Zeiss SMILE FAQs
ZEISS technology is leading the way in a range of sectors, from medical technology to high-precision vision care.
You may know ZEISS from your last visit to the optician, as ZEISS is a leading manufacturer of spectacle lenses. ZEISS’ expertise also extends to camera lenses and binoculars as well as observation and rifle scopes. In fact, ZEISS optics in the James Webb Space Telescope allow humanity to see into the furthest reaches of the universe.
But the company is more than that. With a history that stretches back over 175 years, ZEISS is an established, world-leader in advanced medical lasers and scientific optics. With its origins in Germany, the company now employs more than 35,000 people at 160 locations in 50 countries. Research and development are undertaken in 27 specialist research and development facilities to ensure ZEISS is always at the forefront of technology.
Your surgeon will use the latest ZEISS medical technology and software during your treatment. Lenticule extraction using ZEISS SMILE is performed on the VISUMAX® from ZEISS. Each laser pulse delivers a very precise burst of light, thereby reducing the potential for harm to any nearby healthy tissue that must remain intact.
To help the surgeon do their job effectively, ZEISS VISUMAX also features high-quality ZEISS microscopes, digital cameras, advanced interactive touch screens and integrated illumination.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. However, vision correction with ZEISS SMILE is designed to be as minimally invasive as possible, making side effects and risks are very rare.
Potential risks may include:
- Variability in corneal healing
- Glare, halos, starbursts in low light conditions
- Delayed visual recovery
- Ocular infection
Always consult with your eye doctor to determine if ZEISS SMILE is the right option for you.
Most patients experience improved vision following the ZEISS SMILE procedure, which typically continues to improve over the next few days.
During the healing process, you will be advised to avoid rubbing your eyes. It is normal to feel a mild foreign body sensation or notice slightly blurry vision as your eyes heal. Your surgeon will also review all post-operative eye drop medications and provide guidance on restrictions after surgery.
Many patients can resume normal activities such as exercising, wearing makeup, and returning back to work, as early as the next day.
If your eyesight has been stable over the past year (usually in your early 20’s), you wear glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision and are otherwise healthy and not pregnant, you may be a candidate for laser eye surgery. Your eye doctor will be able to tell you if this is a viable option for you.
One of the most important parts of a laser eye surgery is finding the right clinic. There are many factors to consider, including the doctor’s experience, and the technology he or she uses. Visiting doctors, researching surgeons and comparing them might help when choosing the doctor or clinic you feel most comfortable with. When consulting a doctor, it is good to prepare your questions beforehand.
Yes, both eyes can be treated during the same session. Your eye doctor will decide whether this is possible.
During lenticule extraction with ZEISS SMILE, numbing drops are applied to the eye before and during treatment. Minimal pressure may be felt during the procedure. Most patients report a surgical experience that met or exceeded their comfort expectations.3
Laser eye surgery permanently reshapes the front surface of your eye to correct your prescription. However, as you age, natural changes in your eyes may still affect your vision over time.
One common age-related change is presbyopia, which typically begins in your early to mid-40s. Presbyopia makes it harder to see things up close, such as reading a book or looking at your phone. Even after laser vision correction, you may still need reading glasses to address these near-vision challenges.
It’s important to note that laser vision correction procedures, including ZEISS SMILE, do not cause presbyopia, and cannot prevent it.
ZEISS SMILE is designed to correct myopia, astigmatism or a combination of the two, but is currently not an option for farsightedness (hyperopia). Your doctor will discuss the best treatment option to treat your farsightedness.
The nature and degree of the refractive error, and the curvature and thickness of the cornea also play a role.
Your profession and hobbies are also important. If you often participate in strenuous contact sports, your doctor might recommend a treatment with ZEISS SMILE.
As with other laser vision correction methods, you will first need to undergo a detailed eye examination to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
ZEISS SMILE is the latest development using this laser technology for laser vision correction.
ZEISS SMILE has been performed in international controlled clinical studies since 2007 and became commercially available in the United States in 2016. The first ZEISS SMILE patients have been monitored for over eighteen years post-treatment, with the technology available in over 80 countries worldwide.
Lenticule extraction is the latest advancement of laser vision correction and ZEISS SMILE has been available since 2011. The technique is known and recognized by medical trade associations related to refractive laser eye surgeries.
The popularity of ZEISS SMILE continues to grow, and over 3,000 surgeons have already successfully treated millions of eyes.
In most cases, following the surgery with ZEISS SMILE, patients enjoy improved vision immediately – and it will even get better over the next few days.
However, you will not be able to drive after the procedure, so you will need to arrange for someone to take you home. Your doctor will provide you with any specific instructions that may be applicable for you.
Following the procedure, you should avoid rubbing or touching your eye. Some surgeons may recommend wearing eye shields while sleeping for a day or so following your treatment.
Your surgeon will provide you with a list of instructions about your procedure, including when to stop wearing your contact lenses, what to eat and wear on the day of your procedure, and when to administer your post-op, prescription eye drops. Please note, you will need to arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure.