As of December 2024, over 10 million SMILE procedures have been performed around the world! This number is a testament to the dedication of thousands of physicians across the globe in addition to the incredible safety and success of the procedure. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive, flapless alternative to LASIK and has been growing in popularity because of its precision and excellent patient outcomes. It has become one of the safest ways to have vision correction surgery ever. 

On a local level, Dan Haddad was named the #1 SMILE surgeon in the entire USA. The excellent safety of SMILE, combined with the excellence of Dr. Haddad, is a match made in vision heaven. As we work our way to 20 million SMILE procedures and beyond, we’re confident that both SMILE and Dr. Haddad will continue to shine with excellent patient outcomes.

The Milestone: 10 Million SMILE Procedures Worldwide

SMILE was approved by the FDA in 2016 meaning that, on average, more than 1 million people per year chose SMILE. Reaching 8-digit figures is a testament to the safety and efficacy of the procedure to help people regain their vision. Few other procedures, especially elective ones, have seen such an enormous adoption among the general public like SMiLE.

Dr. Dan Haddad: The Visionary Behind LEI’s SMILE Success

Dr. Dan Haddad has consistently been at the forefront of SMILE and is a major part of the road to 10 million SMILE procedures. In fact, Dr. Haddad was the first in Michigan to practice SMILE and consistently has been at the forefront of advanced technology adoption. Most recently, Dr. Haddad and the Laser Eye Institute received the latest in SMILE technology–the ZEISS VISUMAX® 800 with SMILE® Pro Software during 2024. Laser Eye Institute was the first clinic in Michigan to offer this technology to our patients as well. 

Beyond the procedure and technology, Laser Eye Institute’s patient-centric approach to treatment makes LEI the ideal place in Michigan to get SMILE as well as other vision correction procedures. 

The Safety Profile of SMILE: Why Patients Trust It

Perhaps the main reason that SMILE has reached such a large number of people is because of how safe it is. With all of the available data (and there are 10 million data points), SMILE is at least as safe as LASIK and potentially even safer. The procedure was made to be as minimally invasive as possible. Unlike LASIK, SMILE doesn’t even require the creation of a flap, leading to better patient outcomes, shorter recovery time, and an all-around safer procedure.

SMILE lowers the risk of post-operative dry eye because fewer corneal nerves are disrupted and less corneal tissue is damaged. Flap-related complications are also not an issue with SMILE because no flap is created at any point during SMILE. Finally, the quick procedure time–about 30 seconds per eye–minimizes the risk of complications, making SMILE one of the safest procedures ever to exist.

What to Expect During SMILE Recovery

As of March 2025, SMILE recovery has become one of the quickest and most painless healing processes. The minimal recovery time is a testament to the procedure’s design and the expertise of physicians like Dr. Dan Haddad at the Laser Eye Institute in Troy, Michigan. SMILE’s flapless approach means patients experience less disruption and faster visual recovery compared to traditional procedures.

Immediate Post-Procedure

SMILE recovery begins immediately after the procedure. The outpatient nature means patients can leave the clinic shortly after treatment, with most heading home ready to begin their recovery journey with minimal disruption to their day. While SMILE recovery is faster than LASIK, patients should always follow Dr. Haddad’s recommendations for immediate post-op recovery.

First Few Days

Most patients experience significant vision improvement within 24 hours of SMILE. This rapid recovery allows patients to resume normal activities—like driving or working—the very next day after surgery. Dr. Haddad may send you home with some eye drops to help keep your eyes moist. Additionally, some patients report sensations of dry or itchy eyes as well as halos around lights, especially at night. In almost all cases, these symptoms are transitory and will go away within a few days or weeks.

First Couple of Weeks

During the first couple of weeks after SMILE, the cornea will begin stabilizing, with vision continuing to sharpen throughout this period. This gradual refinement is part of the excellent healing process that makes SMILE one of the most patient-friendly vision correction options available today.

Long-Term Outlook

The main reason patients choose SMILE at Laser Eye Institute is the combination of excellent long-term results and exceptional post-operative care. Full visual recovery is generally achieved within a month, delivering crisp, lasting freedom from corrective lenses. Dr. Haddad’s patient-centric approach to treatment makes LEI the ideal place in Michigan for recovery support, including personal evening check-in calls after the procedure. This dedication to post-operative care is why LEI patients consistently report life-changing outcomes—whether it’s enjoying sports, travel, or simply waking up to a clear view of the world.

Ready For SMILE?

Are you ready to make the decision for your vision that 10 million other people have made? At Laser Eye Institute, Dr. Dan Haddad and our expert team are ready to guide you through every step of your vision correction journey. Take our quick online quiz to determine if you’re a candidate for SMILE, or schedule your free consultation today!