SMILE Laser Eye Surgery South Bay & Torrance, CA

SMILE is an FDA-approved laser eye surgery that treats both astigmatism and nearsightedness.

*Patients who have had previous vision correction surgery or who may be candidates for lens replacement (typically age 50+) require additional diagnostic testing.
A $200 evaluation fee applies and is credited toward your procedure if you move forward with surgery.

Late Cancellation Policy: We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as missed appointments, are subject to a $50 late cancellation fee.

What Is SMILE?

As the latest innovation in eye surgery, SMILE laser eye surgery in South Bay and Torrance blends the benefits of PRK and LASIK. It only requires one small incision, and it does not require a flap. The recovery is comparable to LASIK, but there are no physical activity restrictions after surgery.

During the SMILE procedure, Dr. Liu will change the shape of your cornea to improve astigmatism and nearsightedness. It’s called SMILE because of how the procedure is performed. First, the laser creates a lenticule (resembling a soft contact lens) in your eye. Then, an incision is made to remove the lenticule, changing the shape of your cornea to treat your refractive error.

The SMILE Experience You Can Trust

When it comes to laser vision correction, experience matters. The skill and volume of your surgeon can have a meaningful impact on the precision, safety, and quality of your results.

Dr. Erica Liu has completed the second-highest number of SMILE procedures in the United States, achieving a rare clinical milestone that places her among the nation’s most experienced SMILE surgeons.

What is the Difference Between SMILE and LASIK?

Each procedure has pros and cons, and the best option depends on individual eye health, vision needs, and lifestyle:

SMILE:

Minimally invasive, fast recovery, good for myopia and astigmatism but limited to nearsightedness.
LASIK:

Popular, quick recovery, treats a wider range of vision issues but higher risk of dry eye and flap-related complications.
RLE:

Ideal for presbyopia and extreme farsightedness, also prevents cataracts but more invasive with a longer recovery time.
PRK:

Suitable for those with thin corneas, slower recovery but avoids flap complications.
EVO ICL:

Reversible, effective for high myopia and thin corneas, no permanent corneal changes but more invasive.

What are the Benefits of SMILE?

When considering laser eye surgery, it’s important to understand the unique advantages of each procedure. SMILE offers distinct benefits compared to other surgeries:

Improved Vision

After SMILE laser eye surgery at our Long Beach office, your vision will be sharper and clearer than before. Many of our patients have 20/20 vision after surgery and no longer rely on corrective lenses when they’re reading, driving, and playing sports.

Ideal for Athletes and Active Patients

You can return to your exercise routine the day after SMILE. This is because the approach does not require a corneal flap, so there is no risk of disruption.

Quick and Painless Procedure

SMILE takes mere minutes to complete. Your eyes will be numb the entire time, so you can expect a comfortable and pain-free experience.

High Satisfaction Rate

SMILE is a long-term solution that can correct even severe nearsightedness. Our patients routinely report a higher quality of life and high levels of satisfaction after this procedure.

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The SMILE Surgery

Just before SMILE laser eye surgery at our Torrance office, premier ophthalmologist Dr. Liu will numb your eyes with special drops to keep you comfortable. From there, she’ll use a laser to create a small disc (the lenticule) in your eye. This disc will resemble a soft contact lens. She’ll then make a tiny cut in the area to remove the lenticule. This is what changes your corneal shape and improves your eye’s ability to focus.

From start to finish, SMILE takes just minutes for each eye. After the procedure, someone will need to drive you home. You can return to your normal activities within a day or two, but you’ll need to avoid getting water in your eyes for a few days.

SMILE or LASIK: Which Is Right for You?

SMILE and LASIK are both safe laser eye surgeries that can reduce your need for glasses and contact lenses. They both provide predictable, hassle-free vision, and they both have very low rates of complications.

