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Why Bellevue Precision Vision Offers SMILE Pro in Seattle and Bellevue

Dr. Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, offers SMILE Pro in Seattle & Bellevue, WA because it reflects her approach to vision correction: precise, minimally invasive, and tailored to each patient's eyes. A fellowship-trained cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon with more than 27 years of experience, she was the first surgeon in the Pacific Northwest to perform SMILE.

Bellevue Precision Vision is also home to the first SMILE Pro laser in the Pacific Northwest, the ZEISS VISUMAX 800, housed in an in-office laser suite. Patients receive the latest-generation lenticule extraction technology from a surgeon with years of experience performing the procedure.

What Is SMILE Pro Laser Vision Correction?

SMILE Pro is the latest generation of ZEISS SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), a flapless laser procedure that corrects nearsightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism.

Instead of creating a corneal flap as in LASIK, the laser shapes a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, called a lenticule. Dr. Rostov removes it through a tiny opening, thereby reshaping the cornea and correcting vision.

SMILE Pro is performed with the VISUMAX 800, ZEISS's most advanced femtosecond laser. Key features of the technology include:

  • Faster laser time: A higher pulse rate enables the laser to treat a single eye in under 10 seconds.
  • Built-in assistant systems: Smart tools support precise, consistent treatment.
  • A more comfortable experience: Holding still for such a short time can help patients feel calmer during treatment.
  • Flapless approach: The lenticule is removed through a tiny opening, so no corneal flap is created.

The technique has a substantial research record. A peer-reviewed review in Eye and Vision reports that visual outcomes and safety after SMILE are similar to LASIK, and that corneal sensation recovers faster after SMILE. According to ZEISS, SMILE has been performed on more than 8 million eyes worldwide.

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Benefits of SMILE Pro Vision Correction

SMILE Pro offers several advantages for patients who want freedom from glasses and contacts:

  • Under 10 seconds of laser time per eye: The VISUMAX 800 keeps the treatment brief.
  • Flapless and minimally invasive: The procedure uses a small opening instead of a corneal flap.
  • Lower risk of dry eye: The small opening disturbs fewer corneal nerves, which may mean fewer dry eye symptoms than LASIK.
  • A comfortable experience: Numbing drops and a short treatment time help patients stay relaxed.
  • Fast visual recovery: Vision usually improves right after treatment, and many patients resume daily activities within 24 hours.
  • Correction of multiple vision errors in a single procedure: SMILE Pro treats myopia, with or without astigmatism.

ZEISS reports that 96% of patients are satisfied with their day-one postoperative vision.

Am I a Candidate for SMILE Pro?

You may be a candidate for SMILE Pro if you meet the general treatment guidelines, which Dr. Rostov confirms during a full exam:

  • You are 22 years of age or older.
  • Your myopia ranges from -1.00 to -10.00 diopters.
  • Your astigmatism, if present, ranges from -0.75 to -3.00 diopters.
  • Your prescription has been stable for at least one year, within ±0.50 diopters.
  • Your corneas are healthy and thick enough for treatment.

SMILE Pro does not treat farsightedness. Patients outside these ranges may do better with LASIK, PRK, or EVO ICL. Candidacy depends on an individual eye exam.

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SMILE Pro vs. LASIK vs. PRK

SMILE Pro, LASIK, and PRK all reshape the cornea, but they do it differently. This comparison summarizes the main distinctions:

SMILE Pro

LASIK

PRK

Approach

Femtosecond laser creates a lenticule and small opening; lenticule is removed

Femtosecond laser creates a flap; excimer laser reshapes the cornea

Surface layer removed; excimer laser reshapes the cornea

Treats

Myopia and astigmatism

Myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia

Myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia

Visual recovery

Quick

Quick

Slower, due to surface healing

Best suited for

Patients within the SMILE Pro ranges who want a flapless option

Patients across a wider range of prescriptions

Patients with thin corneas or faint corneal scars

Dr. Rostov performs LASIK, PRK, and EVO ICL as well, so her recommendation follows your eyes rather than a single technology.

What to Expect From SMILE Pro Surgery

Consultation

Your visit begins with a comprehensive exam of your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. Dr. Rostov and Dr. Kerri Svanda, OD, review your goals and answer questions.

SMILE Pro is an elective procedure, so insurance typically does not cover it. HSA and FSA funds can be applied for, and the practice offers financing. See the Pricing and Financing pages for details.

The SMILE Pro Treatment Step by Step

The full visit is typically 10 to 20 minutes per eye, with the laser running for less than 10 seconds:

  • Preparation: Numbing eye drops keep you comfortable.
  • Lenticule creation: The VISUMAX 800 creates the lenticule in under 10 seconds per eye.
  • Lenticule removal: Dr. Rostov gently removes it through a tiny opening, reshaping the cornea.
  • Brief rest: After a short check in the office, you go home the same day.

Recovery and Results

Recovery after SMILE Pro is typically short, though vision continues to settle over several weeks. A general timeline looks like this:

  • Right after treatment: Vision often improves directly, though it may feel blurry or hazy at first.
  • First 24 hours: Many patients return to their daily activities within 24 hours. Mild dryness, light sensitivity, or a gritty feeling can occur and usually fades quickly.
  • First few weeks: Vision continues to stabilize, so some fluctuation early on is normal.
  • Follow-up visits: Dr. Rostov's team checks your healing at scheduled visits to confirm your eyes are recovering as expected.

