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SmartSight

Freedom from glasses starts here.

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Your world, perfectly in focus. Where innovation meets precision for exceptional vision. Step into a life where every view is vibrant and every detail is vivid.

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SmartSight Laser Eye Surgery

SmartSight is a next-generation laser vision correction procedure designed to treat short-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Using advanced femtosecond laser technology, it reshapes the cornea through a tiny incision—without creating a corneal flap—helping patients achieve clear, natural vision with minimal disruption to the eye’s surface.

What is SmartSight

SmartSight is a minimally invasive laser eye surgery that corrects refractive error by reshaping the cornea from within, rather than from the surface. A femtosecond laser creates a precisely shaped lenticule inside the corneal stroma. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through the small incision, altering the curvature of the cornea and correcting the prescription. No corneal flap is lifted at any stage. The procedure is typically completed in a matter of minutes per eye, and patients remain awake throughout with numbing eye drops applied beforehand.

What SmartSight Can Correct

SmartSight is used to treat myopia (short-sightedness) and myopia with astigmatism. It does not currently correct hyperopia (long-sightedness). The treatable prescription range depends on the laser platform used and individual corneal measurements. Your suitability will be confirmed through a comprehensive pre-operative assessment.

SmartSight and SMILE: What Is the Difference

SmartSight and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) are based on the same surgical principle: flapless removal of a corneal lenticule through a small incision. The difference is the laser platform. SmartSight is performed on the ZEISS VISUMAX laser system. SMILE is the original branded name for this technique. Both follow the same clinical steps and share the same rationale.
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Am I a good candidate 
for SmartSight

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are over 18 years old
  • Have stable vision for at least 12 months
  • Have myopia (with or without astigmatism)
  • Have healthy eyes with no significant corneal disease

A comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine your suitability.

Corneal mapping

Corneal mapping using topography or tomography is a required part of the pre-operative assessment. It identifies irregular corneal patterns or early signs of conditions that could increase surgical risk. Dry eye is also evaluated carefully, as pre-existing ocular surface disease may influence both the choice of procedure and the recovery experience.

SmartSight may not be recommended if there are signs of corneal instability, a prescription outside the treatable range, an unstable refraction, or other eye conditions affecting safety or predictability. If SmartSight is not suitable, your surgeon will discuss alternatives such as LASIK, PRK, or an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) based on your individual assessment.
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SmartSight vs LASIK vs PRK

SmartSight, LASIK, and PRK are all laser vision correction procedures, but they differ in technique, recovery profile, and which patients they suit best.

SmartSight vs LASIK

The key difference is the absence of a corneal flap. LASIK involves creating and lifting a thin flap before an excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue underneath, then the flap is repositioned. SmartSight removes tissue entirely from within the cornea through a small incision, leaving the corneal surface intact. SmartSight avoids flap-related complications and preserves more corneal biomechanical strength. Both procedures generally allow fast visual recovery, with most patients noticing improvement within the first one to two days.

SmartSight vs PRK

PRK is a surface-based procedure where the outer corneal layer (epithelium) is removed and the excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface directly. PRK does not involve a flap or an internal incision. Recovery after PRK typically involves more initial discomfort and a longer period of visual stabilisation compared to SmartSight, because the surface layer needs time to regenerate. PRK may be preferred for patients where corneal thickness favours a surface approach, or where the corneal profile makes it the safer option.

SmartSight vs ICL

An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) places a soft lens inside the eye to correct vision without reshaping the cornea at all. ICL does not remove corneal tissue and may be considered for higher prescriptions, thinner corneas, or patients where corneal factors limit laser correction. The right choice depends on eye anatomy, prescription, dry eye profile, and the findings of a comprehensive assessment.
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What to expect during SmartSight eye surgery

SmartSight is performed as an outpatient procedure with numbing eye drops so you remain comfortable and awake throughout.

Procedure steps

  • Numbing drops are applied to the eye
  • The femtosecond laser creates a lenticule of precise shape and depth within the corneal stroma
  • A small incision is made at the periphery of the cornea
  • The surgeon gently separates and removes the lenticule through the incision
  • Final checks are completed before you leave the treatment area

An eye-tracking system guides the laser in real time to account for small eye movements. Your total time at the clinic will be longer than the laser portion alone, due to preparation, pre-treatment checks, and post-operative monitoring. You will need someone to drive you home on the day of treatment.

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SmartSight vs other vision correction options

SmartSight vs LASIK

Feature SmartSight LASIK
Corneal flap No Yes
Incision size Small (2-4mm) Larger flap (~20mm)
Dry eye risk Generally lower Moderate
Recovery time Fast Fast
Contact sports ~2 weeks ~4 weeks
Treats hyperopia No Yes
Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option based on your eye health and prescription.

Recovery after SmartSight

Recovery after SmartSight is generally faster than PRK and comparable to LASIK.

Most patients notice meaningful visual improvement within 24 to 48 hours of surgery. Light sensitivity, mild grittiness, watering, and some fluctuation in vision are common in the first day or two and settle quickly with rest and prescribed lubricating drops.


During the first week, avoid rubbing the eye, wearing eye makeup, swimming, and dusty or smoky environments to reduce infection risk and support stable healing. Driving should only resume once your vision is safe and confirmed at a follow-up review. Exercise can be reintroduced gradually, but activities involving eye impact or water exposure should be avoided until your surgeon advises otherwise. Follow-up appointments monitor healing, corneal stability, dryness, and visual progress.
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Why choose City Eye Surgeons 
for SmartSight

SmartSight is a significant decision. Choosing the right surgical team makes the difference between a good outcome and a great one.

Flapless expertise and precision technology

Our surgeons are experienced in flapless lenticule extraction, using advanced femtosecond laser technology with no blade at any stage.

Comprehensive pre-operative assessment

We perform detailed corneal mapping, tear film testing, and eye health evaluations to ensure SmartSight is the right choice for your eyes.

Structured aftercare from day one

Follow-up appointments monitor your corneal healing, manage dryness, and confirm your vision is stabilising as expected.

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FAQs

Is SmartSight the same as SMILE?

Both are lenticule extraction procedures. SMILE uses the ZEISS VisuMax laser; SmartSight uses the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser with additional features including automated centration. Both achieve similar outcomes.

Most people feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort or grittiness may occur afterwards but typically settles within a day or two.

The laser treatment takes seconds per eye. Total time in the laser suite is around 20–30 minutes for both eyes.

Yes. SmartSight corrects astigmatism along with myopia, depending on your assessment.

Once your vision meets the required standard—often within a few days, but individual timelines vary.

Neither is universally better. SmartSight suits people wanting a flapless approach or concerned about dry eye. LASIK can treat hyperopia and may have slightly faster initial recovery. The best procedure is the one that fits your eyes.

We’ll discuss alternatives—LASIK, PRK, or ICL—based on your prescription, corneal measurements, and goals.

SmartSight permanently reshapes the cornea. Natural age-related changes (like presbyopia) can still occur, but this affects everyone regardless of whether they’ve had laser surgery.

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