Our Services SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE-Pro)

In 2021, HKSH introduced ‘SMILE-Pro’, the most advanced technology in vision correction, making it the first refractive surgery centre in Asia and third in the world to adopt this cutting-edge technology. As a minimally invasive vision correction procedure, it uses femtosecond laser technology to cut a lenticule (a piece of cornea tissue) from the cornea. The new generation SMILE Pro includes new features such as ‘visual axis-assisted navigation’ and ‘astigmatism axis navigation’, greatly enhancing surgical efficiency and accuracy.


SMILE-Pro Outcomes
Clinical results of HKSH have shown that three months after undergoing the SMILE Pro procedure, 96% of eyes achieved a naked-eye visual acuity of 20/20 or better. In terms of postoperative myopia/hyperopia, 94% of eyes had levels of ±0.75 dioptres or less, demonstrating very favourable outcomes (In general, myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism of 75 degrees or below will not affect distance vision).

Am I a suitable candidate?
In general, suitable candidates:

• Are 18 years old or above
• Are in good general health
• Have no autoimmune diseases issues that may affect healing of your eyes
• Have no active eye conditions or infection
• Are not suffering from severe dry eyes problem
• Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for the last year

To find out if SMILE-Pro is suitable for you, you should have a comprehensive eye examination by our ophthalmologist. During the examination, we will give you more specific information and explain any questions you may have. Since the examination is very thorough, it will take about three hours.

Preparation for SMILE-Pro

• You can attend one of the public seminars organized by Guy Hugh Chan Refractive Surgery Centre to obtain basic information about different kinds of refractive surgeries. Admissions are free. Reservation can be made by calling 2855 6699 or online at www.hksh-healthcare.com.
• Make an appointment with our Centre for a complete eye examination and evaluation. Book the date of operation if you are suitable for SMILE-Pro.
• Wear eyeglasses and stop wearing contact lenses before the eye examination and surgery:
  • Soft lenses for three to seven days
  • Hard or gas permeable lenses for one to two weeks

The Procedure

• Topical anaesthetic eye drops are instilled.
• Femtosecond laser is used to create a thin tissue within the cornea, which is then extracted through a small corneal incision made by the same laser.
• The corneal curvature, and thus the refractive power, is changed after the tissue is removed.
• No suture is needed and eye shield will be used for protection.

Risk and Complication

• The surgery cannot guarantee absolute accuracy of the target refraction.
• Tearing, burning sensation, and itchiness - they usually subside within a few days.
• Foggy vision and dry eyes may last for weeks or even months.
• Increased light sensitivity, fluctuation of vision or double vision.
• Blurry vision at night and indoors. Halo or glare around light source may last for a few months or even permanently.
• Near vision blur – reading glasses may be required for patients in presbyopic age.
• Overcorrection, undercorrection or induced astigmatism is possible, which may require other surgical treatment or corrective lenses.
• Wound bleeding, corneal infection or inflammation.
• Epithelial in-growth, interface debris and retained lenticule fragment.
• Irregular healing of the cornea may lead to irregular astigmatism and thus, decrease in best corrected vision.
• If incidences occur and cause termination of the procedure, the patient may need to return on a later day to complete the planned procedure.
• Cornea degeneration is very rare but may lead to corneal transplant. If rejection occurs, it may lead to blindness.
• Other extremely rare complications that may lead to permanent loss of vision, loss of eye, or even loss of life.

After the Procedure

• Keep eyes closed and rest all day after going home. Take caution when using stairs.
• Do not press on the eyes or remove the eye shield until the next day and wipe off excessive tears outside the shield.
• Please take medication or instill eye drops as instructed by the doctor.
• Lie on back and keep the eye shield on while sleeping for 1 week.
• Avoid soap, shampoo or tap water getting into eyes for 1 week.
• Avoid eye make-up especially mascara for 1 week.
• No swimming or contact sports for 1 month.
• Use sunglasses while outdoors for 1 month to prevent foreign bodies and irritation from UV light.
• No rubbing of eyes.

Follow up Examination
You should return for follow up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the surgery or whenever the doctor deems necessary.