SMILE LASIK
SMILE LASIK is not your parents’ LASIK. Kovach Eye Institute is proud to be the first practice in Illinois to perform SMILE, bringing this next-generation, flapless vision correction procedure to patients across Chicagoland. Since performing the state’s first SMILE procedure, our team has performed the SMILE LASIK procedure on over 1200 eyes – a milestone that reflects our clinical depth and our commitment to delivering life-changing outcomes for patients who want to see the world without glasses or contact lenses.
Whether SMILE or traditional LASIK is the right fit for your eyes and lifestyle, our board-certified surgeons will help you find the personalized solution that matches your visual goals. Complimentary consultations are available at all of our 4 locations.
At Kovach Eye we believe in vision without limits.
Are you a candidate for vision correction surgery? Take our Vision Quiz to see if it’s a good fit!
- What Is SMILE LASIK?
- How Does SMILE LASIK Work?
- Benefits of SMILE LASIK
- SMILE LASIK vs. Traditional LASIK
- Who Is a Candidate for SMILE LASIK?
- What to Expect Before, During, and After SMILE LASIK
- Risks and Potential Side Effects
- Pricing and Financing
- Why Kovach Eye Institute for SMILE LASIK?
- What Our Patients Are Saying
- Frequently Asked Questions About SMILE LASIK
What is SMILE LASIK?
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive laser eye surgery designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, a single femtosecond laser creates a small, disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue called a lenticule, which is then removed through a tiny incision of less than 4mm. This reshapes the cornea and corrects your refractive error, allowing light to focus properly on the retina.
SMILE is performed using the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser, one of the most precise laser platforms available in refractive surgery today. This minimally invasive procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye, and most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours.
More than 12 million eyes have been successfully treated using the ZEISS SMILE system worldwide – a testament to the global confidence in this
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Patient Information
Zeiss
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technology.
Studies show that patients who have SMILE LASIK report satisfaction rates at or above those of
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Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes of Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction: A Review
Chiam NPY, Mehta JS
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traditional LASIK.
How Does SMILE LASIK Work?
The SMILE procedure is completed in a single, streamlined sequence using one laser system:
- Mapping and preparation: Your surgeon uses advanced corneal topography and diagnostic imaging to map the unique contours of your cornea and program the laser to your exact prescription.
- Lenticule creation: The ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a precise, lens-shaped piece of tissue (the lenticule) within the cornea, along with a small access incision of less than 4mm.
- Lenticule removal: Your surgeon gently separates and removes the lenticule through the small incision, reshaping the cornea to correct your vision.
- Immediate recovery: No flap is created, no blade is used, and no second laser is required. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within one to two days.
Benefits of SMILE LASIK
SMILE offers several meaningful advantages that make it a strong option for patients with active lifestyles, dry eye concerns, or thinner corneas.
Minimally Invasive
SMILE is a bladeless, flapless procedure. The access incision is less than 4mm – approximately 80% smaller than the incision created during traditional LASIK. This makes SMILE a safe and effective way to quickly get back to the activities that matter most to you. SMILE is a particularly appealing option for athletes and physically active patients.
Reduced Dry Eye Risk
Because the small incision preserves more corneal nerves than a LASIK flap, many patients experience less post-operative dry eye with SMILE than with traditional LASIK.
Quick and Proven
More than 12 million SMILE procedures have been performed worldwide. The procedure itself takes just a few minutes from start to finish.
Rapid Visual Recovery
Most SMILE patients return to normal activities the day after their procedure. Many achieve 20/20 vision or better within 24 hours.
Long-Term Stability
Because no corneal flap is created, patients face zero risk of flap-related complications. Fewer corneal nerves are disrupted during the procedure, meaning fewer patients report post-operative dry eye symptoms. SMILE permanently reshapes the cornea for stable,
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long-lasting results.
Single-Laser System
The entire SMILE procedure is performed with one laser, reducing procedural complexity and treatment time.
Freedom from Lenses
SMILE is designed to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, giving you more freedom to live the lifestyle you enjoy.
SMILE LASIK vs. Traditional LASIK: Which Is Right for You?
Both SMILE and traditional LASIK are proven, laser-based vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors. Each procedure has distinct strengths, and the right choice depends on your prescription, corneal anatomy, and lifestyle needs.
| SMILE LASIK | Traditional LASIK | |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap | No flap created | Flap created (~20mm) |
| Incision size | Less than 4mm | ~20mm |
| Lasers used | One (femtosecond) | Two (femtosecond + excimer) |
| Dry eye risk | Lower | Higher |
| Recovery time | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Conditions treated | Myopia, astigmatism | Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism |
| Ideal for | Active lifestyles, dry eye-prone patients | Broader range of refractive errors, including farsightedness |
SMILE is currently FDA-approved for myopia and myopia with astigmatism. Traditional LASIK remains an excellent option for patients with farsightedness (hyperopia) or those with a broader range of refractive errors. Our surgeons will help you determine which procedure is the right fit during your complimentary consultation – and in some cases, a third option such as PRK or EVO ICL may be the most suitable choice for your visual needs.
