SMILE and ICL
Two options beyond LASIK: a small-incision laser procedure with no flap, and an implantable lens for prescriptions too strong for laser alone.
- SMILE
- $2,300 to $3,100 per eye
- ICL
- $4,000 to $5,200 per eye
- Time in surgery
- SMILE 15 min, ICL about 30 min
01 · Overview
How SMILE and ICL works
SMILE uses one laser to shape a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, then removes it through a small opening. There is no flap, and the opening is a few millimeters wide. It treats nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism.
An ICL is a thin, flexible lens placed inside the eye, in front of your natural lens, without removing any corneal tissue. It can correct prescriptions that are too strong for laser, and it can be removed later if needed.
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01
Screening decides the lane
Your corneal map, prescription and the space inside your eye point toward SMILE, ICL or neither.
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02
SMILE: one laser
The femtosecond laser shapes the tissue disc, which the surgeon removes through the small opening.
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03
ICL: a lens in the eye
Through a tiny incision, the folded lens is placed behind the iris and unfolds into position.
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04
Checks that follow
SMILE follows a LASIK-like schedule. ICL adds eye pressure checks in the first days.
02 · Good fit?
Who SMILE and ICL often suits, and who should wait
Often a good fit
- SMILE: stable nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism
- SMILE: people who want to avoid a flap
- ICL: high nearsightedness, or corneas too thin for laser
- ICL: enough space inside the eye on the measurements
Maybe not, or not yet
- SMILE: farsightedness, which it does not treat
- ICL: a shallow front chamber of the eye on the scan
- Either: untreated dry eye, pregnancy or nursing
- Either: an unstable prescription
Only an in-person exam can decide. These lists help you know what to ask. Your corneal map, prescription history and eye health decide. Try the self-check
03 · Risks and side effects
Said plainly, before you book
We describe how often things happen in words, not percentages, and we go through them again at your screening with your own measurements in front of us. No surgery is risk-free, and no one can promise a specific result.
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Common
Dry eye, halos and glare
Both can cause night halos early on. With SMILE, dry eye is still possible. With ICL, halos can relate to pupil size and lens position.
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Less common
Touch-ups are different after SMILE
If a correction is needed, it is often done as PRK or LASIK rather than repeating SMILE.
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Less common
Raised eye pressure after ICL
Pressure can rise in the first days. That is why we check it closely, and it is usually treatable.
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Rare
Early cataract after ICL
An ICL can speed up cataract formation in a small number of people over years. We monitor for it.
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Rare
Infection
ICL is surgery inside the eye, so infection is rare but serious. Careful technique and drops lower the risk.
04 · Recovery
What the days and weeks after look like
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Surgery day
Blurry, light-sensitive vision. Rest and use your drops.
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Next day
Your first check. ICL patients also have a pressure check.
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First week
Shields at night, no rubbing, no swimming.
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Weeks 2 to 6
SMILE vision can take a little longer to sharpen than LASIK. ICL vision is often clear early.
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Months 3 to 12
Stability checks. ICL patients keep a yearly check of lens position and pressure.
05 · Cost
$2,300 to $5,200
per eye, SMILE to ICL
SMILE is usually $2,300 to $3,100 per eye. ICL is usually $4,000 to $5,200 per eye because it includes a custom-ordered lens. Your written quote names which one your eyes suit.
Pricing, financing and FSA/HSAWhat your quote includes
- Free screening with the extra scans these options need
- Surgery and all follow-up visits for 12 months
- ICL: the lens itself and the sizing measurements
Financing through outside lenders is subject to credit approval. Terms vary; you see them before you sign.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
Neither is better for everyone. SMILE avoids a flap. LASIK treats more prescription types and touch-ups are simpler. Your corneal map and prescription guide the choice.
Can an ICL be removed?
Yes. It can be removed or exchanged if needed, which is one reason it suits younger people with strong prescriptions.
Also worth comparing
- LASIK Adults with a stable glasses or contacts prescription and healthy corneas. $2,100 to $2,900 per eye
- PRK People who are not suited to a flap, or who would rather not have one. $2,000 to $2,800 per eye
- Refractive lens exchange Adults with presbyopia or strong farsightedness who are not ideal for laser. $4,200 to $5,800 per eye
Free screening
Find out if SMILE & ICL fits your eyes.
A free 90-minute screening, a surgeon who reads the results with you, and a written quote per eye if surgery makes sense. If it does not, we will tell you that too.