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In brief

ReLEx SMILE or SmartSight: what is the difference?

ReLEx SMILE and SmartSight are two flap-free lenticule extraction procedures from different manufacturers. EyeLaser Zurich does not offer ReLEx SMILE or SMILE pro: they run on the VisuMax from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, SmartSight on the SCHWIND ATOS. In Zurich, Dr. Victor Derhartunian performs SmartSight personally, for CHF 2’500 per eye. Whether it suits your cornea is shown by the measurement.

✓In common: lenticule inside the cornea, small opening, no flap; for short-sightedness and astigmatism.
✓Different: manufacturer, laser device and technical implementation; details are described by each manufacturer.
✓At EyeLaser Zurich: SmartSight CHF 2’500 per eye, SmartSight NOVA CHF 3’000; we do not offer ReLEx SMILE and SMILE pro.
Go directly to:Comparison table →Studies →SmartSight in Zurich →Laser eye surgery costs →
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS on 2 October 2026 · Last updated on 2 October 2026
around 25’000refractive procedures (laser and lens), performed personally by Dr Derhartunian
CHF 2’500SmartSight per eye, follow-up checks of the first three months included
almost 6’000SmartSight treatments by Dr Derhartunian
Kreis 1Strehlgasse 33, a few minutes on foot from Paradeplatz
Check your suitability for SmartSight044 221 95 02

What is lenticule extraction (KLEx)?

Phake Linsen (ICL) in Zürich

Lenticule extraction (KLEx) is the manufacturer-neutral technical term for laser procedures in which a disc of tissue (lenticule) is cut inside the cornea and removed through a small opening. This family includes ReLEx SMILE and SMILE pro (Carl Zeiss Meditec), SmartSight (SCHWIND), CLEAR (Ziemer) and SILK (Johnson & Johnson).

What they all have in common: no flap is cut and folded back, the uppermost corneal layer remains intact apart from the small opening, and fewer corneal nerves are severed than with LASIK. In studies on SMILE, dry-eye symptoms were subjectively milder than after Femto-LASIK, while the objective measurements were similar (Shen 2016).

Prices & services

How much does SmartSight cost in Zurich?

What is included in the price and what is not.

FIXED PRICE

Lenticule extraction (SmartSight) at EyeLaser
CHF 2’500 per eye
At EyeLaser, lenticule extraction is performed as SmartSight on the SCHWIND ATOS.
Free initial consultation+41 44 221 95 02
Included in the fixed price
✓Follow-up checks of the first three months included — the annual check thereafter is chargeable
✓Fixed price — no surcharges after the preliminary examination
✓Enhancement included — up to ten years, at no extra cost, provided you attend the annual check-up
✓Emergency contact after surgery — your surgeon can be reached around the clock during the first 24 hours
✓Preliminary examination CHF 300 — credited towards the treatment
✓Six months interest-free directly with us (CHF 417 per month and eye); longer terms via heylight with credit check and interest
Separately
iMedication and eye drops after the procedure — on prescription from the pharmacy
iAnnual check CHF 180
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS · Last updated: 2 October 2026
Studies

What do studies show about SMILE and SmartSight?

We are not aware of any direct comparative studies between SMILE and SmartSight. The figures come from separate studies and are not directly comparable.

87.5 %

ReLEx SMILE: 20/20 or better without glasses after six months

US approval study, 328 eyes (FDA P150040)

93.2 %

SMILE on the VisuMax 800: 20/20 or better after six months

473 eyes, multicentre post-market study (Sekundo 2025, PMID 40067668)

59–98 %

SmartSight: 20/20 without glasses or as good as before with glasses, depending on the study

review of six case series with 877 eyes; the authors describe the evidence as still early (Arifaizha 2026, PMID 42573219)

10 years

SMILE: correction stable, mean deviation −0.35 D, no eye lost two lines

Blum 2019, 56 eyes, PMID 31610002. Data over such a long period do not yet exist for SmartSight.

These values come from published studies and are not our own figures.

Which procedure is more likely to suit whom?