Who Is a Candidate for SMILE LASIK?
SMILE LASIK is an excellent option for many patients who want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contacts. General candidacy criteria include:
- Age 22 or older with a stable prescription for at least one year
- Myopia (nearsightedness) between -1.00 and -10.00 diopters
- Astigmatism up to -3.00 diopters
- Adequate corneal thickness (typically 500 microns or more)
- No active eye disease, infection, or injury
- Not currently pregnant or nursing
- Realistic expectations for
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Summary of safety and effectiveness from the SMILE FDA trial
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outcomes
Patients who have been told they are not candidates for LASIK due to dry eye concerns, thinner corneas, or an active lifestyle may find that SMILE is a better fit for their individual needs. During your complimentary consultation at Kovach Eye Institute, our surgeons will perform a comprehensive evaluation – including corneal topography, pachymetry, and a full ocular health assessment – to determine your candidacy and recommend the procedure best suited to your eyes and lifestyle.
What to Expect Before, During, and After SMILE LASIK
Before Your Procedure
Your journey toward better vision starts with a complimentary consultation at one of our Chicagoland offices. Our team will perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes corneal topography mapping, pachymetry, and a review of your medical and ocular history. We’ll discuss your visual goals and help determine whether SMILE – or another procedure – is the right fit for you.
If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to stop wearing them for a period of time before your evaluation to allow your cornea to return to its natural shape. Soft contact lens wearers typically stop two weeks before their exam; rigid gas-permeable lens wearers may need to stop earlier.
During Your Procedure
The SMILE procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure begins, so you should feel little to no discomfort. You’ll be asked to focus on a small light while the laser works. The lenticule is then gently removed through the small incision. Most patients describe the experience as pressure-like rather than painful.
Dr. Kovach image performing SMILE
After Your Procedure
Most patients notice improved vision within hours of their procedure. You will need a driver to take you home, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. The majority of patients return to work and normal activities within one to two days. Because no flap is created, patients can typically wear makeup, exercise, and go swimming within one week of the procedure.
You will have follow-up appointments at one day, one week, and one month post-procedure. Most patients who undergo SMILE LASIK achieve 20/20 vision or better.
Risks and Potential Side Effects
As with any surgical procedure, SMILE LASIK carries a small risk of side effects. The vast majority of patients experience no serious complications, and our surgeons take every precaution to minimize risk through thorough pre-operative screening and precise surgical technique. Potential side effects may include:
- Temporary visual disturbances such as glare, halos, or starbursts, particularly at night
- Mild dryness or foreign body sensation in the first days following the procedure
- Undercorrection or overcorrection requiring enhancement in a small percentage of cases
- Rare risk of infection or inflammation, which is managed with post-operative eye drops
Your surgeon will discuss all risks and benefits with you in detail during your consultation.
Pricing and Financing
Pricing for SMILE LASIK is determined following your complimentary consultation and may vary based on your prescription and individual candidacy. We offer flexible financing options to help make your vision correction goals a reality. Our team will walk you through all available options so you can make the decision that works best for your lifestyle and budget.
Why Kovach Eye Institute for SMILE LASIK?
Kovach Eye Institute is not just another practice offering SMILE. We are the practice that brought SMILE LASIK to Illinois. Dr. Kevin J. Kovach, the practice’s founder, was the first surgeon in the state to perform both SMILE LASIK and EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), establishing Kovach Eye Institute as a pioneer in advanced, personalized vision correction. With 30 years of clinical and surgical experience and more than 1,200 eyes treated with the ZEISS SMILE procedure, Dr. Kovach and our team of board-certified ophthalmologists bring exceptional depth of expertise to every patient we treat.
Our surgeons continue to invest in some of the most advanced laser technology available, including the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser system. Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan developed through comprehensive diagnostic imaging and a thorough consultation designed around your lifestyle and visual needs.
Our Practice Credentials
- First practice in Illinois to perform SMILE LASIK
- More than 1,200 eyes treated with the Zeiss SMILE procedure
- Board-certified ophthalmologists with subspecialty training in refractive surgery
- 30 years of clinical and surgical experience (Dr. Kevin J. Kovach)
- ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser technology
- Multiple convenient locations serving Chicagoland
- Complimentary SMILE LASIK consultations
Reviews from Our Patients
I had my SMILE surgery procedure two weeks ago and I am very satisfied of the results. I had a strong nearsightedness all my life and I finally decided to go through the surgery to fix it. The team at Kovach Eye Institute was very professional and answered all my questions. - Nicolas W.
