SMILE® Pro 2.0 Eye Surgery in Singapore
If you are tired of reaching for your glasses every morning or dealing with contact lenses at the end of a long day, you are not alone. For many people with myopia or astigmatism, SMILE® Pro laser surgery offers a long-term alternative to glasses and contact lenses.
What Is SMILE® Pro 2.0?
SMILE® Pro 2.0 (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a flapless SMILE® Pro eye surgery that uses laser vision correction to treat myopia (short-sightedness) and myopic astigmatism (a combination of short-sightedness and irregular corneal curvature).
During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule within the cornea. Once the lenticule is removed through a small incision of approximately 2 to 4 millimetres, the cornea is reshaped, allowing light to focus more accurately on the retina.
Unlike LASIK, no corneal flap is created. The cornea’s surface structure remains largely intact, which may be particularly relevant for patients with active lifestyles or mild dry eye symptoms.
Technology Behind SMILE® Pro 2.0
At Asia Pacific Eye Centre, SMILE® Pro 2.0 is performed using the VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser. The laser portion of the procedure typically takes around 10 seconds per eye on the VISUMAX 800 platform. This reduces the time the eye is held under suction during treatment, which is thought to support corneal biomechanics and patient comfort during the procedure.
Our doctors at Asia Pacific Eye Centre use three integrated guidance systems to plan and deliver the treatment accurately.
PrecisionAlign, CentraLign and OcuLign
- PrecisionAlign guides planning and positioning of the treatment according to your individual eye measurements.
- CentraLign supports centration of the treatment zone so the laser aligns with the natural visual axis of your eye.
- OcuLign assists with rotational alignment during surgery, which is particularly relevant when correcting astigmatism, where orientation of the correction matters.
SMILE vs SMILE Pro vs SMILE Pro 2.0
The SMILE platform has evolved across three generations. Patients researching their options will often encounter all three names, and the differences between them are worth understanding before your consultation.
| FEATURE | SMILE (ReLEx SMILE) | SMILE Pro | SMILE Pro 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser speed | ~30 seconds per eye | ~10 seconds per eye | ~10 seconds per eye |
| Alignment assistance | Not available | CentraLign only | PrecisionAlign, CentraLign and OcuLign |
| Astigmatism handling | Limited rotational control | Improved | Rotational alignment via OcuLign |
| Platform | VISUMAX 500 | VISUMAX 800 | VISUMAX 800 |
What Changed Between Each Version
When comparing SMILE vs SMILE Pro, the original ReLEx SMILE introduced flapless lenticule extraction with a longer laser time and no dedicated alignment system, while SMILE Pro moved to the faster VISUMAX 800 laser, reducing the time the eye is held under suction and adding CentraLign to improve centration.
SMILE Pro 2.0 added PrecisionAlign and OcuLign, giving surgeons additional rotational and positional control during the procedure, which is most relevant for patients with astigmatism.
In practical terms, this means a shorter time under the laser and additional alignment guidance during treatment, particularly for those correcting both myopia and astigmatism together.
Which Version Is Used at Asia Pacific Eye Centre
Asia Pacific Eye Centre performs SMILE® Pro 2.0 using the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser.
SMILE® Pro 2.0 vs LASIK
Both SMILE® Pro 2.0 and LASIK are laser procedures used to treat refractive errors. They differ mainly in how the cornea is reshaped.
| FEATURE | SMILE® PRO 2.0 | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Method | A small lenticule is created within the cornea and removed through a small incision | A corneal flap is created, then the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with a laser |
| Procedure Comfort | Numbing eye drops are used; most patients tolerate the procedure well | Numbing eye drops are used; most patients tolerate the procedure well |
| Recovery Time | Visual recovery is often quick, though it can take several weeks for vision to stabilise fully | Visual recovery is often quick, and some patients notice improvement within the first few days |
| Flap Complications | No corneal flap is created, so flap-related complications do not apply | A thin flap is created during the procedure; complications are uncommon when aftercare instructions are carefully followed |
| Suitability | May be considered for patients with myopia, astigmatism, active lifestyles, or mild dry eye symptoms | May be suitable for a wider range of refractive errors, depending on the patient's corneal profile and treatment goals |
When SMILE® Pro 2.0 May Be Considered
SMILE® Pro 2.0 tends to be discussed for patients who:
- Have myopia or myopic astigmatism within the treatable range
- Participate in contact sports or physically active professions
- Experience mild dry eye symptoms
- Have a corneal profile and prescription confirmed as suitable at assessment
When LASIK May Be Considered
LASIK may be more appropriate for patients whose refractive error falls outside the range SMILE® Pro 2.0 treats.