EDOF-Linsen
Your starting situation at EyeLaser Zurich more likely why
short-sightedness, also with astigmatism, cornea sufficiently thick SmartSight lenticule extraction without a flap, like SMILE
pronounced astigmatism, large angle kappa SmartSight NOVA centration on the visual axis after docking
long-sightedness Femto-LASIK we do not use SmartSight for long-sightedness
very thin cornea Trans-PRK or EASE surface procedures without a pocket in the cornea
values beyond the KRC limits, keratoconus, pregnancy none of the laser procedures; depending on the findings, ICL lens or waiting cornea too thin or not stable; in pregnancy, the prescription fluctuates

Check suitability (around 45 seconds)

How do SMILE and SmartSight differ?

Lenticule extraction: procedures and manufacturers (factual overview, without evaluation)
Feature SmartSight ReLEx SMILE and SMILE pro CLEAR SILK
Manufacturer SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions (DE) Carl Zeiss Meditec (DE) Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems (CH) Johnson & Johnson (US)
Laser ATOS VisuMax / VisuMax 800 FEMTO LDV Z8 ELITA
Principle lenticule extraction lenticule extraction lenticule extraction lenticule extraction
Flap no no no no
at EyeLaser Zurich yes no no no
Price at EyeLaser Zurich CHF 2’500 per eye – – –

Technical details of the individual lasers, such as eye tracking, centration or laser time, are described by the manufacturers. We are not aware of any direct comparative studies between SMILE and SmartSight. How SmartSight works with us: SmartSight in Zurich.

ReLEx, SMILE, SMILE pro and VisuMax are trademarks of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. EyeLaser Zurich does not use a Zeiss laser for lenticule extraction and does not offer these procedures. Further notes on trademarks and sources at the end of the page.

Before Treatment: Your Checklist

To ensure the measurement is accurate, please observe the following rules:

Eyelaser Zürich
  1. Contact lens break: Do not wear contact lenses before the pre-examination: soft lenses for one week, rigid lenses for four weeks, ortho-k lenses for three months.
  2. On the Day of Surgery: Do not apply any makeup, perfume, hairspray, or strong-smelling face creams. Residues can interfere with the treatment.
  3. Safety: Please come to our Zurich clinic with an accompanying person, because you are not allowed to drive on the day of the procedure.

How does healing proceed, and do the risks differ?

Ein Leben ohne Brille – Erfolgsgeschichten aus Zürich

After any lenticule extraction, on the day of surgery you see as if through a fogged-up window. At the check the next day, most people have good everyday vision; screen work is usually possible after one to two days. Jogging and light training after two to three days, swimming, sauna and martial arts after four weeks, in each case once approved at the follow-up check.

Risks of lenticule extraction (studies on SMILE)
Risk How common Source
Dry eyes temporary; subjectively milder than after Femto-LASIK Shen 2016
Difficult lenticule removal, small tear at the opening 1.9 % and 1.8 % respectively Ivarsen 2014
Loss of two lines after three months 1.5 %; at the later follow-up, all re-examined eyes were back within one line Ivarsen 2014
Bulging of the cornea an estimated 11 per 100’000 eyes Moshirfar 2021

We are not aware of any proven difference in risks between SMILE and SmartSight; there are not yet any large complication studies for SmartSight. Details: SmartSight: healing and risks.

Who performs SmartSight at EyeLaser Zurich?

Lenticule extraction was introduced with ReLEx SMILE from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. We have chosen the system from the manufacturer SCHWIND, with which we also perform Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK and EASE.

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

“ReLEx SMILE opened the door to minimally invasive eye laser surgery. When we at EyeLaser Zurich were faced with the decision to invest in lenticule extraction, we chose the SCHWIND ATOS laser and the SmartSight procedure. The integrated eye tracker and the automatic detection of eye rotation (cyclotorsion) support us in treating astigmatism.”
— Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS, Medical Director EyeLaser Zurich
Dr. Derhartunian has performed around 25’000 refractive procedures, including almost 6’000 SmartSight treatments.

Keratoconus

Notes on trademarks

ReLEx, SMILE, SMILE pro and VisuMax are trademarks of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. SmartSight and ATOS are product names of SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, CLEAR and FEMTO LDV of Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, SILK and ELITA of Johnson & Johnson; they may also be protected as trademarks. The names appear on this page only to classify the procedures factually. Their mention means neither that EyeLaser Zurich offers these procedures nor that the manufacturers support this page. As lenticule extraction, EyeLaser Zurich offers exclusively SmartSight on the SCHWIND ATOS.

