The Most Advanced Laser Vision Correction – No Flap, Less Risk, Faster Recovery
The Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser is the only FDA-approved system for SMILE surgery. Its precision creates the smoothest lenticule extraction possible.
If you're scrolling through this on your phone with dry, irritated eyes from your contacts, or pushing up glasses that fog during your workout – this is your sign. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) isn't just another eye surgery. It's the most advanced vision correction technology available, specifically designed for active lifestyles, sensitive eyes, and people who can't afford downtime.
At Khanna Vision Institute, we're the pioneers of SMILE surgery in Los Angeles. Dr. Khanna was among the first surgeons to bring this revolutionary technology to Southern California, and with over 20,000 successful procedures, he's perfected the art of flap-free vision correction.
SMILE reshapes the cornea through a very small opening—like tuning the optics without lifting a large hinged flap. LASIK creates a broad circular flap across the cornea (on average about 20mm); SMILE does the corrective work through a 2–4mm keyhole incision, often smaller than a grain of rice.
Laser time for lenticule creation is about 23 seconds (as advertised); plan on roughly a minute for careful lenticule extraction—still a fast, in-office experience.
LASIK has been trusted since the 1990s; while SMILE is newer, it is a minimally invasive option designed for a quicker return to daily life.
| Concern | SMILE | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Sports | Play immediately - no flap to dislodge | Wait 4-6 weeks, always risk flap trauma |
| Dry Eyes | Minimal dryness | Common side effect lasting months |
| Swimming | Back in water after 1 week | Wait 4 weeks minimum |
| Eye Rubbing | Safe after 24 hours | Risky for weeks/months |
| Military/Police | Approved for all positions | Often disqualifying |
Yes, SMILE costs more than LASIK upfront. Here's why it's worth every penny:
Plus the intangibles: No more contact lens infections. No foggy glasses during dates. No "I can't see" at the beach. No rushing to buy contacts before trips.
"Ate a light breakfast, took an Uber (you can't drive after). No makeup, no perfume. Wore my comfiest sweats. Feeling nervous but excited." - Sarah, 26
"They offered Valium but I didn't need it. The staff was incredible – explaining everything, making jokes, keeping me calm. The laser suite looked like something from Star Trek." - John, 28
"Laid down, stared at a green light. Felt some pressure for literally 20 seconds. No pain at all. Dr. Khanna talked me through everything. Before I could get nervous, it was done." - Marcus, 31
"Vision was hazy but I could already see better than without my contacts. Went home, napped for 3 hours. Woke up and could read my phone clearly!" - Jessica, 24
Foggy vision, light sensitivity. Eyes feel like you've been swimming in a chlorinated pool. Use drops every hour. Sleep is your friend.
Wake up seeing! Seriously, the "wow" moment. Quick follow-up visit where they confirm you're seeing 20/40 or better. Back to screens and work.
Vision sharpening daily. Gym and exercise cleared. Feeling completely normal except you keep forgetting you don't need glasses.
Swimming allowed. Vision typically 20/20. The dry eye that LASIK patients complain about? You don't have it.
Final vision locked in. 95% see 20/20 or better. Living your best life without vision restrictions.
Choose a procedure to see technology, recovery, dry-eye risk, and who it fits best.
Choosing SMILE is literally good for the planet:
Stop living life through foggy lenses. Here's exactly what happens next:
The bottom line: SMILE isn't just vision correction – it's vision liberation. No more "hold on, let me put my contacts in." No more "I can't see without my glasses." Just clear, crisp vision from the moment you wake up until you close your eyes at night.
Professional Diver
"SMILE was perfect for my diving career. No worries about flap issues underwater. Back in the ocean after just 1 week!"
Software Engineer
"My dry eyes from contacts made LASIK impossible. SMILE solved everything - coding all day with zero discomfort!"
MMA Fighter
"LASIK wasn't an option due to flap risks in the ring. SMILE gave me perfect vision with zero combat restrictions!"
Real patients. Real SMILE results — short stories from Khanna Vision.
SMILE is fundamentally different – it uses only one laser to create and remove a lenticule through a 2-4mm incision, while LASIK uses two lasers and creates a 20mm flap. This means SMILE preserves corneal strength, causes significantly less dry eye, has no flap complications, and allows immediate return to many activities. Think of it as keyhole surgery vs. open surgery for your eyes.
For most patients, absolutely. With SMILE you typically have fewer dry-eye issues than with flap-based LASIK, plus no flap complications, a strong return to sports and activities, preserved corneal integrity, and fast visual recovery. If you're active, have dry eyes, or work in physical jobs, SMILE can be worth the upgrade for peace of mind alone.
Yes! Light exercise like walking is fine immediately. Gym workouts, yoga, running, and contact sports can resume at day 3. Swimming is cleared at 1 week. This is one of SMILE's biggest advantages over LASIK.
Impossible to mess up! Your eye is gently held open (you won't even feel it), and the laser tracks your eye movements 1,000 times per second. If you move beyond range, it automatically pauses and resumes when you're centered. The entire laser time is only 23 seconds, so there's barely time to worry!
SMILE results are permanent. Your cornea doesn't "un-reshape" itself. The only vision changes you might experience are natural aging (presbyopia after 45) which affects everyone regardless of surgery. Studies show SMILE patients maintain stable vision for decades.
Yes! SMILE corrects astigmatism up to -3.00 diopters along with nearsightedness. In fact, SMILE's precision makes it excellent for astigmatism correction. About 40% of our SMILE patients have astigmatism corrected during their procedure.
FDA approval is for age 22 and above (slightly older than LASIK's 18+). This ensures your prescription is completely stable. If you're under 22 but eager for vision correction, we can discuss LASIK or waiting for SMILE eligibility.
After age 45, most people develop presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close) whether they've had surgery or not. This is natural aging of the lens, not related to SMILE. However, you'll only need readers for close work, not distance vision. We also offer solutions like monovision SMILE for those concerned about reading vision.
Our flagship location in the heart of Beverly Hills, where celebrities and executives trust their vision to Dr. Khanna.
Address:Our Ventura County center offers world-class technology with convenient access and free parking.
Address:Join thousands who've chosen the most advanced vision correction available
Or call directly: Beverly Hills (310) 482-1240 | Westlake Village (805) 230-2126
⚡ Limited appointments available at special pricing. Book now to lock in your rate.
