SmartSight
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Minimally invasive microlenticular laser vision correction (microlenticule extraction) using the SCHWIND ATOS® femtosecond laser
SmartSight — Quick Answers
- How much does the SmartSight procedure cost? The SmartSight procedure costs PLN 13,600 for both eyes, which is PLN 7,200 for one eye. The qualification examination is an additional PLN 400.
- Is the SmartSight procedure painful? No. The eye is anesthetized with drops, and the laser operates for only a few dozen seconds per eye.
- Who is the SmartSight procedure for? The method is intended for individuals with myopia or myopia with astigmatism, aged 18 or older, with stable vision for at least 12 months and a healthy, regular cornea.
- How long does it take to return to work after SmartSight? Most patients return to office work within 48 hours of the procedure.
- How does SmartSight differ from flap-based methods? SmartSight is a flapless method – it does not require the creation of a corneal flap or excimer laser ablation, as is the case with other methods.
SmartSight
This is a modern femtosecond laser procedure belonging to the so-called flapless methods. They involve creating a lenticule (a thin lens fragment within the cornea) inside the intact cornea. Then, a minimally invasive incision is made to access the corneal microlenticule. Through this small opening, the intracorneal lens can then be removed. The use of static cyclorotation compensation is also possible.
In the SmartSight procedure, the SCHWIND ATOS® femtosecond laser creates a predefined lenticule in the corneal stromal tissue and makes small peripheral incisions in the upper corneal layer (without cutting the corneal surface) to access the lenticule. After the laser application, the surgeon, looking through a microscope integrated into the SCHWIND ATOS® device, can easily remove the lenticule through the minimal incisions.
SmartSight – Less Intervention, Same Effectiveness
SmartSight does not require the creation of a corneal flap, nor is there a need for laser ablation, as with excimer lasers – excimer lasers, which are responsible for correcting vision defects, belong to the group of non-thermal lasers; they provide the energy necessary to break molecular bonds, so the tissue effectively evaporates – we remove it through ablation, not burning.
When to use the SmartSight procedure?
The SmartSight procedure can be used to treat myopia and astigmatism. Refractive correction is performed entirely with SCHWIND ATOS. The patient can remain in one position throughout all stages of treatment. This results in fast treatment with high comfort for both the patient and the surgeon. SmartSight is a precise and gentle treatment method used in both private practices and clinical settings.
Advantages of the SmartSight Method
- Safety thanks to an intelligent eye-tracking system and static cyclorotation compensation,
- Precise treatment thanks to accurate centering, even with higher astigmatism,
- Tissue preservation thanks to optimized lenticule geometry.
Who is SmartSight for – and when we advise against it
Green Light
Myopia or myopia with astigmatism, age 18 or older, stable vision for at least 12 months, healthy and regular cornea. Especially: contact sports, uniformed services, physical work, and a tendency for dry eyes – because there is no flap, and most corneal nerves are preserved.
Yellow Light – Requires Consultation
Higher astigmatism – we usually recommend the SmartSight Nova variant with real-time eye rotation compensation. Thin cornea – we compare with Trans-PRK. After age 45 – presbyopia develops, which the laser corrects differently.
Red Light – Another Method
Hyperopia (SmartSight does not correct it – here FemtoLASIK), keratoconus, unstable vision, pregnancy and breastfeeding, advanced cataracts or glaucoma. We describe the criteria in detail on the Qualification for Laser Vision Correction page.
SmartSight, SmartSight Nova, or FemtoLASIK?
| SmartSight | SmartSight Nova | FemtoLASIK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap | no | no | yes |
| Incision | a few mm | a few mm | flap |
| Comfortable vision | 24–48 h | 24–48 h | 24–48 h, often the next day |
| Corneal nerve preservation | high | high | lower |
| Contact sports | unrestricted after healing | unrestricted after healing | long-term caution |
| Real-time eye rotation correction | static compensation | CenTrax, real-time | digital |
| Hyperopia | no | no | yes |
| Price for both eyes | PLN 13,600 | PLN 15,000 | PLN 11,000 |
Full comparison of all methods: Which laser vision correction method is best.
smartsight
SmartSight using the SCHWIND ATOS® femtosecond laser
SCHWIND ATOS®
It features a sophisticated eye-tracking system. Pupil recognition and cyclotorsion compensation ensure precise centering of the patient’s eye along the visual axis. Centering options and cyclotorsion compensation allow for more effective treatment of vision defects, especially astigmatism, which translates into better vision quality. A monitor placed directly in the surgeon’s field of view provides additional convenience. This device was created based on the experience and knowledge of refractive surgery specialists and the inventors at Schwind.
Thanks to pulse frequencies of up to 4 MHz, specific pulse characteristics, and positioning algorithms, this femtosecond laser ensures a very short surgical intervention time. Furthermore, lenticules and flaps created with SCHWIND ATOS have a homogeneous surface. As a result, lenticule extraction is quick and uncomplicated.
