SMILE Pro vs ICL
SMILE Pro reshapes your own cornea by removing a laser-shaped lenticule — it is a corneal procedure. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) instead places a soft lens inside the eye, without removing corneal tissue, and can be removed if needed. ICL is often considered for higher prescriptions or thinner corneas where laser correction is less suitable, while SMILE Pro suits many with moderate myopia and adequate corneal thickness.
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Reshaping vs adding a lens
The fundamental difference is mechanism. SMILE Pro removes a small amount of corneal tissue to change how your eye focuses. ICL adds an implantable lens inside the eye and removes no corneal tissue, which is why it is often discussed for very high prescriptions or corneas that are too thin for laser treatment. ICL is also considered reversible in the sense that the lens can be removed. Your surgeon weighs prescription, corneal thickness and eye anatomy to advise.
SMILE Pro vs ICL, side by side
| SMILE Pro | ICL (implantable lens) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Reshapes your cornea (removes tissue) | Adds a lens inside the eye (no tissue removed) |
| Reversibility | Permanent change to the cornea | Lens can be removed if needed |
| High prescriptions | Within the treatable myopia range | Often suited to very high prescriptions |
| Thin cornea | Needs adequate corneal thickness | Does not depend on corneal thickness |
| Typical Pune starting price | ₹74,999 / eye | ₹64,999 / eye |
- You have moderate myopia with adequate corneal thickness.
- You prefer a corneal procedure and are a suitable candidate.
- You have a very high prescription or a thin cornea.
- You value that the implanted lens can be removed if needed.
- Your surgeon recommends ICL after assessing your eye anatomy.
This comparison is general information, not a recommendation. The right procedure for your eyes is confirmed after an examination with a qualified refractive surgeon.
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SMILE Pro vs ICL — frequently asked questions
Is ICL better than SMILE Pro for high power?+
ICL is often considered for very high prescriptions or thin corneas where laser correction is less suitable, because it adds a lens rather than removing corneal tissue. SMILE Pro suits many with moderate myopia and adequate corneal thickness. Your surgeon decides based on your eyes.
Is ICL reversible and SMILE Pro not?+
ICL places a lens inside the eye that can be removed if needed, so it is often described as reversible. SMILE Pro permanently reshapes the cornea. This difference is one factor among several your surgeon considers alongside your prescription and corneal thickness.
Medically reviewed by the LasikInPune senior refractive surgery panel. Last updated: May 2026.
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