ADV is operating at regular hours.

Our 2024 Holiday Hours:

November 26–27: Open from 8 AM to 12 PM
November 28–29: Closed. Wishing you a Happy Holiday!

Book Lasik Appointment Now
Free LASIK Consultation
Find out what ADV Vision can do for you!

Schedule your complimentary LASIK consultation today. A $200 value, absolutely free.

Schedule Free Consultation

SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

What is SMILE Laser Eye Surgery?

The ReLEx® SMILE laser eye surgery procedure is the newest advance in laser vision correction procedure. SMILE is a minimally invasive, one step surgery for the correction of nearsightedness (Myopia) and astigmatism.

SMILE stands for ‘Small Incision Lenticule Extraction’. SMILE has become popular both internationally and in the US because it combines the safety of traditional vision correction techniques with even greater comfort and potentially greater precision.

How Does SMILE Eye Surgery Work?

SMILE is a bladeless, one step, one laser, minimally invasive procedure. SMILE corrects vision by using a computer-guided, highly focused laser to create a small keyhole incision in the side of your cornea. Your surgeon will then create a lenticule (a small piece of corneal tissue) which is then removed through this incision. This is what reshapes the cornea and corrects your vision.

Youtube Thumbnail

What is the Difference Between SMILE and LASIK?

One-step Procedure

LASIK is a two-step procedure: Your surgeon will first create a small flap on the surface of your cornea and then reshape the cornea using a femtosecond laser in order to correct your vision. By comparison, SMILE is a one-step procedure and unlike LASIK, there is no flap created during a SMILE procedure.

Flapless

Being a flapless procedure is one of the biggest differentiators and benefits of SMILE vs. LASIK. Because no flap is created, SMILE has no risks for flap-related complications (which are the slight risks primarily associated with LASIK).

Less Invasive, Allowing for More Corneal Stability

The tiny incision created to correct your vision during a SMILE procedure is only about 3mm. During a LASIK procedure, the flap created is about 20mm in circumference.

Less Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common side-effect of LASIK and because of this, many patients who have a history of dry-eye syndrome find that LASIK may not be the best choice for them. Initial studies have shown SMILE has less incidence of dry eye because of the increased corneal stability the minimally-invasive procedure allows.

SMILE at ADV Vision

Dr. Paul Dougherty is among the nation’s most experienced laser and lens-based vision correction surgeons. He has personally performed more than 40,000 vision correction procedures to date.

If you would like to learn more about SMILE laser eye surgery, please call or schedule a complimentary consultation at one of our locations in Santa Maria, Paso Robles, or San Luis Obispo today.

Affordability

At ADV Vision, we believe everyone deserves great care. Find out more about your options on our financing page.

Paso Robles LASIK & Cataract Center

View office details 805-987-5300
104 Gateway Center Suite B
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Schedule Consultation

Santa Maria LASIK & Cataract Center

View office details 805-987-5300
525 East Plaza Dr. #304
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Schedule Consultation

San Luis Obispo LASIK & Cataract Surgeon

View office details 805-987-5300
835 Aerovista Park #110
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Schedule Consultation

Paragon Surgery Center — Eye Surgery in San Luis Obispo

View office details (805) 548-1051
4472 Broad St Suite 150
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Schedule Consultation