No flap. No dry eyes. Walk in with glasses — fly home seeing clearly in 24 hours.
Free SMILE Pro check
Am I suitable for SMILE Pro?
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Walk in with glasses. Fly home without them. Same Zeiss and Alcon laser platforms as leading UK clinics — one International Patient Centre team from your first enquiry to post-op check.
Flapless lenticule extraction on VisuMax 800 — procedure facts first, travel after Pentacam mapping confirms fit.
Results at our eye centre
60-second check · clinical team reviews prescription, dry eye history, and contact-sport needs before any travel is planned.
Pentacam topography, pachymetry, tear film — confirms SMILE Pro range and corneal health before any recommendation.
VisuMax 800 creates and extracts the lenticule through a 2–4mm incision · ~10 minutes per eye · no flap.
Rest at your hotel · lubricant drops · post-op check before travel clearance — often next morning.
Video reviews at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months with your International Patient Centre specialist.
Often 2 nights in Istanbul — fly day after post-op check when cleared · hotel and VIP transfers included.
Clinical facts sit in the summary above. Use these sections for suitability criteria, flap vs flapless choices, and the step-by-step procedure guide — confirmed only after Pentacam mapping.
Age, corneal thickness, dry eye, and when SMILE or ICL may suit better than LASIK.
Read criteria → AlternativesLASIK or No-Touch surface laser — how your surgeon chooses after topography.
Compare paths → ProcedureStep-by-step from anaesthetic drops to flap creation, laser ablation, and same-day recovery.
Clinical guide →Not sure yet? Start with the 60-second check — our clinical team reviews your answers before any recommendation.
Both are offered at our Istanbul eye centre. The right choice depends on corneal thickness, lifestyle, and occupation — not marketing. Your surgeon decides after mapping, not before.
Flap-based · fastest recovery
Trans-PRK · zero instrument contact
No-Touch Laser is a Trans-PRK technique. SMILE is another flapless option for suitable myopia — your patient care team will explain all three after your free check.
Find out which procedure fits you →SMILE Pro is performed exclusively on the Zeiss VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser — not the original VisuMax 500. All iSee Turkey partner hospitals performing SMILE Pro use the VisuMax 800, confirmed in your written treatment plan before you travel.
10 MHz · Lenticule creation <30 seconds per eye
The only laser platform CE-approved and FDA-cleared for SMILE Pro. Operates at 10 million pulses per second — 20× faster than the original VisuMax 500 — reducing total eye exposure time and minimising micro-movement artefacts during treatment.
Smaller spot size and higher pulse frequency produce a smoother lenticule surface — aiding surgical extraction and optical quality compared with original SMILE on the VisuMax 500.
London · Manchester · UK & Ireland SMILE Pro centres
Corneal topography · pachymetry · aberrometry
SMILE Pro planning requires detailed corneal mapping, thickness measurement, and wavefront analysis. Lenticule shape — diameter, thickness, and curvature — is calculated from these measurements before the VisuMax 800 treatment begins.
Standard at all iSee Turkey partner clinics
500 kHz · 25–35 seconds lenticule creation
The original ReLEx SMILE platform — CE-approved 2012, 7 million+ procedures worldwide. Still used at some centres, but not SMILE Pro. If a clinic cannot confirm VisuMax 800 availability, they are performing original SMILE, not SMILE Pro.
Superseded by VisuMax 800 for SMILE Pro
SMILE Pro vs original SMILE: The VisuMax 800 completes lenticule creation in under 30 seconds (typically under 20 for moderate prescriptions) versus 25–35 seconds on the VisuMax 500. Clinical outcomes are at least equivalent, with published data suggesting improved visual recovery speed. We make this distinction clearly for every patient — all iSee Turkey SMILE Pro procedures are on the VisuMax 800.
Everything you need to know before booking SMILE Pro laser eye surgery in Istanbul — from how the flapless procedure works to your 3-day travel itinerary, eligibility criteria, and expected recovery.
SMILE Pro — Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, next-generation — is a minimally invasive, flapless refractive procedure that corrects short-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea from within. Unlike LASIK, which creates a hinged corneal flap before applying an excimer laser, SMILE Pro requires no flap at all. The Zeiss VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser creates a precisely shaped disc of corneal tissue — a lenticule — entirely inside the intact corneal stroma. The surgeon removes this lenticule through a tiny 2–4mm arcuate incision. As the lenticule is extracted, the cornea settles into its new, corrected shape.
