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Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Khattak
CEO FIO Hospitals & Consultant Ophthalmologist | Retina Specialist
As a retina and refractive surgeon with over three decades in ophthalmology, I've watched laser vision correction evolve through several generations of technology. SMILE Pro, performed on the ZEISS VisuMax 800 platform, represents the most significant step forward I've seen since the original SMILE procedure was introduced.
What Makes SMILE Pro Different From LASIK?
Traditional LASIK requires creating a corneal flap, which is then lifted to reshape the underlying tissue with an excimer laser. SMILE Pro takes a different approach: a femtosecond laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea, which is then removed through a incision of just a few millimeters. There is no flap to create or reposition. This flapless design is why patients tend to report less dryness and a faster return to normal corneal sensitivity compared to older techniques.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SMILE Pro?
In my clinical experience, ideal candidates are generally between 18 and 45 years of age, have a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least a year, and have corneas thick enough to safely accommodate the lenticule extraction. Every candidate undergoes corneal topography and pachymetry before we even discuss suitability — this is not a procedure where a written prescription alone is enough to make a recommendation.
What Happens on SMILE Pro Procedure Day?
The SMILE Pro procedure itself typically takes only a few minutes per eye under topical anesthesia. Patients are awake and comfortable throughout. Most of my patients describe mild pressure but no significant pain, and many notice a visible improvement in clarity within 24 hours, with continued stabilization over the following one to two weeks.
Why Is an In-Person Consultation Essential?
No article, including this one, can replace a proper pre-operative assessment. Corneal thickness, refractive stability, tear film quality, and general eye health all factor into whether SMILE Pro — or an alternative procedure — is the right choice for a given patient. At FIO Hospital, our SMILE Pro program is available across our Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi branches, each equipped with the same ZEISS VisuMax 800 platform and staffed by our refractive surgery team.
If you're considering laser vision correction, I'd encourage you to book a consultation so we can assess your eyes properly and discuss whether SMILE Pro is the right fit for you.
Explore SMILE Pro at FIO Hospital, compare it with LASIK, or book your suitability assessment in Peshawar, Islamabad or Karachi.