In general, SMILE eye surgery is a better option for people who:

Suffer from dry eye syndrome
Have a higher prescription
Are very active

Lasik & SMILE Recovery: What to Expect Q&A with Dr. Erica Liu

What is recovery like after LASIK or SMILE? In this Q&A, Dr. Erica Liu breaks down what patients can expect following laser vision correction, including healing timelines, return to daily activities, and how modern techniques have improved the recovery experience.

The feedback we hear again and again is how fast and easy the recovery is, especially compared to years of glasses or contacts.

Dr. Liu

Is SMILE Eye Surgery Right for You?

Dr. Liu will need to evaluate your eyes, measure your corneas and pupils, and evaluate your refractive error before she can determine if you’re a candidate for SMILE. However, in general, this surgery is an option if you:

Are 22+ years of age
Have a stable prescription of at least one year
Have a prescription range between -1 and -10 for nearsightedness
Have an astigmatism up to 3 diopters
Have healthy corneas

In addition, you will need to be in good general health and without serious eye problems such as cataracts, severe glaucoma, corneal scarring, and more. Contact our office to schedule a free evaluation*.

*If you have had prior vision correction surgery, additional testing is required. A $200 consultation fee applies for patients who have undergone refractive surgery elsewhere.

SMILE TESTIMONIAL

Dr. Jonathan Go, Refractive Cataract Surgeon

An accomplished vision specialist, Dr. Go entrusted his own SMILE procedure to Dr. Erica Liu, recognizing her exceptional skill and commitment to patient-centered laser eye care.

SMILE FAQ

Is SMILE painful?

No. As with all of our eye surgeries, SMILE is completely comfortable. We use special drops to numb your eyes prior to surgery, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.

How is SMILE different from LASIK?

Unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, SMILE requires only a tiny incision, reducing the risk of dry eye and flap-related complications while offering similar vision correction results.

Who is a good candidate for SMILE?

SMILE is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism, particularly those who may have dry eyes or prefer a less invasive procedure than LASIK.

Are there any risks or side effects with SMILE?

SMILE is considered safe with a low risk of complications, though potential side effects include temporary dryness, glare, or halos around lights. Serious complications are rare.

What is the recovery time for SMILE?

Recovery is generally faster than with PRK but slightly slower than LASIK. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days and can return to normal activities within a week.

How long is the recovery?

SMILE recovery is similar to the recovery associated with LASIK but without the physical activity restrictions. Most of our patients can return to work within just one day. Dr. Liu will provide you with eye drops to use immediately after surgery to promote healing. Within a few weeks, the full results of your eye surgery will be apparent.

Why Is SMILE Considered Better for Dry Eyes Than LASIK?

It all comes down to the nerves in your cornea that tell your eyes when to produce tears. SMILE is entirely flap-free, meaning no corneal flap is created during the procedure. Because the front surface of the cornea is largely untouched, up to 80% fewer corneal nerves are disrupted. This means your natural tear film stabilizes much faster, and the risk of post-operative dry eye symptoms is significantly lower compared to LASIK.

I Already Struggle With Dry Eyes From Contact Lenses. Can I Still Get SMILE?

Very likely, yes! Because contacts act like a sponge on the eye’s surface, many patients assume they have “bad dry eyes” when they are actually suffering from contact lens intolerance. SMILE preserves your corneal structural integrity and nerve pathways. It is frequently the preferred laser procedure for patients with pre-existing mild-to-moderate dryness.

I’m Terrified That I’ll Move My Eye During Surgery. What Happens if I Do?

This is the number one fear patients have, and we want to completely reassure you: the technology is designed to handle this, and you cannot accidentally ruin your procedure. SMILE utilizes a highly advanced femtosecond laser that gently secures your eye in place. If your eye makes a movement that breaks this contact, known as a “suction loss,” the laser automatically shuts off in a fraction of a millisecond.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’d like to see if SMILE can help you say goodbye to corrective lenses, please call our South Bay and Torrance offices today and schedule an appointment with leading eye surgeon Dr. Erica Liu. Our office is open weekdays and Saturdays from 9am - 5pm.