The original SMILE procedure (ReLEx SMILE) was CE-approved in 2012 and has been performed on over 7 million eyes worldwide. SMILE Pro is the evolution of this technique, performed on the Zeiss VisuMax 800 — operating at 10 MHz compared to 500 kHz in the original VisuMax 500. This speed reduces lenticule creation to under 30 seconds per eye — less total laser time, less opportunity for micro-movement artefacts, and a smoother lenticule surface.
iSee Turkey coordinates SMILE Pro at JCI-accredited partner hospitals in Istanbul using the Zeiss VisuMax 800 — the same platform used at London's leading refractive surgery centres, with all-inclusive packages covering hotel, transfers, and 3-month video aftercare.
Both SMILE Pro and LASIK are excellent, well-established options for myopic patients. The choice comes down to prescription type, corneal characteristics, lifestyle, and dry-eye history:
| SMILE Pro | LASIK | |
|---|---|---|
| Corrects myopia | Up to ~−10 D | Up to ~−10 D |
| Corrects astigmatism | Up to ~−5 D | Up to ~−5 D |
| Corrects hyperopia | Not available | Up to +4–5 D |
| Corneal flap | No flap | Flap created |
| Dry eyes post-op | Significantly less | 15–35% symptomatic at 3 months |
| Contact sports | Preferred | Flap dislodgement risk |
| Day-1 vision speed | Very good · occasional initial haze | Slightly faster first 12h |
| Enhancement options | PRK touch-up if needed | Flap re-lift |
Neither procedure is universally superior — patients with hyperopia or likely enhancement needs are usually better served by LASIK. Patients with dry eyes, thin corneas, or active jobs are typically better suited to SMILE Pro.
The entire process from entering the procedure room to leaving takes approximately 20–30 minutes per eye. The laser itself runs for under 30 seconds. Both eyes are typically treated in the same session.
Topical anaesthetic drops are applied 10–15 minutes before the procedure. The eye surface becomes completely numb. No injection, sedation, or general anaesthetic is required for the vast majority of patients.
You lie back under the VisuMax 800 and focus on a target light. The laser interface gently contacts the eye with a curved contact glass, centring treatment on your visual axis. Suction is significantly lower than LASIK flap creation.
The VisuMax 800 scans precisely spaced pulses within the corneal stroma at two depths, defining the lenticule shape from your pre-operative biometry and wavefront measurements. No tissue is removed yet — the eye surface remains intact.
The laser creates a small 2–4mm arcuate incision at the periphery — the only opening in the corneal surface. Compare this to LASIK's ~20mm flap circumference: roughly one-tenth the opening, preserving the vast majority of the corneal nerve network.
Using micro-forceps and spatulas, the surgeon separates and removes the lenticule through the small incision — the most skill-dependent step, typically taking 30–60 seconds. An experienced SMILE Pro surgeon maintains lenticule integrity and avoids surface irregularity.
The surgical pocket is gently irrigated. The small incision is self-sealing — no sutures. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are instilled. Most patients notice dramatically improved vision before leaving the treatment room.
SMILE Pro is most suitable for patients aged 21–45 with stable myopia and/or astigmatism, adequate corneal thickness, and no significant corneal disease. Key eligibility factors assessed at your pre-operative consultation:
Patients declined for LASIK due to dry eyes or slightly thin corneas may still be excellent SMILE Pro candidates — your assessment includes detailed corneal topography and pachymetry. If SMILE Pro is not appropriate, we recommend LASIK, ICL, or lens replacement (RLE) honestly.
SMILE Pro has an excellent safety profile — built on over a decade of clinical data on the original SMILE procedure, with the VisuMax 800 providing improved precision. Serious complications are rare at experienced, high-volume centres.
Some patients notice halos around lights at night in the first weeks, particularly with dilated pupils in low light. Almost always temporary — the visual cortex adapts as the cornea settles. Incidence comparable to LASIK, reducing significantly by the 1-month follow-up.
Vision in the first several hours can be somewhat hazy compared to LASIK — a slight veil that lifts over the first 12–24 hours. By the next morning, the majority have clear, functional vision. A small proportion take up to a week to reach full outcome.
A small number retain a small residual prescription — typically under 0.5 D. Enhancement requires PRK surface ablation, not flap re-lift. Discussed honestly before treatment and uncommon at high-volume centres.
In rare cases, the lenticule may tear during extraction. Managed by experienced surgeons without typically affecting final outcome. Choosing a high-volume SMILE Pro centre is the most effective way to minimise this risk.
One of SMILE Pro's most important advantages — substantially lower dry-eye burden because no flap severs central corneal nerves. Significant, persistent dry eye after SMILE Pro is uncommon. Pre-existing dry eye patients are often better SMILE Pro than LASIK candidates.
