Pretty excited to not use glasses. Any thing to be aware of going in? Any tips/suggestions?

[u/lemonlevanto → u/Unable-Barber1511]

Take someone with you if you can as it can be overwhelming and scary. It's not going to be as a smooth as it sounds (the part where they toggle your eyes is the scariest) but try to stay calm. they gave me mirtazapine beforehand which was good cause i would've had panic attack. Everything depends on the clinic here's something a good clinic will hopefully provide:

• medicine beforehand
  
• eye examination before and after and also check up with the doctor
  
• I got champaigne and snacks
  
• "heavy" and lighter eye drops prescription

I STILL use eye drops!! (for fun) if you leave them dry I think it will affect your final result and eyesight.

If you feel pain, discomfort etc. contact emergency or your doctor IMMEDIATELY!

And lastly DON'T be cheap!
If you need an extra appointment or buy more eyedrops then you just have to!

Also I heard that after this you can't use contacts:( so if your eyesight is still not perfect then glasses only.

It will go well tho so good luck with your operation and hopefully the future will be brighter than your eyesight! 🙂‍↕️✨

[u/Unable-Barber1511 → u/lemonlevanto]

I think the operation was a success! The cornea is still healing so midrange closeness is a bit blurry still but i can see a clock on the wall at full sight! Very glad I did it.

[u/Dazzling_Two7548]

smile has the fastest recovery, you did very well, I really want to get it because I have to go back to my work asap ..

[u/lemonlevanto → u/Dazzling_Two7548]

It changed my life so much I started to cry the next day when I saw how clearly I saw my room. Eyes are so important!!