Millions of people across the globe are already enjoying improved vision thanks to ZEISS SMILE. And you could too - find out here if you are suitable for ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery.
Check here if you are suitable for the procedure
Objects near to you are clear and sharp but you have difficulty seeing objects in the distance.This is a common sight problem called myopia (or near-sightedness). You can improve your sight with glasses or contact lenses or you may want to contact your doctor and see if ZEISS SMILE is a treatment option for you.
Your vision is blurred, and you know you have astigmatism.Astigmatism means your eye is shaped more oval like a football than round like a baseball. This can lead to blurred vision, headaches and eye strain. ZEISS SMILE may be a solution to correct astigmatism. Take the next step by contacting your doctor.
You can see far away objects clearly but things nearby are blurred and out of focus.You might have hyperopia, or far-sightedness. ZEISS SMILE is currently not able to correct hyperopia. Please talk to your doctor to find out what other ZEISS treatments might still be the best option for you.
Talk to your eye surgeon for details!
You and your eye surgeon will decide together whether you are suitable for ZEISS SMILE eye surgery. ZEISS SMILE is FDA approved for correcting nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. Please talk to your doctor for details and if ZEISS SMILE is the right choice for you!
Generally, you should be over the age of 18, have a stable prescription and be in good health with no history of eye disease.
Clinic FinderGeneral criteria for ZEISS SMILE suitability
Discover if you can benefit from laser eye surgery
To be considered for ZEISS SMILE, you will need an assessment by your doctor to determine if you are suitable for the procedure. However, if you are at least 18 years of age, have sight prescription that has been stable for at least two years, your corneas have sufficient thickness, you have no history of eye disease and are not currently pregnant or nursing, you may be eligible for ZEISS SMILE laser eye correction.
If you have other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal diseases, and others, unfortunately, you cannot be considered for the surgery. This is also true for patients suffering from certain other medical conditions, such as diabetes, hepatitis C, herpes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. The same applies if you are taking immunosuppressant drugs.
Are there any age restrictions with ZEISS SMILE?
Minimum and maximum age limits
ZEISS SMILE laser eye correction is available to all eligible patients over 18 years of age with no upper age limit, if you meet the general health criteria mentioned above.
Is laser eye correction OK for my job?
Many people with different occupatients benefit from ZEISS SMILE
ZEISS SMILE laser eye surgery has improved vision for millions of people around the globe, including professional across many different career paths. If you are a first-responder, construction worker, professional driver, photographer, professional sports player, or work in IT, talk to your doctor to see if ZEISS SMILE is right for you. A personal assessment by your doctor, however, is needed in any case and will give you clarity if ZEISS SMILE is the right choice for you! While it is true you need to make an informed decision about any possible side effects or consequences, every healing process is different. Most patients recover quickly from the procedure and can go back to work within days.
How ZEISS SMILE can contribute to an active lifestyle
Enjoy sports after laser eye surgery
If you lead an active lifestyle, you may find glasses and contact lenses get in the way more than they help; your glasses constantly slipping during a workout or run, taking out your lenses before swimming, having to invest in prescription eyewear for your specific type of activity. ZEISS SMILE aims to eliminate or reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
Technical capabilities of the ZEISS SMILE procedure
Check if you are suitable for the procedure
You might already know your act prescription from a prior eye test or a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The ZEISS SMILE procedure is suitable for anyone whose eyesight falls within the following parameters:
- Sphere: -0.5 to -10.00 Diopters
- Astigmatism: 0.0 to 5.00 Diopters
- Spherical equivalent: up to -12.50 Diopters
What if I do not think ZEISS SMILE is the right choice for me?
Options and alternatives available at your eye clinicEven if you don't think you are suitable for ZEISS SMILE, talk to your doctor. They are experts in all aspects of laser correction surgery and know your individual medical history. Based on the current state of your eyes, you may still be eligible for ZEISS SMILE or an alternative laser eye correction surgery.
If, together with your surgeon, you decide the ZEISS SMILE laser eye procedure is not suitable for you, there are other options you may want to consider:
PRK and LASIK
Different approaches, equally effectiveIf ZEISS SMILE is not an option for you, you may still be able to benefit from other laser eye surgery procedures LASIK or PRK. Find out more about PRK and LASIK and talk to your doctor for ZEISS SMILE alternatives.
ICL
Intraocular surgery using an artificial lensFor patients whose prescription does not fall within the range for laser vision correction, you may want to explore ICLs (implantable collamer lens). During this procedure, an artificial lens is surgically implanted inside the eye. It is placed between the iris, which is the colored part of the eye and your natural lens. ICL surgery is more invasive than laser eye surgery and carries different risks than ZEISS SMILE or LASIK.
RLE
Often recommended for older patientsRLE (refractive lens exchange) is another possibility. RLE involves replacing your current, natural lens with a new multifocal or single focus lens. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery and is often recommended for older patients.
Glasses from ZEISS
And finally, of course you could stick with your glasses or contact lenses. ZEISS offers high-precision glasses and contact lenses which could even be an improvement over your current vision correction. Find out more about ZEISS glasses and contact lenses on our ZEISS Vision pages.
ZEISS Vision Pages