Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
For those tired of fogged glasses on humid Jacksonville mornings or contacts that didn’t survive a beach day,
SMILE eye surgery is a compelling way to leave both behind. Its flapless approach corrects your vision from within, without a large flap, a blade, or significant surface disruption, leaving your cornea’s natural structure intact. Here’s a complete look at what SMILE eye surgery is, and why its simplicity, visual clarity, and flapless design make it a strong fit for active Jacksonville patients.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an FDA-approved flapless eye surgery that corrects nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. The VisuMax femtosecond laser removes the lenticule — a precisely shaped disc of corneal tissue — through a tiny 2–4mm incision, reshaping your cornea from within. No blade, no large surface opening. The result: more corneal tissue preserved, fewer nerves disrupted, and your eye’s natural integrity maintained, backed by over 8 million procedures worldwide.
One of SMILE’s best qualities is the straightforward experience. The active laser time is under 30 seconds per eye, with most patients in and out of the clinic in 2 hours. Here’s how each step unfolds:
Pre-Procedure Preparation. Our team applies numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable from the start — no needles, injections, or general anesthesia. You’ll remain awake and at ease; optional mild sedation is available for reassurance.
Lenticule Creation. The VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a precisely shaped disc of tissue — called a lenticule — within the intact layers of your cornea, customized to your exact prescription. You may notice a brief, gentle dimming of your vision during this step; this is normal and passes within seconds.
Micro-Incision. The laser creates a tiny 2–4mm keyhole opening at the cornea’s edge, just enough to remove the lenticule. No blade is used, and your corneal surface remains almost entirely undisturbed.
Gentle Extraction. Your fellowship-trained surgeon guides the lenticule out through this small opening. Once removed, your cornea takes its corrected shape, with most patients noticing clearer vision within 24 hours.
Quick Fact: SMILE uses a single laser from start to finish, and its 2–4mm incision is approximately 80% smaller than a traditional corneal flap — self-sealing, with no stitches or bandages, and minimal aftercare required.
Keeping your cornea intact changes what’s achievable. SMILE works entirely within its layers, delivering five distinct advantages that show up in how clearly you see, how comfortably you heal, and how confidently you live.
Visual Clarity Beyond Corrective Eyewear. 9 in 10 SMILE patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. For most, it’s the clearest their vision has ever been, and the improvements don’t stop at the prescription:
Richer Colors and Crisper Detail: most patients say the color and detail they see surpasses their corrective lenses.
Cleaner Night Vision: fewer halos, less glare, and a sharpness most patients notice first behind the wheel.
Noticeably Clearer Vision in 24 Hours: most patients describe the morning after surgery as the moment it becomes real, with clarity sharpening over the following weeks.
This is the standard of vision our patients come to expect after SMILE, and it holds.Five-year clinical research confirms stable results with minimal prescription shift, and most patients enjoy clear vision for decades.
A Cornea That Stays Stronger for Life
Since SMILE never creates a large flap, your cornea’s outer layers stay intact, keeping your eye structurally stronger over time.
Remarkably Less Dry Eye
If dry eyes are a concern, SMILE’s design works in your favor. Preserving more corneal nerves than flap-based procedures means less dryness after surgery and a noticeably more comfortable recovery. For Jacksonville patients working at screens or spending time outdoors in the Florida sun, that difference is felt every day.
Built for an Active Life
No flap means zero risk of flap displacement from impact, trauma, or water exposure. Whether you’re in contact sports, open-water swimming, military service, or simply living an active Jacksonville lifestyle, SMILE gives you vision that can keep up.
A Naturally Comfortable Experience
Part of what makes SMILE eye surgery so approachable is how natural the whole experience feels. Patients describe it as less like a surgical procedure and more like a gentle reset: minimal downtime and clearer vision by the next morning.
These are the questions our Jacksonville patients ask most about SMILE eye surgery:
What Side Effects Can I Expect? Most patients recover smoothly. Any mild light sensitivity, brief halos, or minor dryness in the first few weeks resolves naturally.
What’s the Cost of SMILE Eye Surgery? SMILE at Florida Eye Custom Vision is priced at approximately $5,950 for both eyes, covering your full care from pre-procedure evaluation through follow-up.CareCredit® 0% financing over 18 months brings it to about $330 per month, and HSA and FSA funds are accepted.
How Long Is SMILE Recovery? Most patients return to work within 1-2 days, with full clarity developing over a few weeks. Our team will check in along the way and typically clear patients for high-impact sports and water activities after one week.
Weighing SMILE against other vision correction options? OurSMILE vs. LASIK guide breaks down the key differences.
At Florida Eye Custom Vision, Dr. Amit Chokshi and Dr. Akbar Hasan have helped thousands of Jacksonville patients understand what SMILE eye surgery is and find out if it’s the right fit for their eyes, using advanced VisuMax technology and a thorough pre-procedure evaluation. Your answer starts with one conversation. Call (904) 268-3937 or schedule your consultation online to take the first step toward a clear, confident vision.
