Is SMILE Pro painful?

In more detail

Needle injections around the eye are not used for refractive laser surgery. If you are anxious about the sensation, ask the clinic to describe the sequence in advance: knowing that a pressure sensation is expected is often what makes it tolerable.

What the treatment actually feels like

The anaesthetic drops numb the surface of the eye, so what people notice is pressure from the device that holds the eye still, the feeling of something touching the eye, and the light of the laser rather than the beam itself. The laser is not experienced as a cut.

Because the eye is held in position for each stage, the pressure is steady rather than sharp, and it ends when that stage ends.

The first few hours afterwards

As the anaesthetic wears off, a gritty or watery feeling is common for some hours, and it is usually described as discomfort rather than pain. Resting with the eyes closed, and using the lubricant drops the clinic gives you, is what most people find helps.

Keep to the drop schedule you were given even once the eye starts to feel better. Stopping early because it has improved is a common and avoidable mistake.

When to say something

Tell the team immediately if you feel actual pain during the treatment rather than pressure. The procedure can be paused, and they would rather know than have you endure it.

Afterwards, the pattern that warrants a same-day call to the clinic is discomfort that is getting worse rather than easing, or that comes with a red eye, light sensitivity or any reduction in vision. That is not the ordinary settling of a treated eye.