This includes patients with:
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
- Higher-order refractive errors
- Corneas too thin for lenticule extraction
Who Is Suitable for SMILE® Pro 2.0?
Not everyone with myopia or astigmatism is automatically a candidate for SMILE® Pro 2.0. Suitability depends on several factors that are assessed during your pre-surgery consultation.
You may be considered a candidate if you:
- Have myopia or myopic astigmatism
- Have had a stable vision prescription for at least one to two years
- Are 18 years of age or above
- Have sufficient corneal thickness
- Have no active eye disease or significant dry eye
What SMILE® Pro 2.0 Can Correct
SMILE® Pro 2.0 is designed to treat myopia and myopic astigmatism. According to the Singapore National Eye Centre, the procedure can correct short-sightedness between -1.00 and -10.00 diopters (100 to 1,000 degrees) and astigmatism of up to -5.00 diopters (500 degrees).
Whether your prescription falls within the treatable range will be confirmed by your doctor at your pre-surgery assessment.
Who Is Not Suitable for SMILE® Pro 2.0?
SMILE® Pro 2.0 may not be appropriate if you have:
- An unstable or still-changing prescription
- Insufficient corneal thickness for safe lenticule extraction
- Keratoconus (progressive thinning and irregular shaping of the cornea) or other corneal irregularities identified on corneal topography (a map of the cornea's surface)
- Active eye infection or inflammatory eye disease
- Certain systemic health conditions that affect healing
- A prescription outside the treatable range
Factors That Affect Your Suitability
Even within the general candidacy criteria, individual factors can affect whether SMILE® Pro 2.0 is the right approach for you. Our doctors will consider:
- The thickness and shape of your cornea
- The stability of your prescription over time
- Your overall eye health, including any history of dry eye or previous eye surgery
A comprehensive eye assessment is the step that confirms your suitability and which treatment plan best fits your needs. Talk to us today.
What Happens at Your Pre-Surgery Assessment
Before any decision is made about SMILE® Pro 2.0 in Singapore, you will attend a pre-surgery eye assessment at Asia Pacific Eye Centre. This assessment costs $197 (excluding GST) and covers the specific tests our doctors use to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
During the assessment, you can expect:
- Refraction testing to measure your current prescription and assess its stability
- Corneal mapping (topography) to evaluate the shape and thickness of your cornea
- Eye pressure measurement to screen for glaucoma and assess overall eye health
- Dry eye evaluation to identify any existing dryness that may influence your treatment plan
- A doctor consultation to review your results, discuss your lifestyle and visual goals
The SMILE® Pro 2.0 Procedure
If you are found to be suitable for SMILE® Pro 2.0, the next step is to arrange a date for the surgery. Surgery slots are available every Wednesday morning and Friday morning at Asia Pacific Eye Centre. Here is what you can expect:
Before the procedure begins, your eyes will be cleaned and numbing eye drops will be applied. These drops help keep you comfortable during treatment. You may also be asked to lie still under the laser machine while our surgical team positions your eye for the procedure.
Once your eye is in position, the femtosecond laser creates a small disc-shaped piece of tissue, known as a lenticule, within the cornea. This lenticule is formed according to your refractive error and the treatment plan decided during your pre-operative assessment.
The laser also creates a small incision in the cornea. Unlike LASIK, this procedure does not involve creating a larger corneal flap.
Your refractive surgeon will then remove the lenticule through the small incision. Once this tissue is removed, the shape of the cornea changes, which helps light entering the eye focus more clearly on the retina.
Because the incision is small and no flap is created, the cornea is left to heal naturally after the procedure. Your vision may be blurry at first, but this usually improves as the eye recovers.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery Timeline
After your SMILE® Pro 2.0 procedure, your eyes will need time to heal and adjust.
Right after the procedure, we will bring you to a recovery room where you will rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. We will check in on you before you are discharged. Your vision may feel hazy or slightly blurred immediately afterwards. This is expected as the cornea begins to heal. Some people also notice a mild gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes for a few hours. This is why we typically recommend arranging for someone to accompany you home after the procedure.
