SMILE laser eye surgery in India

SMILE is a single-laser procedure. The laser shapes a lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea and creates a small entry cut of a few millimetres. Removing the lenticule changes the cornea's curvature and focusing power.

Its main appeal is a smaller opening, which may mean fewer dry eye symptoms early on and no flap to dislodge. SMILE does not treat long-sightedness at most centres, and enhancements can be more complex than after LASIK.

How this approach differs

Compared with LASIK, SMILE avoids lifting a flap and uses one laser rather than two. Compared with PRK, recovery is faster and less painful. Its range is narrower, and visual recovery may take a few days longer than LASIK for some people.

Who needs smile laser eye surgery

• Adults over 18 with short-sightedness, with or without astigmatism
• People whose glasses power has been stable for about a year
• Contact lens users who want to stop wearing them
• People in contact sports or active jobs who prefer to avoid a corneal flap

How it is done

1. Contact lenses are stopped for a set period before screening.
2. Topography, corneal thickness and dry eye tests check suitability.
3. Numbing drops are placed; there is no injection.
4. The eye is held gently with a suction ring while the laser works for under a minute.
5. The surgeon separates and removes the lenticule through the small cut.
6. Both eyes are usually treated on the same day.

Before you travel to India

• Stop soft contact lenses about a week before screening, rigid lenses longer (your clinic will confirm)
• Bring your recent glasses prescription and any earlier eye reports
• Plan around four to seven days in India
• Bring sunglasses and arrange for someone to accompany you on surgery day

Recovery and flying home

• Vision is often usable for daily tasks within a day or two.
• Eye drops are used for several weeks.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming and eye make-up for the period your surgeon advises.
• Flying is usually fine within a few days; carry drops in hand luggage.
• Follow-up checks at about one month and later can be done by a local eye doctor.

Risks

• Dry eyes, usually temporary
• Glare or halos at night
• Under- or over-correction
• Rarely, difficulty removing the lenticule or infection
• Corneal weakening (ectasia), which careful screening aims to prevent

Alternatives

• LASIK or Contoura-guided LASIK
• PRK
• ICL (implantable contact lens) for high powers or thin corneas
• Glasses or contact lenses

Hospitals in India for smile laser eye surgery

• Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
• Aster MedcityKochi
• Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
• Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
• Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research CentreMumbai
• Apollo Health City, Jubilee HillsHyderabad
• Wockhardt Super Speciality Hospital, Mira RoadMumbai
• Fortis Memorial Research InstituteDelhi NCR

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

• Dr Parul Maheshwari SharmaFortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
• Dr Gopal S PillaiAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
• Dr Ajit Babu MajjiYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
• Dr S A Hussain NaqviYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda
• Dr Sujithra HAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
• Dr Bhanu Prakash MYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices