What are the risks and recovery expectations for SMILE?

SMILE has a low risk profile, with potential side effects including temporary dry eye, glare, halos, or under/overcorrection. Serious complications like infection or corneal ectasia are rare. Recovery is notably faster than with LASIK: most patients return to work within 1–2 days, and vision stabilizes over 1–2 weeks. Dry eye symptoms are typically milder and resolve more quickly due to the flapless technique. Full visual results are usually achieved within one month.