Is SMILE better than LASIK?

Different, not universally better. Flap-free access suits some eyes and lifestyles; the maps and your prescription decide.

Does SMILE avoid dry eye?

No procedure avoids it entirely; early dryness still happens and we treat it. Pre-op tear prep remains standard here.

Who does the surgery?

A refractive surgeon we co-manage with — your diagnostics, records and aftercare all run through our office.

What is SMILE eye surgery?

SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) treats nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, using a laser and no corneal flap. The laser cuts a small disc of tissue, the lenticule, inside the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), along with a small incision in its surface; the surgeon removes the disc through that opening, which changes the shape of the cornea. The laser step takes about 30 to 60 seconds, and the whole procedure generally takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Can SMILE eye surgery correct astigmatism?

Yes. FDA approval covers nearsightedness with or without astigmatism: candidates can have up to 3 diopters of astigmatism along with 1 to 10 diopters of nearsightedness (diopters are the unit glasses prescriptions use). You also need to be 22 or older, with healthy eyes and a prescription that has changed by no more than 0.50 diopter in the past year. Your work-up here measures corneal shape, thickness and tear film, and the surgeon confirms whether your prescription fits the SMILE window.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

SMILE Co-Management

Laser correction through a keyhole, not a flap.

SMILE removes a thin lens-shaped layer of cornea through a small side opening — no flap to lift. Surgeons select it for suitable nearsighted prescriptions; our job is the candidacy data before and the recovery after.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

Access: Small keyhole opening
No flap: Structure left closed
Candidates: Set by prescription and maps
Our role: Work-up, then every follow-up

The arc

From maps to the morning after.

01
The work-up
Shape, thickness and tear film measured here; the surgeon confirms whether your prescription fits the SMILE window.
02
Surgery day
The lenticule is created and removed through the keyhole by the surgeon.
03
Early checks
Comfort is usually quick; our optometrists in Los Angeles verify healing, pressure and clarity in the first days and weeks.
04
Fine-tuning
We measure any residual prescription honestly and coordinate glasses, drops or surgeon touch-ups as needed.

Why co-manage here

One plan, two offices, zero gaps.

Candidacy work-up and corneal maps before anyone operates
Records and measurements shared directly with the surgical team
Your post-op checks minutes from home, with same-day access if anything feels wrong
The full co-management picture

Book a candidacy work-up

Common questions

SMILE, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Different, not universally better. Flap-free access suits some eyes and lifestyles; the maps and your prescription decide.
No procedure avoids it entirely; early dryness still happens and we treat it. Pre-op tear prep remains standard here.
A refractive surgeon we co-manage with — your diagnostics, records and aftercare all run through our office.
SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) treats nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, using a laser and no corneal flap. The laser cuts a small disc of tissue, the lenticule, inside the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), along with a small incision in its surface; the surgeon removes the disc through that opening, which changes the shape of the cornea. The laser step takes about 30 to 60 seconds, and the whole procedure generally takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Yes. FDA approval covers nearsightedness with or without astigmatism: candidates can have up to 3 diopters of astigmatism along with 1 to 10 diopters of nearsightedness (diopters are the unit glasses prescriptions use). You also need to be 22 or older, with healthy eyes and a prescription that has changed by no more than 0.50 diopter in the past year. Your work-up here measures corneal shape, thickness and tear film, and the surgeon confirms whether your prescription fits the SMILE window.

SMILE near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

Curious where your eyes fit?

One mapping visit sorts LASIK, PRK and SMILE candidacy before any consult fees elsewhere.

Book a work-up Or call 310-828-2010