SMILE Pro vs LASIK vs PRESBYOND – Which is Right for You?

If you’re ready to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses, you’ve probably come across several laser vision correction options – SMILE Pro, LASIK, and PRESBYOND.

Each uses advanced laser technology to improve vision, but they differ in how they reshape the cornea, recovery time, and which vision problems they treat. Understanding these differences will help you choose the procedure that best suits your eyes, lifestyle, and long-term vision goals.

 

Understanding the Three Procedures

SMILE Pro – Next-Generation Keyhole Laser Vision Correction

SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Pro) is the latest evolution of laser vision correction, performed using the ZEISS VisuMax® 800 femtosecond laser.
Like the original SMILE procedure, it reshapes the cornea through a small keyhole incision, but SMILE Pro takes precision, comfort, and speed to the next level.

How it works:
A computer-guided laser creates a small lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea. This is then removed through a tiny incision, usually just 2 mm wide, changing the corneal shape to correct vision. The VisuMax 800 laser performs this in under 10 seconds per eye, meaning less suction time, less discomfort, and faster recovery.

Key benefits:

  • Minimally invasive – no corneal flap required

  • Fastest laser treatment time of any refractive procedure

  • Lower risk of dry eye compared to LASIK

  • Quicker recovery with excellent visual outcomes

Best suited for:
People aged 20–45 with short-sightedness (myopia) and mild astigmatism, who want a flap-free procedure and quick visual recovery.

Download your copy of 'An Introductory Guide to Laser Vision Correction'

LASIK – Proven, Versatile, and Reliable

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) remains one of the most commonly performed and best-known forms of laser vision correction.

How it works:
A thin flap is created on the cornea’s surface using a femtosecond laser. The underlying tissue is then reshaped with an excimer laser to correct the refractive error. The flap is repositioned afterward, allowing the surface to heal naturally.

Key benefits:

  • Predictable results and long-term safety record

  • Treats a wide range of prescriptions

  • Rapid vision recovery (often within 24 hours)

Best suited for:
People with myopia, hyperopia (long-sightedness), or astigmatism who want proven results and don’t mind a short recovery period.

PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision – For Reading and Distance Vision After 40

As we age, the natural lens in our eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on nearby objects – a condition known as presbyopia.
PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision uses advanced laser algorithms to correct this, restoring a seamless range of vision from near to far.

How it works:
PRESBYOND reshapes each eye slightly differently: one eye focuses more on distance, the other on near vision. The laser then blends the two focal points to create smooth, natural vision at all distances – without noticeable difference between the eyes.

Key benefits:

  • Reduces or eliminates dependence on reading glasses

  • Customised to your visual profile

  • Preserves depth perception and natural focus range

Best suited for:
People over 40 who find themselves constantly switching between distance and reading glasses.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

Each laser vision correction method has unique strengths:

  • Choose SMILE Pro if you want the latest technology, faster healing, and minimal disruption to daily life. It’s especially good for those with dry eyes or who play contact sports.

  • Choose LASIK if you need correction for a wider prescription range, including long-sightedness. It remains a gold-standard option with millions of successful outcomes worldwide.

  • Choose PRESBYOND if your main frustration is losing near vision after 40 and you want freedom from reading glasses without compromising distance clarity.

 

So, am I suitable for laser eye surgery? Why a personal assessment matters.

The right procedure depends on your age, prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, and lifestyle. Your surgeon will perform detailed diagnostic scans to recommend the safest and most effective option for your needs.

At EyeHub, we combine advanced ZEISS technology (we’re the only clinic in Queensland with the ZEISS VisuMax 800 and MEL90 laser suite – the most advanced technology available today) with expert care to deliver precision vision correction for professionals who depend on their sight.

Book your free eye consultation today to see if you are a candidate for laser vision correction.

Ready to take the next step? Book your free consultation at EyeHub