Dr. Rostov's team provides specific aftercare instructions for your eyes. Common guidance includes:

  • Use lubricating drops as prescribed to keep your eyes comfortable
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially in the first 24 hours
  • Skip swimming, hot tubs, and heavy exercise for the first week
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light
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"One of the best corneal surgeons in the country."

Dr. Rostov is one of the best corneal surgeons in the country and is exceptionally knowledgeable about optical health issues. Dr. Rostov performed two procedures on my eyes, and both were completed correctly and without complications. I have found...

Brian C.

I have had extreme myopia (almost pathological) and astigmatism in both eyes my entire life. Gas-permeable hard contact lenses were the only thing that corrected my vision perfectly, but as I reached middle age, it became increasingly painful to w...

Yvette Y.

I had surgery on both of my eyes, performed by Dr. Rostov. I am so thankful to Dr. Rostov for her kindness, talent, skills, and professionalism. She is top notch to say bluntly. And believe me, I could go on and on about how happy I am with my vis...

Marc M.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to make me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in the hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highl...

A.W.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highly talente...

A. W.

Excellent vision recovery after a lifetime of one eye wildly off from the other with astigmatism and farsightedness. add in cataracts, happily by the time i went in for possible lasik surgery a new type of lens to correct multifocal vision plus as...

Anonymous

Dr. Audrey is a world-renowned surgeon, known for her skills and compassion. The Hawaiian Eye Foundation is inspired by her humanitarian efforts and is pleased to work with her to give the gift of sight around the world!

Anonymous

Amazingly knowledgeable as much as caring. Always with a big smile and willing to explain the procedures and alternatives. I had a cornea transplanted by her in 2011 and everything went perfect. I have referred a friend with my same problem and he...

Zelma

Always friendly and answered all questions. Recommended to sister and she had a good experience

Anonymous

I had cataract surgery with LAL lenses. Everything was extremely professional from start to finish. Dr. Rostov and her staff were friendly and informative, explaining everything at each appointment. Beautiful office with up-to-date equipment...

Jon

The most important decision for me in choosing a laser eye clinic is the experience of the surgeon, and that's what led me to Dr. Rostov. She's been performing SMILE longer than anyone else in the PNW, and she also has the most up-to-date la...

K.W.

I cannot properly express how excited I am with the results of my SMILE surgery performed by Dr. Rostov and team. I put a lot of time and energy into researching doctors for this procedure, and ultimately landed on Dr. Rostov following multi...

J.L.

Dr. Rostov and Dr. Svanda are consummate professionals who replaced my lenses and carefully monitored my eyes to ensure I had perfect multifocal vision. They went above and beyond what I ever expected…. Dr. Rostov even called me in th...

A.P.
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Why Choose Dr. Rostov for SMILE Pro in Seattle and Bellevue?

Dr. Rostov trained at Washington University School of Medicine and completed her cornea, anterior segment, and refractive fellowship with Dr. Richard Lindstrom. She has been named to The Ophthalmologist Power List of the world's Top 100 Ophthalmologists and received the AAO Senior Achievement Award.

Patients also benefit from a coordinated team. Dr. Svanda brings more than 20 years of refractive co-management experience to pre-operative testing and follow-up care. Together, they deliver a boutique experience built around precision, clear communication, and personal attention.

Dr. Rostov brings 27 years of surgical experience and the newest SMILE Pro technology to every consultation. Schedule a visit to Bellevue Precision Vision to learn whether SMILE Pro fits your eyes, your lifestyle, and your goals.

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FAQ SMILE Pro Vision Restoration

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How Is SMILE Pro Different From SMILE?

SMILE Pro uses the same lenticule-extraction principle as SMILE but uses the VISUMAX 800, ZEISS's latest laser. It treats a single eye in less than 10 seconds and includes assistant systems that support precise treatment.

How Is SMILE Pro Different From LASIK?

SMILE Pro does not create a corneal flap. The laser forms a lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a small opening. This may reduce dry eye symptoms and offer quick visual recovery.

Does SMILE Pro Hurt?

Numbing drops keep the eye comfortable. Most patients feel light pressure during the brief laser treatment and mild dryness or sensitivity afterward, which usually eases quickly.

What Are the Risks of SMILE Pro?

Possible risks include dry eye, glare or halos around lights, undercorrection, and the need for an enhancement procedure. The AAO outlines SMILE risks in detail, and Dr. Rostov reviews them during your consultation.

When Will I See Results?

Many patients notice improved vision right after treatment. Vision continues to sharpen and stabilize over a few weeks, and Dr. Rostov monitors your healing at follow-up visits.

Is SMILE Pro Right for Everyone?

No. SMILE Pro treats myopia with or without astigmatism within set ranges, and candidacy depends on corneal health and prescription stability. Dr. Rostov also offers LASIK, PRK, and EVO ICL when another option is a better fit.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace an examination by a qualified eye surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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