Note on treatment results

We do not give any guarantee of success or healing; every eye heals differently. The aim of treatment is everyday life largely without glasses. As with any procedure, temporary complaints such as dry eyes or rings of light at night (halos) may occur. They usually subside during healing but can rarely persist. We discuss rare complications and your personal risks at the pre-examination. The study figures on this page come from published studies and are not a promise for your result.

Sources

  1. US Food and Drug Administration: VisuMax Femtosecond Laser (SMILE), PMA P150040. accessdata.fda.gov
  2. Sekundo W, Chang JSM, Ganesh S et al. Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism With the VISUMAX 800: 6-Month Outcomes. J Refract Surg 2025;41(3):e264–e271. PMID 40067668
  3. Arifaizha N, Adji MWK, Rachmani AV, Pujiastuti S. Visual Outcomes of SmartSight (SCHWIND ATOS) Refractive Surgery: A Systematic Review. J Refract Surg 2026;42(8):e857–e866. PMID 42573219
  4. Blum M, Lauer AS, Kunert KS, Sekundo W. 10-Year Results of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. J Refract Surg 2019;35:618–623. PMID 31610002
  5. Ivarsen A, Asp S, Hjortdal J. Safety and complications of more than 1500 small-incision lenticule extraction procedures. Ophthalmology 2014;121:822–828. PMID 24365175
  6. Shen Z, Zhu Y, Song X et al. Dry Eye after SMILE versus FS-LASIK for Myopia: A Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016;11:e0168081. PMID 27992482
  7. Shen Z, Shi K, Yu Y et al. SMILE versus FS-LASIK for Myopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016;11:e0158176. PMID 27367803
  8. Moshirfar M, Tukan AN, Bundogji N et al. Ectasia After Corneal Refractive Surgery: A Systematic Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2021;10:753–776. PMID 34417707
Overview

All procedures compared

On the overview page laser eye surgery in Zurich you find all procedures side by side, with the suitability traffic light, documented results, healing timeline, fixed prices and instalment examples.

Other procedures at EyeLaser: SmartSight · Femto-LASIK 7D · Trans-PRK · PresbyMAX · ICL lens

By refractive error: Short-sightedness · Long-sightedness · Astigmatism · Presbyopia · Keratoconus

Costs and financing: All prices · Health insurance · Treatment process · Testimonials

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ReLEx SMILE, SMILE pro and SmartSight

Does EyeLaser in Zurich offer ReLEx SMILE?

No. ReLEx SMILE is a procedure of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG on the VisuMax laser. We offer lenticule extraction without a flap with the SCHWIND ATOS; there the procedure is called SmartSight. It is based on the same basic principle but is a separate procedure from a different manufacturer.

What is the difference between SMILE pro and SmartSight?

SMILE pro and SmartSight are both lenticule extraction procedures without a flap. SMILE pro is the procedure of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG on the VisuMax 800, SmartSight the procedure of SCHWIND on the ATOS. The devices differ in their technical implementation; we are not aware of any direct comparative studies between the two procedures. EyeLaser Zurich does not offer SMILE pro but SmartSight, for CHF 2’500 per eye.

How much does SmartSight cost at EyeLaser Zurich?

SmartSight costs CHF 2’500 per eye at EyeLaser Zurich, SmartSight NOVA CHF 3’000. Included are the procedure, the follow-up checks of the first three months and an enhancement up to ten years after the procedure, provided you attend the annual check-up with us; the pre-examination (CHF 300) is credited. We do not offer ReLEx SMILE, so we do not quote a price for it.

Are follow-up checks included in the price?

Yes. The fixed price covers the procedure, the medical consumables and the medical follow-up checks of the first three months. Medication and eye drops after the procedure are prescribed and bought separately at the pharmacy; the annual check-up thereafter costs CHF 180.

Do you offer instalment payments?

Yes. You can pay for the treatment interest-free over six months directly with us, for SmartSight CHF 417 per month and eye. Longer terms are possible via heylight, with a credit check and interest.

Does health insurance pay for lenticule extraction?

Basic insurance pays only in justified exceptions, for example a large difference in prescription between the two eyes, and only with prior cost approval. Supplementary insurance contributes depending on the policy, often CHF 500 to CHF 1’500. Clarify cost approval before the procedure; we will support you. More under laser eye surgery and health insurance.