SCHWIND ATOS®
This is a maximally flexible (flexible) latest-generation device that works perfectly for treating myopia and mixed astigmatism.
SCHWIND ATOS® uses the same patient interface for lenticule extraction in the SmartSight procedure and for creating precise flaps in the FemtoLASIK method, ensuring patient safety and comfort, and efficient surgeon workflow.
The curved geometry of the patient interface ensures an excellent fit to the eye. SCHWIND ATOS® has improved suction and is ready for use in just two steps. The innovative design with an integrated filter function eliminates the need for additional tubes and filters and ensures optimal eye contact with the laser system, which follows the shape of the cornea and significantly reduces pressure on the eye during the procedure. Active lenticule suction lasts only slightly longer than the incision procedure itself.
SCHWIND ATOS®
This is an ultra-modern compact femtosecond laser for use in refractive surgery procedures. The monitor and keyboard are mounted on a swivel arm, allowing the user to adjust their position to their needs. SCHWIND ATOS® can be used independently or in combination with an excimer laser from the SCHWIND AMARIS family.
This is currently the latest generation of microlenticular laser vision correction.
The most important thing is to choose the right method for your vision defect. During the preliminary consultation, we will propose the appropriate laser correction technique.
Is laser vision correction painful?
What influences the choice of the appropriate procedure for our patients?
How much does SmartSight cost?
SmartSight: PLN 13,600 for both eyes (PLN 7,200 for one eye). The SmartSight Nova variant with CenTrax® centering on the visual axis: PLN 15,000 for both eyes.
- up to 5 years warranty on the correction effect
- first post-procedure check-up included in the package
- installment payment option (Santander Consumer Bank)
- qualification examination: PLN 400
Patient Reviews
Directly from Google, unselected and unedited. Warsaw: 4.9 out of over 250 reviews, Krakow: 5.0 out of over 160 reviews.
Google rating: Warsaw 4,8 (reviews: 258) · Krakow 5,0 (reviews: 171). Read all reviews, unselected and unedited, directly on Google: Warsaw · Krakow.
How the SmartSight Procedure Works – Step by Step
- Qualification examination (approx. 90 minutes): full diagnostics; the procedure takes place on a different day.
- Day of the procedure: topical anesthesia; the SCHWIND ATOS laser creates a lenticule inside the intact cornea in a few dozen seconds.
- Lenticule removal: through a minimal incision, without a corneal flap; both eyes on the same day.
- After the procedure: short rest at the clinic, check-up the next day.
Recovery Day by Day
- First hours: tearing and foreign body sensation – normal and temporary.
- 24–48 hours: most patients return to work, including work at a monitor.
- First week: no rubbing eyes, swimming pool, or sauna; light sports after a few days.
- First weeks: gradual stabilization of visual acuity.
Safety and Possible Side Effects – Honestly
After lenticule extraction, temporary dry eyes, fluctuations in visual acuity, and night vision glare may occur. The flapless method eliminates the risks associated with a corneal flap, and the small incision preserves corneal nerves – therefore, dry eyes occur less frequently than with flap-based methods. Serious complications are rare; an individual risk assessment is presented during the qualification examination, and enhancement is possible under warranty.
Expert Commentary
“I have performed about 6,000 lenticule extraction procedures. This is the method I would choose for my own eyes for myopia with astigmatism – minimal intervention, stable results, and noticeably fewer dry eye problems.”
Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgeon, over 25,000 laser procedures
Thin cornea? If there isn’t enough tissue for SmartSight, we perform the EASE surface method with the same SCHWIND ATOS laser – the lenticule is cut just under the epithelium and removed with it, without a pocket in the cornea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the SmartSight procedure involve?
SmartSight is a minimally invasive, microlenticular vision correction performed with the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser. Inside the intact cornea, the laser creates a lenticule, a thin lens fragment, which the surgeon removes through a minimal peripheral incision. The entire correction takes place on one device, and the patient remains in the same position throughout all stages of the procedure.
How does SmartSight differ from flap-based methods?
SmartSight is a flapless method – it does not require the creation of a corneal flap or excimer laser ablation. Instead, the femtosecond laser makes only a small access incision in the upper corneal layer, through which the lenticule is removed. Thanks to optimized lenticule geometry, the method also allows for corneal tissue preservation.
What vision defects can be corrected with SmartSight and what does the qualification process look like?
The SmartSight procedure is used to treat myopia and astigmatism, including mixed astigmatism. Thanks to static cyclorotation compensation and precise centering, the method works well even with higher astigmatism. The final qualification is decided by the doctor during the preliminary consultation and qualification examination, where the appropriate correction technique is selected.
How much does the SmartSight procedure cost?
According to the official price list, the SmartSight procedure costs PLN 13,600 for both eyes (PLN 7,200 for one eye), and the SmartSight Nova variant costs PLN 15,000 for both eyes (PLN 7,900 for one eye). The qualification examination costs PLN 400. Installment payment is available through Santander Consumer Bank; the National Health Fund (NFZ) does not reimburse laser vision correction.
