Frequently Asked Questions About Zeiss SMILE
What type of laser is used for Zeiss SMILE?
Dr. Ashraf uses the FDA-approved Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser, which is praised by laser eye surgeons for its precision, accuracy and speed.
How much does Zeiss SMILE cost?
The cost of Zeiss SMILE treatment depends on the individual treatment plan. Our team would be happy to discuss pricing with you after a consultation to learn more about your needs.
What are the steps of the procedure?
First, your eyes will be numbed to prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort. You may also choose to take an oral medication to help you relax and stay comfortable during the procedure.
Next, Dr. Ashraf will use the femtosecond laser to create a tiny lens-shaped cut in your cornea. He will then remove a small disc of tissue through a separate incision; this produces the corneal shape change needed to improve the focusing power of your eye.
The procedure takes less than eight minutes.
When can I resume work after Zeiss SMILE?
Plan to return to work the very next day after Zeiss SMILE. You may choose to have your surgery on a Friday so you can take the weekend to relax and then return to work on Monday.
What will my vision be like after Zeiss SMILE surgery?
Your vision may be slightly hazy and you may have some temporary light sensitivity or glare for a few days after surgery. Dr. Ashraf recommends resting your eyes if you experience sensitivity to light.
Will I need glasses or contacts after Zeiss SMILE?
For most patients, Zeiss SMILE allows them to see as well or better than they did with glasses or contacts. Of course if you are 40 or older, you may need reading glasses. Dr. Ashraf can discuss the likelihood of needing corrective eyewear after Zeiss SMILE, based on your specific refractive error, prescription, age and other individualized factors.
Is financing available for Zeiss SMILE?
Yes, we offer laser eye surgery financing through several plans, including GreenSky and CareCredit. Please inquire with a member of our team about your financing options.
Another option is to use funds from an employer-sponsored health savings account (HAS) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for Zeiss SMILE.
How often does Dr. Ashraf perform the Zeiss SMILE procedure?
Dr. Ashraf is very experienced with the Zeiss SMILE procedure (as well as the other forms of modern laser eye surgery). With his expertise, he can determine the procedure best suited to your needs.
Rest assured Dr. Ashraf is extremely proficient in the advanced technology used during Zeiss SMILE, and that he will work carefully and thoroughly to give you the best visual results possible.
I’ve heard Zeiss SMILE is new. Can I trust that it’s safe?
Laser eye surgeons around the world have been performing Zeiss SMILE since 2011. To date, over 3 million procedures have been performed with the advanced Zeiss SMILE technology. Although Zeiss SMILE has not been around as long as LASIK, the procedure has a reliable safety profile. It is minimally invasive and ultra-precise, offering a comfortable recovery and a rapid return to your regular activities.
Dr. Ashraf will go over the Zeiss SMILE candidacy requirements and potential risks with you so you feel informed and confident when considering your options. Working with a provider as knowledgeable and experienced as Dr. Ashraf can put some of your concerns about the procedure’s safety to rest.
All my friends have had LASIK and loved their results. Why should I consider Zeiss SMILE?
If your friends and colleagues have praised the benefits of LASIK vision correction, you may wonder why you should consider Zeiss SMILE.
Remember that everyone’s eyes are completely unique. What works best for your eye anatomy and characteristics may not be the right fit for someone else, and vice versa.
And although the results of LASIK and Zeiss SMILE are comparable in terms of predictability and consistency, Zeiss SMILE’s proven technology is newer and the way the procedure is performed can eliminate some of the risks associated with older procedures like LASIK.
If you are looking for flapless, bladeless, effortless vision correction, Zeiss SMILE is worth a conversation with Dr. Ashraf. He will walk you through your options and help you pick the treatment that is most likely to safely give you the outcomes you want.
Learn More About Zeiss SMILE Surgery

If you would like to
learn more about the procedures and treatments offered at Atlanta Vision Institute, feel free to call or email us with your questions, or come in for a consultation. Dr. Ashraf understands the sensitivity and concerns about eye treatment, and is happy to answer all of your questions about your procedure.
To schedule an appointment, call
(770) 622-2488. Or, fill out our easy
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