Over the next few days, your vision typically begins to improve as the eye recovers. We may prescribe eye drops to help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of infection, depending on your treatment plan. During this period, we recommend that you avoid rubbing your eyes and follow your doctor’s guidance on activities such as exercise, swimming, or applying eye makeup. These precautions help support your healing process.
Follow-up visits are an important part of recovery. These appointments allow us to check how your eyes are healing and monitor your visual progress. Your doctor will advise you on the number of follow-up visits included in your treatment plan and when each visit is scheduled.
Many people begin to notice clearer vision within the first few days after SMILE® Pro 2.0. However, your vision may continue to adjust over the following weeks as the cornea heals. Your doctor will assess your progress during follow-up visits and advise when your vision has fully stabilised.
Risks and Side Effects of SMILE® Pro 2.0
As with any surgical procedure, SMILE® Pro 2.0 carries a degree of risk. Most side effects are temporary and resolve as the eye heals. Our doctors will discuss these with you in detail at your pre-surgery assessment.
Common short-term effects include:
- Temporary dryness or a gritty sensation in the eyes, which usually settles with prescribed artificial tear drops
- Hazy or blurred vision in the days immediately following surgery
- Light sensitivity or glare, particularly at night, which typically improves over weeks
Research from the Singapore Eye Research Institute comparing SMILE and LASIK has found that dry eye symptoms tend to be less pronounced after SMILE-based procedures, likely because the corneal surface is preserved and fewer corneal nerves are disrupted.
Because SMILE® Pro 2.0 does not involve creating a corneal flap, flap-related complications such as flap displacement do not apply to this procedure.
Less common risks specific to this procedure, including under- or over-correction, will be discussed at your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Key Benefits of SMILE® Pro 2.0
Minimally Invasive Procedure
SMILE® Pro 2.0 is performed through a small corneal incision of approximately 2 to 4 millimetres. Because no larger flap is created, more of the cornea’s surface structure remains intact compared to flap-based procedures.
Shorter Laser Time
The VISUMAX 800 completes the laser portion of the procedure in around 10 seconds per eye, reducing the total time the eye is held under suction during treatment.
No Corneal Flap
Because no flap is created, flap-related complications such as flap displacement do not apply. This may be a relevant consideration for patients with physically active lifestyles or occupations.
Potentially Quicker Visual Recovery
Many patients begin to notice clearer vision within the first few days after the procedure. Full stabilisation of vision may take several weeks, and individual recovery experiences vary.
Lower Likelihood of Dry Eye Symptoms
Research suggests dry eye symptoms tend to be less pronounced after SMILE-based procedures compared to flap-based alternatives. Patients who already experience mild dry eye may find this relevant when comparing their options.
Cost of SMILE® Pro Surgery in Singapore
The cost of SMILE® Pro 2.0 surgery in Singapore varies depending on several factors, including:
- The clinic you visit
- The surgeon's experience
- The technology used
- Whether pre-surgery assessments and post-operative follow-up visits are included in the treatment package
Here is what you can typically expect to pay at Asia Pacific Eye Centre. All prices are quoted per eye unless otherwise stated.
| PROCEDURES | PRICE (excl. GST) | PRICE (incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| SMILE® Pro 2.0 (per eye) | $2,600 | $2,834 |
| SMILE® Pro 2.0 (both eyes) | $5,200 | $5,668 |
| Pre-SMILE® Pro 2.0 Eye Screening | $197 | $215 |
| Pre-LASIK Eye Screening | $197 | $215 |
| iLASIK Wavefront Customised (per eye) | $1,688 | $1,840 |
Payment Options and MediSave
SMILE® Pro 2.0 is an elective refractive procedure and is generally not covered under MediSave. If you have personal or corporate insurance, our team can assist with your claims. Please contact our clinic directly to confirm what payment options are available for your treatment.
Your SMILE® Pro 2.0 Journey at Asia Pacific Eye Centre
If you are considering SMILE® Pro 2.0, the process begins with a pre-surgery eye assessment. Our doctors will assess your cornea, measure your prescription, and evaluate your overall eye health. Based on these results, we will determine whether SMILE® Pro 2.0 is appropriate for you and discuss the most suitable treatment plan.
