SMILE

Medical abbreviation · Ophthalmology & ENT

SMILE
Stands forSmall incision lenticule extraction
CategoriesMedical

SMILE stands for Small incision lenticule extraction, an ophthalmology & ENT abbreviation.

Laser vision correction in which a femtosecond laser cuts a thin lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) that is then removed through a small incision of a few millimeters, correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism without creating a flap.

Example: Moderate myopia, dry eye concerns; SMILE preferred over LASIK.

Usage notes

SMILE was first approved in the US in 2016 for myopia, with astigmatism added later. Because no flap is cut, it may cause less dry eye and avoids flap complications. Enhancements are more complex than with LASIK. Usually written in capitals, unlike the everyday word.

More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations

  • PVD – Posterior vitreous detachment
  • RAPD – Relative afferent pupillary defect
  • RD – Retinal detachment
  • RP – Retinitis pigmentosa
  • SLE – Slit-lamp examination
  • SLT – Selective laser trabeculoplasty
  • SNHL – Sensorineural hearing loss
  • SPH – Sphere
  • SRT – Speech reception threshold
  • SSNHL – Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
  • TED – Thyroid eye disease
  • VA – Visual acuity

See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.