Does removing the lenticule hurt?

Usually not. Your eyes are numbed with drops; during the procedure you usually feel only pressure. After the procedure, the eyes may burn or water for a few hours.

Is SmartSight the same as SMILE?

No. Both are based on the same principle but are separate procedures from different manufacturers on different lasers: SmartSight on the SCHWIND ATOS, SMILE on the VisuMax of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. SmartSight is neither a successor nor a continuation of SMILE. EyeLaser Zurich offers SmartSight, not SMILE.

What happens if I move my eye during the laser treatment?

With SmartSight, the eye tracking of the SCHWIND ATOS monitors the position of the eye during treatment and compensates for small movements; with larger deviations, the laser pauses. In addition, the eye is docked to the device during the laser process.

How long does the procedure take?

With SmartSight, the laser works for around 20 seconds per eye. Including preparation, docking and removal of the lenticule, the procedure takes around 20 minutes for both eyes.

Can long-sightedness be treated with SMILE or SmartSight?

We do not use SmartSight for long-sightedness. For long-sightedness we offer Femto-LASIK, from about 45 also PresbyMAX; for higher values the ICL lens (up to +10 dioptres) or a lens exchange.

I was recommended SMILE elsewhere. Can I come to EyeLaser Zurich?

Yes. If you were recommended SMILE, SmartSight is often an option too, because the principle is the same. Whether it suits your cornea is clarified by the pre-examination at EyeLaser Zurich (CHF 300, credited if you have treatment). Feel free to bring existing measurements.

When can I drive again after the operation?

You must not drive yourself on the day of the operation. We usually give you the go-ahead to drive again at the first follow-up check the next day.

When can I do sport again?

Light training such as jogging or cycling is usually possible again two to three days after SmartSight, once approved at the follow-up check. For swimming, sauna and martial arts, wait four weeks to protect against infection and injury.

Does lenticule extraction cause dry eyes?

Temporarily yes, like any laser correction. In a meta-analysis, symptoms after SMILE were subjectively milder than after Femto-LASIK, objective measurements similar; in both groups dry eyes were mostly temporary (Shen 2016). At EyeLaser Zurich we measure the tear film before the procedure and treat dry eyes beforehand if necessary.

Can I be treated if I have astigmatism?

Yes. SmartSight can correct astigmatism together with short-sightedness; the limit depends on the KRC recommendations and your corneal thickness. The SCHWIND ATOS detects the rotation of the eye when lying down (cyclotorsion) and takes it into account during treatment.

Can lenticule extraction make me go blind?

The laser works only in the cornea, not inside the eye. Serious complications such as an infection or bulging of the cornea are rare; bulging after SMILE is estimated at 11 per 100’000 eyes (Moshirfar 2021). No risk can be ruled out completely. Tomography at the pre-examination and selection according to the KRC recommendations help to keep it low.

Is SMILE better than LASIK?

Studies show similar visual results for SMILE and Femto-LASIK (Shen 2016, meta-analysis). Lenticule extraction does not need a flap, which can be an advantage for contact sports or a tendency to dry eyes; Femto-LASIK, on the other hand, also corrects long-sightedness. At EyeLaser Zurich we offer SmartSight as lenticule extraction and decide after the measurement which procedure suits you.

What happens if a residual refractive error remains?

If a residual refractive error remains that bothers you in everyday life, an enhancement may be useful if the cornea allows it. It is included at no extra cost up to ten years after the procedure, provided you attend the annual check-up with us.

What is KLEx?

KLEx stands for keratorefractive lenticule extraction, the manufacturer-neutral term for laser procedures in which a disc of tissue is cut inside the cornea and removed through a small opening. These include ReLEx SMILE, SMILE pro, SmartSight, CLEAR and SILK. At EyeLaser Zurich it is SmartSight.

Are both eyes operated on the same day?

Usually yes: both eyes are treated one after the other in the same session. Whether this suits you is discussed at the pre-examination.

What are CLEAR and SILK?

CLEAR is the lenticule extraction of the Swiss company Ziemer, SILK that of Johnson & Johnson. Both are based on the same principle as SMILE and SmartSight. EyeLaser Zurich offers neither; with us it is SmartSight on the SCHWIND ATOS.