Small Incision Lenticule Extraction is the latest third generation, FDA-approved, laser eye surgery technique used to treat short-sightedness, with or without astigmatism. As an alternative to LASIK, SMILE uses a highly focused and computer guided laser light to make a tiny incision to the cornea to remove a small piece of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea. This minimally invasive treatment improves the way that light rays are focused on the retina, to correct your vision.