Is SMILE Pro Safe?
An honest look at SMILE Pro safety, possible risks, and side effects.
Medical disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Khattak or another qualified ophthalmologist at FIO Hospital to discuss your individual risk profile.
Is SMILE Pro Safe?
SMILE Pro is a widely-used, well-established laser vision correction procedure. Clinical data from FIO Hospital shows a 98% success rate and 95% patient satisfaction across 4000+ SMILE Pro procedures performed by Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Khattak.
It is important to understand that a high success rate is not the same as an absence of risk. As with any surgical procedure, SMILE Pro carries some possibility of side effects or complications, even though most patients experience a smooth recovery. Your individual risk profile — including your prescription, corneal health, and general eye health — is assessed during your pre-operative consultation, and this assessment is the most accurate way to understand your personal risk.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
These are general risk categories associated with laser refractive surgery. They are not a claim about SMILE Pro's specific complication rate — your surgeon can discuss likelihood and relevance to your case individually.
Temporary Dry Eye
Like most laser refractive procedures, SMILE Pro can cause temporary dry-eye symptoms as the eye heals. This is usually managed with lubricating drops and tends to improve over time.
Glare or Halos, Especially at Night
Some patients notice glare, halos, or starbursts around lights in the initial period after any laser vision correction procedure. This effect is generally most noticeable early in recovery and often reduces as the eye heals.
Under-Correction or Over-Correction
As with any refractive surgery, the eye may heal with slightly less or slightly more correction than intended, occasionally requiring an enhancement procedure to fine-tune the result.
Infection (Rare)
Infection is an uncommon but recognized risk of any surgical procedure, including laser refractive surgery. Following your surgeon's aftercare and hygiene instructions closely helps minimize this risk.
Who Should Discuss Risks Further With Their Surgeon
Anyone considering SMILE Pro should discuss their personal risk factors with a qualified ophthalmologist before proceeding — particularly patients with pre-existing dry eye, corneal irregularities, autoimmune conditions, or a history of eye disease. A detailed pre-operative consultation and corneal scan at FIO Hospital is the appropriate way to have this conversation.
SMILE Pro Safety — Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMILE Pro safe?
SMILE Pro is a well-established laser refractive procedure, and clinical data from FIO Hospital shows a 98% success rate across 4000+ procedures performed by Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Khattak. A high success rate is not the same as zero risk — as with any surgery, some risks and side effects are possible, and your suitability and individual risk profile are assessed at consultation.
What are the risks of SMILE Pro?
Possible risks associated with laser refractive surgery as a category include temporary dry eye, glare or halos (especially at night) in the initial period, under- or over-correction that may need an enhancement, and rare infection risk. Your surgeon will discuss how these apply to your individual case.
Can my vision regress after SMILE Pro?
Some degree of refractive change over many years is possible with any vision correction procedure, as is true of the eye generally over a lifetime. Significant regression is uncommon but not impossible, which is one reason regular eye check-ups are recommended after any refractive surgery.
Is SMILE Pro a permanent procedure?
SMILE Pro is intended to provide a lasting correction of your existing prescription. It does not prevent age-related changes to vision, such as presbyopia, which can still occur later in life independent of the procedure.
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