SMILE is not painful. Numbing drops are applied before the procedure, and most patients feel only mild pressure — not pain — during the treatment. The active laser time is under 30 seconds per eye. Some patients experience light sensitivity or a slight foreign body sensation for a few hours afterward, which typically resolves by the following morning. Over-the-counter comfort drops are usually all that’s needed. The absence of a corneal flap also means there is less nerve disruption overall, which contributes to a more comfortable recovery compared to LASIK for many patients.
Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