Exceptionally rare — the small incision size reduces entry points for pathogens. Antibiotic drops are prescribed and included in your all-inclusive package. Aftercare provides clear guidance on warning signs and urgent care access in the UK if needed.
SMILE Pro recovery is fast. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they are comfortable and functional.
Rest 20–30 minutes at the clinic after treatment. Vision may be slightly hazy. Mild watering, light sensitivity, and grittiness are normal. Return to hotel, rest with eyes closed, begin prescribed drops. Avoid rubbing eyes entirely.
Vision typically clears noticeably during the afternoon and evening. Many patients can watch television by evening — limit extended screen use. Mild halos at night are normal. Sleep with the provided protective shield.
Post-op check confirms the incision is healing and vision is on schedule. Most patients read text and recognise faces clearly without correction. Most cleared to drive by day 1–2.
Vision continues to sharpen. Gentle activity — walking Istanbul — is fine. Avoid swimming pools, steam rooms, and contact sports for 2 weeks. Continue prescribed drops. Sunglasses outdoors recommended.
Return to desk work from day 2–3. Night vision halos diminish for most within 2–4 weeks. Dryness after SMILE Pro is typically mild and short-lived. Avoid contact sports and swimming for 4 weeks.
1-month video follow-up with your Istanbul surgeon via iSee Turkey. Vision stable for the majority. Halos resolved or minimal. Residual prescription assessment possible — final refraction best at 3 months.
Final scheduled video follow-up. Cornea fully stable. Visit your UK optician for updated prescription check. Vast majority completely spectacle-independent for distance. PRK enhancement can be discussed if a small residual prescription remains.
SMILE Pro is one of the most travel-friendly refractive procedures. Both eyes are treated in a single morning session — most patients spend just 2 nights in Istanbul and fly home seeing clearly.
Private transfer from Istanbul Airport — your patient care specialist meets you at arrivals. Check into your partner hotel. Rest and settle. Stop soft contact lenses at least 1 week prior (2–4 weeks for rigid lenses). Early night recommended.
Morning: Corneal topography, OCT, pachymetry, pupil measurement, wavefront aberrometry, and surgical planning. Surgeon reviews measurements and discusses expected outcomes. Afternoon: SMILE Pro on VisuMax 800 — approximately 25–40 minutes for both eyes. Return to hotel. Most patients see the television clearly by evening.
Morning: Slit-lamp examination confirms healing on schedule, vision assessed, IOP measured, drop schedule confirmed. Most patients cleared to fly by mid-morning. Private transfer to Istanbul Airport. Fly home with discharge letter, drop schedule, and patient care WhatsApp contact.
SMILE Pro is not suitable for every patient. Our clinical team applies the same strict eligibility criteria as the best UK refractive centres — and will recommend LASIK, ICL, or no surgery if SMILE Pro is not the right procedure for your profile.
"I was told by two UK clinics I wasn't a great LASIK candidate because of dry eyes and contact lens intolerance. iSee Turkey suggested SMILE Pro instead — less dry eye risk, no flap. The whole process from initial chat to flying home took 3 days. I'm 31 and have been short-sighted since I was 10. I genuinely cannot believe how easy this was or how good my vision is now. The Istanbul clinic was world-class — I'd have paid more to go there."
★★★★★
"I'm a nurse and was quoted £5,400 for SMILE Pro at a London private clinic. iSee Turkey quoted me £1,900 for both eyes all-inclusive — hotel, transfers, everything. I was sceptical so I did three months of research. The Istanbul hospital had newer Zeiss equipment than the London clinic. Surgery was on a Friday, I was back at work the following Wednesday. Perfect vision. Coordinator replied to every WhatsApp within the hour."
Your clearer future begins with
one message.
No commitment, no pressure. Our clinical team will review your prescription and history and reply within 2 hours — Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm GMT. We'll tell you honestly whether SMILE Pro, LASIK, or another procedure is the right fit for your eyes.
Prefer a quick check? Take our 60-second SMILE Pro eligibility quiz →
Speak with our patient care team today — no forms required if you prefer WhatsApp. Just a real conversation about SMILE Pro options in Istanbul, answered by someone who has helped thousands of patients make this journey.
This information is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. Eye surgery outcomes depend on your individual eyes, prescription, and healing, and results vary from person to person. Your suitability and expected results can only be confirmed after a clinical assessment by a qualified surgeon.
Eligibility assistant
General guidance only — not medical advice. A qualified ophthalmologist confirms eligibility after clinical assessment.
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