Large-scale Indian study validates rapid visual recovery with AI-enabled next-gen SMILE laser technology

The study conducted at Nethradhama found 98% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision and 99% reached target correction within 15 days, reaffirming India’s leadership in advanced laser vision correction

Bengaluru, December 5, 2025: A large-scale clinical study involving 1,500 eyes has confirmed that the latest generation of SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) laser technology delivers highly precise and safe outcomes for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Conducted at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Bengaluru using the VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser system, the study represents one of the largest reported datasets globally for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. VisuMax 800 laser, the second-generation femtosecond laser was developed by ZEISS in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru.

The retrospective study using data from 770 patients under 45 years of age, found that 98% of eyes achieved 20/20 or better vision without glasses, and 99% were within ±0.50 diopters of the intended correction within just 15 days after surgery, demonstrating rapid visual recovery and high refractive accuracy. As a pioneer in adopting next-generation ophthalmic technologies, Nethradhama’s experience and clinical rigour added significant depth to the analysis. The procedure was effective across all levels of myopia, and younger patients experienced faster recovery.

Nethradhama was among the first five centres in the world, and the first in India, to adopt the VisuMax 800 platform. The hospital is also the first one to conduct global trials assessing the system’s safety and efficacy.

Dr. Supriya Samak Sriganesh, Executive Director of Nethradhama and co-author of the study, said, “This study represents one of the largest datasets on SMILE surgery and contributes valuable evidence to global ophthalmology research. The results reaffirm Nethradhama’s position among the world’s leading centres for laser vision correction, achieving 98% accuracy. By systematically analysing outcomes across a diverse patient population, including long-term follow-ups, we are able to demonstrate both the safety and sustained effectiveness of this technology. The research underscores the importance of rigorous data collection, clinical monitoring, and evidence-driven innovation in delivering world-class eye care.”

The study also reported significantly reduced intraoperative risks, such as suction loss, which occurred in just 0.06% of cases compared to 0.5% in previous systems.

Commenting on the technology, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh said, “We’re glad to position India at the forefront of global ophthalmic innovation and research, by co-developing and adopting advanced technologies like this. The VisuMax 800 laser has transformed the efficiency of SMILE surgery. Its high-speed operation and automated alignment tools allow surgeons to perform procedures in under 10 seconds of laser time while maintaining precision and safety. This reduces surgical stress, improves patient comfort, and accelerates recovery. With AI-enabled Nomograms and digital Centration & cyclotorsion control, the system ensures highly predictable outcomes, making advanced vision correction more reliable and accessible.”

The system includes AI-enabled Nomograms with centration guidance (CentraLign) and digital cyclotorsion control (OcuLign) to enhance procedural accuracy.

“The VisuMax 800 platform sets new standards for precision, patient safety, and surgical efficiency. By demonstrating the sustained effectiveness and reliability of SMILE, the study reinforces its status as a global benchmark in laser vision correction. Further, it showcases how rigorous, evidence-based adoption of advanced technology can drive world-class eye care and shape the future of refractive surgery internationally,” Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh added.

Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh has been recognized among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by Stanford-Elsevier (2025) for the2nd Year in a Row. This recognition reflects his lifelong dedication, pioneering spirit, and relentless pursuit of advancing eye care for patients everywhere.

The latest data from India reinforces that next-generation laser platforms are setting new standards in accuracy, recovery time, and patient experience. The procedure is completely painless, performed using only anaesthetic eye drops, and takes approximately 5–6 minutes for both eyes. It requires no admission; patients can simply walk in, undergo the treatment, and walk out. Most are able to resume normal activities the very next day without the need for extended rest.

The procedure is suitable for individuals above 18 years with stable short-sightedness or astigmatism (stable refractive power for at least one year). Comprehensive screening tests such as corneal topography and corneal thickness assessments are performed to determine suitability. More than 13 million SMILE procedures have now been performed worldwide, making it the fastest-growing refractive procedure for correcting short-sightedness and astigmatism. Its widespread adoption is driven by its high safety profile, comfort, predictable outcomes, and strong long-term efficacy.