SMILE Laser Eye Surgery Sydney (Keyhole Laser Vision Correction)
Performed by Dr Daya Sharma
A flap-free alternative to LASIK — but only when it’s the right choice
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced form of laser eye surgery designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
At Eye & Laser Surgeons in Sydney, SMILE is offered as part of a broader approach to laser eye surgery, where the goal is not just eligibility — but choosing the right procedure for long-term visual quality.
If you haven’t already, start with our main guide:
Laser Eye Surgery Sydney – SMILE vs LASIK vs PRK
What is SMILE Laser Eye Surgery?
SMILE is often referred to as “keyhole laser eye surgery”.
Instead of creating a flap (like LASIK), a laser creates a small disc of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea, which is removed through a tiny incision.
Key characteristics:
- No flap creation
- Small incision (2–4 mm)
- Internal reshaping of the cornea
- Minimally invasive approach
Why Some Patients Choose SMILE
SMILE is often positioned as “less invasive” — but that’s an oversimplification.
The real advantages are specific:
Potential benefits:
- Reduced impact on corneal nerves (may reduce dry eye risk)
- No flap-related complications
- Stronger corneal biomechanics
- Suitable for active lifestyles and contact sports
However — and this matters — these advantages are only relevant in the right patient
Dr Daya Sharma’s Perspective on SMILE
Dr Daya Sharma regularly works with individuals whose visual demands extend well beyond everyday vision. This includes professional athletes, where even small changes in visual clarity, stability, and reaction time can impact performance.
Through his work in optimising vision for athletes, including screening and treating professional cricketers, the focus has been on maintaining consistent, high-quality vision under pressure. These same principles are applied when planning laser eye surgery — ensuring the chosen procedure supports not just vision correction, but long-term visual performance.
You can read more about this work here:
→ Optimising Vision for Cricketers Performance
focuses on visual performance and offers the range of options so he can select the option he feels is best for you when choosing between SMILE, LASIK, or PRK.
Key point:
SMILE is not automatically the best option — even if you’re suitable.
Who is SMILE Actually Suitable For?
You may be a good candidate if:
- You are short-sighted (myopia)
- Your prescription is stable
- You have an active lifestyle or contact sport involvement
- You prefer a flap-free procedure
You may NOT be ideal if:
- You have significant or irregular astigmatism
- You want highly customised wavefront-guided treatment
- You prioritise maximal optical precision
- You have complex corneal shape issues
SMILE vs LASIK vs PRK — The Real Decision
Patients are often told these procedures are interchangeable.
They’re not.
| Factor | SMILE | LASIK | PRK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flap | No | Yes | No |
| Customisation | Limited | High | High |
| Recovery | Fast | Very fast | Slower |
| Dry eye risk | Lower (on average) | Moderate | Lower |
| Best for | Myopia, active patients | Precision | Thin corneas |
What actually matters:
- Your corneal shape
- Your visual demands
- Your tolerance for risk vs precision
👉 That decision requires expert assessment — not marketing
The SMILE Procedure — What Happens
- A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule inside the cornea
- A small incision is made
- The lenticule is removed
- The cornea reshapes naturally
No flap is created, and the surface remains largely intact.
Recovery After SMILE
- Vision improves within 24–48 hours
- Most patients resume normal activities within days
- Vision stabilises over several weeks
Compared to PRK → faster
Compared to LASIK → slightly slower refinement
Risks of SMILE
All laser eye surgery carries risk.
For SMILE, these include:
- Under/over correction
- Visual fluctuations
- Night vision symptoms (halos, glare)
- Dry eye symptoms
- Need for enhancement (often via PRK or LASIK)
Outcomes depend far more on patient selection than the procedure itself
Why Surgeon Selection Matters More Than the Technology
Two patients can undergo the same SMILE procedure and achieve very different outcomes. The difference is rarely the laser — it is the decision-making behind it.
What determines the outcome:
- Pre-operative assessment
- Surgical planning
- Understanding individual visual demands
At Eye & Laser Surgeons, Dr Daya Sharma takes a comprehensive approach to planning laser eye surgery.
This includes:
- Corneal topography and tomography
- Tear film and dry eye analysis
- Optical quality assessment
- Consideration of real-world visual requirements
This allows each treatment to be tailored — not just to correct a prescription, but to support how a patient actually uses their vision in daily life.
The aim is not simply to remove glasses, but to optimise how you see.
This approach reflects Dr Sharma’s broader work in visual performance under pressure, including collaboration with elite athletes where precision and consistency of vision are critical.
Your SMILE Assessment (Free Suitability Consultation)
At Eye & Laser Surgeons, your consultation is designed to answer:
- Are you suitable for SMILE?
- Is SMILE the best option for you?
- What outcome can you realistically expect?
Assessment includes:
- Detailed measurements
- Corneal imaging
- Dry eye evaluation
- Discussion of all options (SMILE, LASIK, PRK, or no surgery)
If you want to know if SMILE is the right option for you, book your free suitability consultation now.
FAQs
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
No. SMILE avoids a flap, but LASIK allows greater customisation. The best choice depends on the patient.
How long does SMILE last?
The correction is permanent, but age-related changes (like presbyopia) still occur.
Does SMILE cause dry eye?
It may cause less dry eye than LASIK, but symptoms can still occur.
Can SMILE treat astigmatism?
Yes, but results depend on the type and magnitude of astigmatism.
Book a SMILE Consultation in Sydney
If you’re considering SMILE laser eye surgery, the most important step is not choosing the procedure — but choosing the right plan for your eyes.
Book your free suitability consultation with Dr Daya Sharma today, or as a first step, take our online suitability self-test now.