What distinguishes the SCHWIND ATOS laser used in the SmartSight procedure?
SCHWIND ATOS is a latest-generation femtosecond laser with a pulse frequency of up to 4 MHz, which significantly shortens the surgical intervention time. The device has an intelligent eye-tracking system, pupil recognition, and cyclotorsion compensation, ensuring precise centering along the visual axis. The curved patient interface adapts to the shape of the cornea and significantly reduces pressure on the eye during the procedure.
Is there a warranty for the SmartSight procedure?
Yes, laser vision correction packages at SwissLaser are covered by a warranty of up to 5 years. Detailed warranty conditions are discussed during the qualification visit, before making a decision about the procedure.
Is the SmartSight procedure painful?
No. The eye is anesthetized with drops, and the laser operates for a few dozen seconds per eye. You may feel slight pressure for a few seconds when the cornea is pressed against the laser interface. Tearing and a foreign body sensation are normal during the first hours after the procedure.
How long does the SmartSight procedure take and can I have both eyes operated on at once?
The entire stay in the operating room is about 15–20 minutes for both eyes; the laser itself operates for a few dozen seconds per eye. We typically operate on both eyes during one visit, and the check-up is performed the next morning.
When can I return to work and will I get sick leave?
Most patients can return to office work after 48 hours. Typically, we issue a medical certificate for 3 to 5 days of leave. For those working in dusty environments, outdoors, or in service professions, this period is determined individually during the follow-up examination.
Can I play sports after SmartSight?
Light training after about 3 days, contact sports after about a week, following a check-up. The absence of a corneal flap means there is no risk of its displacement upon impact – which is why SmartSight is our first choice for individuals exposed to eye injuries.
Does SmartSight correct hyperopia?
No. SmartSight corrects myopia and astigmatism. For hyperopia, we offer FemtoLASIK or a surface method, and after age 45, PresbyMAX. The choice is determined by the qualification examination.
How does SmartSight differ from SMILE?
The principle is the same: a femtosecond laser creates a lenticule inside the cornea, which the surgeon removes through a small incision. SmartSight is performed with the SCHWIND ATOS laser, while SMILE is the trade name for a procedure using a laser from a different manufacturer. ATOS has an eye-tracking system and cyclotorsion compensation, and the Nova variant features CenTrax centering on the visual axis.
Does the NFZ reimburse SmartSight and are installments available?
The National Health Fund (NFZ) does not finance laser vision correction – it is a private procedure. The cost of PLN 13,600 for both eyes can be paid in installments through Santander Consumer Bank; the application is filled out at the clinic, and a decision usually comes within a few minutes.
Can the vision defect return after SmartSight?
The effect is permanent – the procedure is performed only when the vision defect has been stable for at least 12 months. Changes over the years result from the natural aging of the eye (presbyopia after age 45), not from a ‘return’ of the defect. A small percentage of patients may have a residual defect that can be corrected.
For the curious: SmartSight is lenticule extraction with the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser: the laser cuts a lens-shaped tissue disc (lenticule) in the corneal stroma and makes a small incision through which the lenticule is removed; no flap is created. The procedure category in international nomenclature: keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx). ICD-10 indications: H52.1 myopia, H52.2 astigmatism.
Sources
- Pradhan KR, Reinstein DZ, Vida RS, Archer TJ, Dhungana P. Twelve-month outcomes of a new refractive lenticular extraction procedure (SmartSight, SCHWIND ATOS). J Optom 2023;16(1):30–41. doi:10.1016/j.optom.2022.03.001
- Reinstein DZ, Archer TJ, Gobbe M. Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) history, fundamentals of a new refractive surgery technique and clinical outcomes. Eye Vis (Lond) 2014;1:3. doi:10.1186/s40662-014-0003-1
- Kim TI, Alió Del Barrio JL, Wilkins M, Cochener B, Ang M. Refractive surgery. Lancet 2019;393(10185):2085–2098. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)33209-4
- Chuck RS, Jacobs DS, Lee JK et al. Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology 2018;125(1):P1–P104. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.10.003
- Randleman JB, Woodward M, Mayo MJ, Stulting RD. Risk assessment for ectasia after corneal refractive surgery. Ophthalmology 2008;115(1):37–50. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2007.03.073
- Toda I. Dry eye after LASIK. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018;59(14):DES109–DES115. doi:10.1167/iovs.17-23538
- SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions. SCHWIND ATOS and SCHWIND AMARIS – manufacturer’s documentation (CE). eye-tech-solutions.com
Related topics
- Comparison of laser vision correction methods
- SmartSight Nova – the latest generation with CenTrax® system
- price list for laser vision correction
SmartSight — how we plan the procedure
Content fact-checked by Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgery specialist. Last verified: October 2, 2026.
SmartSight does not leave a corneal flap, which is why it is our first choice for individuals at risk of eye injury: candidates for the military, police, and fire services, as well as athletes.
