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SMILE Pro · Zeiss VisuMax 800 · Flapless

SMILE Pro: flapless vision correction, no corneal flap.

SMILE Pro uses the Zeiss VisuMax 800 — the newest generation of SMILE technology — to extract a thin lenticule from within the cornea through a single 2–4 mm incision, without lifting a corneal flap. Laser time is roughly 8–10 seconds per eye, noticeably faster than earlier SMILE platforms. Best suited for myopia (up to about -10D) with or without astigmatism (up to about 3D), especially for athletes and patients in dry or dusty environments. From $900 for both eyes — performed by Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy, an AAO-published surgeon trained at Devers Eye Institute (Portland, OR).

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SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy — Shaarawy Cornea Clinic

Why choose us

International standard. Regional access.

No corneal flap

A single 2–4 mm incision replaces the full flap used in LASIK — the lenticule is extracted through it, preserving more of the cornea's natural biomechanical strength.

Zeiss VisuMax 800 — faster laser time

The newest SMILE platform delivers roughly 8–10 seconds of laser time per eye — meaningfully faster than earlier-generation SMILE devices, for a shorter, more comfortable procedure.

Lower dry-eye risk

The smaller incision spares more corneal surface nerves than a LASIK flap, which is associated with a lower rate of post-operative dry eye in published outcomes.

Rigorous pre-op screening

Full topography and tomography (Pentacam) confirm corneal thickness and rule out keratoconus before any SMILE Pro candidacy decision — we decline cases where it isn't safe.

Procedures & pricing

Transparent USD pricing.

Final cost is set after clinical examination. Local-currency equivalents available on request. Insurance reports issued for international patients.

ProcedureBest forFrom (USD)
SMILE Pro (both eyes)Flapless lenticule extraction with the Zeiss VisuMax 800. Best for myopia with or without astigmatism, athletes, and dry-eye-prone patients.$900 – $1,400

Common questions

Frequently asked.

What is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro is a laser vision correction technique that extracts a thin lenticule from inside the corneal tissue through a single 2–4 mm incision — without lifting a full corneal flap as in LASIK. It's performed on the Zeiss VisuMax 800, the newest SMILE platform, with faster laser delivery and more precise eye tracking than earlier generations.
What's the difference between SMILE Pro and LASIK?
LASIK (Femto LASIK) lifts a thin corneal flap with a femtosecond laser, then reshapes the cornea underneath with an excimer laser. SMILE Pro never lifts a flap — it extracts a lenticule through a small 2–4 mm incision. That preserves more corneal biomechanical strength and is associated with less dry eye, with comparable recovery speed. LASIK still covers a wider prescription range, including hyperopia; SMILE Pro currently treats myopia and astigmatism only.See all 4 laser techniques
Is SMILE Pro painful?
No. Topical anesthetic drops are used before the procedure. You may feel brief, mild pressure during the suction step, but no sharp pain. Mild grittiness or tearing for a few hours afterward is normal and resolves quickly.
Am I a candidate for SMILE Pro?
Good candidates are 18+, have had stable refraction for at least a year, myopia up to roughly -10D, astigmatism up to roughly 3D, and adequate corneal thickness confirmed by Pentacam. Because the incision is smaller than a LASIK flap, some relatively thinner corneas that aren't ideal for LASIK may still be considered for SMILE Pro — but the final decision always rests on the thickness and topography results, not preference alone.
Is SMILE Pro suitable for hyperopia or keratoconus?
No. SMILE Pro is currently approved for myopia and astigmatism only — it is not an option for hyperopia (Femto LASIK is used instead). It is also not suitable for keratoconus or any corneal ectasia risk; topography and tomography (Pentacam) must rule this out before any surgical decision, since operating on an unstable cornea can accelerate disease progression.
How long is the procedure and recovery?
The laser itself takes roughly 8–10 seconds per eye on the VisuMax 800. The full visit — prep, procedure, brief rest — is about 10–15 minutes. Most patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours and return to desk work in that timeframe. Full surface healing typically takes one to two weeks.
What are the risks and possible complications of SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro is one of the safest refractive procedures available, but like any surgery it carries risks worth knowing honestly: temporary dry eye (lower than LASIK but still possible in the first weeks), night glare or halos in the early months that usually fade for most patients, and — very rarely — inflammation or delayed healing at the incision. Thorough pre-op screening (corneal thickness, topography, retinal check) minimizes these risks.
Can I get a touch-up (enhancement) after SMILE Pro if my prescription changes?
Yes, but it's more technically involved than after LASIK, since SMILE Pro leaves no flap to simply lift again. In the rare case (under 5%) that an enhancement is needed years later, an alternative technique such as PRK over the treated area is used, decided after careful measurement of remaining corneal thickness.
How much does SMILE Pro cost in Egypt?
SMILE Pro with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy ranges from $900 to $1,400 USD for both eyes, including the surgeon fee, OR fee, pre-op diagnostics (Pentacam, topography), topical anesthesia, week-1 medications, and the first follow-up visit. Final pricing is confirmed after corneal thickness measurement and refraction.
Is the Zeiss VisuMax 800 different from older SMILE devices?
Yes — the VisuMax 800 is Zeiss's newest SMILE platform, with meaningfully faster laser delivery (roughly 8–10 seconds per eye) than earlier-generation devices, plus a more precise tracking and centration system that shortens total eye exposure under the laser. In practice this means a more comfortable procedure and more precise correction.

Send your topography. We'll confirm if SMILE Pro is right for you.

Recent topography (Pentacam / OCT / corneal map) plus your refraction is enough for an initial assessment. We'll reply within 24 hours with whether SMILE Pro, Femto LASIK, or PRK is the right technique for your cornea — and the full price.

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