SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced laser eye surgery that corrects vision by using a laser to create a precise lenticule within the cornea, which is then removed through a micro-incision of about 2mm. This technique restores vision without creating a corneal flap, offering a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional LASIK or LASEK.
There are two types of SMILE procedures: SMILE and SMILE Pro. Unlike previous methods, SMILE directly targets the corneal stroma using a femtosecond laser, resulting in minimal disruption to the eye’s structure.
Developed by ZEISS in Germany, SMILE is exclusively performed using the VisuMax laser system and has been FDA-approved for its safety and effectiveness.
If the laser energy level is high, gas bubbles will be formed in the cornea, thereby resulting in a roughened corneal cut surface. Smile uses low-level energy which is about 600 times lower than that of ordinary LASIK to generate a smoothly cut corneal surface, thereby resulting in quick restoration and higher quality of vision.
There is almost no redness and pain in the eyes on the day of surgery and you can resume your normal daily activities from the next day of surgery since the corneal epithelium is not removed.
SMILE | LASIK | LASEK(PRK) | Phakic IOL | |
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Advanced | 💎SMILE Pro - 4X faster than previous versions - Surgery time within 10 seconds |
💎PersonalEYES LASIK - Precise correction, even for high-order aberrations - Reduces glare and residual astigmatism |
💎PersonalEYES LASEK - Precise correction, even for high-order aberrations - Reduces glare and residual astigmatism |
💎Viva ICL - Corrects both presbyopia (aging eyes) and myopia (nearsightedness) - Uses EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) technology |
Basic | SMILE | LASIK | LASEK(PRK) | Available for myopia and astigmatism |
Method | No flap, minimally invasive | Flap creation followed by laser correction | Epithelium removed before laser correction | A 2~3mm incision is made at the edge of the cornea to insert a custom lens behind the iris |
Characteristics | High safety and fast recovery | Less pain and fast recovery | Resistant to external impact | No corneal tissue removal - safe for high prescriptions and thin corneas Minimizes risks of glare, dry eyes, and myopia regression The lens is removable and replaceable |
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Postoperative Care | - | Avoid any impact or pressure on the eyes right after surgery | Requires 3~6 months of care | Requires regular check-up and caution to prevent impact |
Postoperative Check-ups | Day after surgery, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year postop | Day after surgery, 4 days postop, and long-term care for 3~6 months | Every week for 1 month, and regular check-up required | |
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If required, medical certificate will be provided for the postop check-up overseas.