I had the SMILE procedure done by Dr. Kovach and I am very happy with the results. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They explained everything so I felt very at ease during the procedure. I would definitely recommend them. - Cierra G.
An amazing experience! I had SMILE eye surgery and cant even describe how happy I am! The doctors are professionals that will walk you through every detail and as a result will change your life! Couldn't be happier! Thank you so so much! - Julia V.
I had the SMILE procedure done in December and I can’t believe it took me so long to get this done. My recovery was quick and painless. All the doctors and staff were courteous and kind. I was mostly seen at the Naperville locations but did have to go to the Elmhurst location for my procedure and one day follow up. Both locations are great. - Alexandra H.
I had smile Lasik from Dr Mateen. The procedure was very quick and painless. After the procedure, I had no complications or symptoms and 20/20 vision by the next day. I would highly recommend anyone wanting Lasik to see Dr. Mateen. – Stephanie P.
Had SMILE procedure one year ago and my vision is still 20/20. I used to have to wear glasses/contacts every day and this is the best freedom. I should have done it earlier! - Valerie R.
Always have a great experience. I did the smile procedure with them a year ago and my eyes are still doing amazing! - Emily C.
I had the SMILE procedure done in December and my vision is crystal clear! I can't believe it took me so long to get this done. My recovery was quick and painless. All the doctors and staff were courteous and kind. I was mostly seen at the Naperville locations, but did have to go to the Elmhurst location for my procedure and one day follow up. Both locations are great. - Alexandra H.
An amazing experience! I had a Smile eye surgery and can’t even describe how happy I am! The doctors are professionals that will walk you through every detail, and as a result will change your life! Couldn't be happier! Thank you so so much! - Julia V.
Dr Gradianu and staff were fabulous! I had the SMILE procedure about two weeks ago and I was seeing better than 20/20 the next day at my follow up visit.The procedure was pain-free and seamless. They made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole test. I’m glad I finally caved and got it done. It will save me so much money not buying contacts. – Jeffrey F.
Frequently Asked Questions About SMILE LASIK
No. Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure, and most patients report feeling only mild pressure during treatment. There is no blade, no cutting, and no significant discomfort during or after the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity or a foreign body sensation for the first day or two, which resolves quickly.
The procedure itself takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Plan to be at our office for about two hours on the day of your procedure to allow time for preparation and post-procedure instructions.
Ideal candidates are typically 22 or older, have myopia up to -10.00 diopters, have a stable prescription, and have healthy eyes with adequate corneal thickness. You may be a candidate for SMILE even if you have been told you are not a candidate for traditional LASIK. Our surgeons will evaluate your individual needs during a complimentary consultation.
Both procedures use lasers to reshape the cornea and improve vision. SMILE uses a smaller incision and requires no corneal flap, which means a lower risk of flap-related complications and potentially less post-operative dry eye. Traditional LASIK is a well-established procedure that also corrects farsightedness, which SMILE does not currently treat. Our surgeons will help you understand which procedure is better suited to your prescription, corneal anatomy, and lifestyle.
Most patients return to work and daily activities within one to two days. Because there is no flap, you can typically wear makeup, exercise, and swim within one week of the procedure. You should avoid rubbing your eyes and contact sports for at least two to four weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidance based on your recovery.
Yes. SMILE LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct your refractive error. Results are long-lasting for the vast majority of patients. As with any vision correction procedure, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia may affect near vision over time, but the correction itself is permanent.
Yes. SMILE LASIK received FDA approval for the treatment of myopia and myopia with astigmatism. The ZEISS VisuMax laser used at Kovach Eye Institute is an FDA-cleared device for this procedure.
Schedule Your Complimentary SMILE LASIK Consultation
Ready to find out if SMILE LASIK is right for you? Kovach Eye Institute offers complimentary SMILE LASIK consultations at our locations serving the Chicagoland area, with offices in Elmhurst, Naperville, South Barrington, and Lincolnwood. Our team is here to answer your questions, review your candidacy, and help you take the first step toward a life with more visual freedom.
1 Zeiss. Patient Information. Available: https://www.smileandsee.com. Accessed May 20, 2026.
2 Chiam NPY, Mehta JS. Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes of Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction: A Review. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila). 2019 Sep-Oct;8(5):377-384. doi: 10.1097/APO.0000000000000258. PMID: 31478935; PMCID: PMC6784778. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31478935/. Accessed May 5, 2026.
3 Zeiss. Patient Information. Available: https://www.smileandsee.com. Accessed May 20, 2026.
4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Summary of safety and effectiveness from the SMILE FDA trial. Available: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf15/p150040s003b.pdf. Accessed May 5. 2026.
The doctors at Kovach Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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