See the World Clearly—Without Glasses or Contacts with SMILE Vision Correction in Bellevue

Wearing glasses or contacts every day can feel frustrating, limiting, and inconvenient—especially when you’re active or constantly on the go. Are you tired of relying on corrective lenses and want a more natural, hassle-free way to see the world? SMILE eye surgery in Seattle & Bellevue offers a minimally invasive solution that delivers sharp, clear vision with less dryness and faster recovery than traditional LASIK. At Bellevue Precision Vision, we specialize in customizing SMILE vision correction in Bellevue to fit your unique eyes and lifestyle, helping you achieve the freedom of crisp, glasses-free vision with precision and care.

What Is SMILE?

SMILE eye surgery in Bellevue in the greater Seattle and Puget Sound region, (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the most advanced laser vision correction technique available today, offering a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK. Unlike traditional LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, SMILE vision correction uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision. This approach preserves more of the cornea’s natural structure, reducing the risk of dry eye and promoting a faster, more comfortable recovery. SMILE vision correction in Bellevue is particularly beneficial for individuals with active lifestyles or sports enthusiasts who desire a less invasive, flap free alternative to LASIK.

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The Benefits of SMILE Vision Restoration

  • Clear, Glasses-Free Vision: Enjoy crisp, natural vision without the daily inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses.
  • Minimally Invasive: With no corneal flap required, SMILE reduces the risk of dry eye and promotes faster healing compared to LASIK.
  • Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to their normal routine within a day, with minimal discomfort and rapid visual improvement.
  • Preserved Cornea Strength: The small incision technique maintains more of the cornea’s structural integrity, reducing long-term risks.
  • Advanced Laser Technology: SMILE uses a femtosecond laser for high-precision vision correction, ensuring exceptional accuracy and safety.

Is SMILE Right for Me?

If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses and want a minimally invasive, long-lasting vision correction option, SMILE vision correction in Bellevue may be the perfect solution. This procedure is ideal for individuals with nearsightedness (myopia) and mild astigmatism who want the benefits of laser vision correction without the need for a corneal flap.

You may be a good candidate for SMILE eye surgery in Seattle & Bellevue with our team if you:

  • Are 18 years or older with a stable prescription for at least a year.
  • Have mild to moderate nearsightedness with or without astigmatism.
  • Have healthy corneas and sufficient corneal thickness.
  • Experience dry eyes or sensitivity to contacts and are looking for a procedure that minimizes dryness.
  • Want a fast recovery with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not require creating a corneal flap, making it a great alternative for patients who have active lifestyles or athletes involved in contact sports.

The best way to determine if SMILE is right for you is through a comprehensive consultation, where we’ll assess your vision, corneal health, and goals to create a customized treatment plan for your needs.

What to Expect The SMILE Process

Comprehensive Consultation

Your journey begins with a detailed eye exam, where we assess your vision, corneal thickness, and overall eye health to ensure SMILE is the right option for you. We’ll discuss your vision goals and answer any questions you have about the procedure.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before surgery, we’ll provide detailed instructions, including stopping contact lens wear for a certain period (if applicable). On the day of your procedure, please arrive at our office well-rested and avoid wearing eye makeup, eye lash extensions or lotions.

The SMILE Procedure (15 minutes total, only 10 seconds of laser time per eye)

  • Numbing eye drops are applied to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • A femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule (thin layer of corneal tissue) inside the cornea.
  • The lenticule is removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea to correct your vision.
  • Since no flap is created, the corneal surface is minimally disrupted, reducing dryness and speeding up healing.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

After a brief rest in our office, you’ll go home the same day. Your vision will be blurry at first, but most patients start noticing improvements within a few hours.

First 24 Hours

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes and rest as much as possible.
  • Most patients return to normal activities the next day with minimal discomfort.
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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

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After Your SMILE Vision Correction

SMILE vision correction in Bellevue offers quick recovery with minimal discomfort, allowing most patients to return to daily activities the next day. Immediately after the procedure, your vision may be blurry or hazy, but improvements will begin within hours.

Healing Timeline & Recovery Expectations

  • First 24 Hours: You may experience mild dryness, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation, which usually fades quickly. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and get plenty of rest.
  • First Week: Your vision will continue to sharpen, though some fluctuation is normal. Most patients feel comfortable driving and working within a day or two.
  • First Month: Any remaining dryness or halos around lights gradually improve. Follow-up visits will ensure your eyes are healing as expected.
  • Long-Term Results: SMILE eye surgery in Seattle provides permanent vision correction, and most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better within a few weeks.

Tips for Optimal Healing

  • Use prescribed lubricating drops to keep your eyes comfortable.
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and heavy exercise for the first week.
  • Protect your eyes from bright sunlight by wearing sunglasses.

Most patients enjoy stable, long-lasting results, with many achieving lifelong freedom from glasses or contacts.

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Why Choose Bellevue Precision Vision?

At Bellevue Precision Vision, we specialize in advanced, customized laser vision correction designed to fit your unique eyes and lifestyle. Dr. Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, is a highly respected corneal, cataract, and refractive surgeon with over 25 years of experience in pioneering the latest vision correction techniques—including being the first surgeon in the Pacific Northwest to perform SMILE eye surgery in Seattle. With a patient-first approach and access to state-of-the-art laser technology, we ensure exceptional precision, comfort, and results. Whether you’re seeking greater freedom from glasses and contacts or a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK, you can trust our team to deliver expert, personalized care every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to see if SMILE is right for you.

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FAQ SMILE Vision Restoration

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How is SMILE different from LASIK?

Unlike LASIK, SMILE is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that does not require creating a corneal flap. This approach offers a smaller incision, reduced dry eye risk, and faster healing while still delivering excellent vision correction.

Does SMILE hurt?

No, the procedure is completely painless, thanks to numbing eye drops. You may feel mild pressure for a few seconds, but there is no pain during or after the surgery.

How long does the procedure take?

The entire procedure takes about 10-15 minutes, with only a few seconds of laser time per eye. Most patients are in and out of the office within an hour.

When will I see the results?

Many patients notice improved vision within a few hours, with significant clarity developing over the first 24-48 hours. Vision continues to refine over the next few weeks.

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