If the procedure is recommended, your surgery will be scheduled and performed as a day procedure at the clinic. Surgery slots are available on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
After your procedure, you will attend a series of follow-up visits so we can monitor how your eyes are healing and how your vision is progressing. These visits are a standard part of the process and help ensure your recovery is on track.
Your Refractive Surgeon
SMILE® Pro 2.0 at Asia Pacific Eye Centre is performed by our team of fellowship-trained refractive surgeons.
- Dr Lee Hung Ming, Senior Consultant and Eye Surgeon, MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Ophth), FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Ophth). Dr Lee has performed over 30,000 refractive procedures and has more than 20 years of experience in refractive surgery.
- Dr Tan Yar Li, Senior Consultant and Eye Surgeon, MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Ophth), MRCSEd (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth). Dr Tan is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specialising in refractive and cataract surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMILE® Pro 2.0 painful?
Anaesthetic eye drops are applied before, during, and after the procedure. Most patients feel only a brief sensation of pressure when the laser is applied. Significant pain during the procedure is uncommon. Some patients notice mild discomfort or a gritty sensation in the hours after surgery, which typically settles as the eye begins to heal.
How much does SMILE® Pro 2.0 cost in Singapore?
SMILE® Pro 2.0 at Asia Pacific Eye Centre starts from $2,600 per eye, though the final cost may vary depending on your treatment plan and required assessments.
What are the limitations of SMILE® Pro 2.0?
SMILE® Pro 2.0 treats myopia and myopic astigmatism only. It is not suitable for all refractive errors or corneal profiles. Patients with hyperopia (long-sightedness) or certain corneal conditions may not be candidates. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, and outcomes can vary between individuals. These will be discussed in full at your pre-surgery assessment.
Is SMILE® Pro 2.0 permanent?
The corneal reshaping achieved through SMILE® Pro 2.0 is permanent. However, the eye continues to change with age, and conditions such as presbyopia (age-related difficulty with near vision) may still develop later in life. If further correction is ever needed, it is typically addressed using a different laser technique rather than repeating the SMILE procedure.
How long does SMILE® Pro 2.0 surgery take?
SMILE® Pro 2.0 surgery usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete for both eyes, with the laser portion lasting only a few minutes per eye. You may begin noticing clearer vision within the first few days, though it may take several weeks for vision to fully stabilise.
What is the difference between SMILE, SMILE Pro and SMILE Pro 2.0?
All three versions use femtosecond laser technology to remove a lenticule through a small corneal incision. The differences lie in laser speed and alignment assistance. The original SMILE used the VISUMAX 500 with a longer laser time and no dedicated alignment system. SMILE Pro introduced the faster VISUMAX 800 and added CentraLign. SMILE Pro 2.0 added PrecisionAlign and OcuLign, giving surgeons additional positional and rotational control, which is most relevant when treating astigmatism.
Who is not a candidate for SMILE® Pro 2.0?
Patients with an unstable prescription, insufficient corneal thickness, keratoconus, irregular corneal topography, active eye disease, or a prescription outside the treatable range may not be suitable. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to postpone the procedure until their prescription has stabilised.
Does SMILE® Pro 2.0 have side effects?
Temporary dryness is the most commonly reported effect after SMILE® Pro 2.0 and usually settles with prescribed artificial tear drops. Some patients also experience hazy vision, light sensitivity, or glare in the weeks following surgery. Because no corneal flap is created, flap-related side effects do not apply. Less common risks will be discussed with you at your pre-surgery consultation.
Can I use MediSave or insurance for SMILE® Pro 2.0 in Singapore?
SMILE® Pro 2.0 is an elective refractive procedure. Whether it is claimable under MediSave or covered by your insurance policy depends on your individual plan and the Ministry of Health’s guidelines. Please contact our clinic directly to find out more.
Is there an age limit for SMILE® Pro 2.0?
The general minimum age is 18, with a prescription that has been stable for at least one to two years. There is no fixed upper age limit, though suitability is assessed individually based on overall eye health and corneal measurements. Your doctor will advise you at your pre-surgery assessment.
Booking your assessment is the first step to finding out whether SMILE® Pro 2.0 in Singapore is suitable for you. Our doctors will review your cornea, measure your prescription, and discuss your options in full. You can book by phone, WhatsApp, or via our online form. Preferred doctor selection is available at the time of booking.
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