SMILE LASIK in Korea
What Is SMILE LASIK?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced bladeless, minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure. Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser to create and remove a small lenticule (lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue) through a tiny incision — usually
2–4 mm.
This reshapes the cornea and corrects refractive errors (myopia and astigmatism) with less disruption to corneal nerves.
🟢 Key advantages vs. traditional LASIK:
- Smaller incision → less nerve disruption
- Lower risk of dry eye
- Faster structural recovery of the cornea
- Excellent visual outcomes
How SMILE Works (Step-by-Step)
- Preoperative Evaluation
Detailed mapping of corneal topography, thickness, and dry eye assessment. - Laser Creation of Lenticule
A femtosecond laser forms a precise lenticule inside the cornea. - Lenticule Removal
Through a micro-incision, the surgeon extracts the lenticule. - Corneal Remodeling
Corneal curvature changes immediately — vision begins improving.
⏱ Typical procedure time: ~15 minutes per eye
Who Is a Good Candidate?
✔ Ages
18+ with stable prescription
✔ Myopia (nearsightedness) — up to moderate/high
✔ Astigmatism correction possible
✔ Healthy corneas without severe disease
Not suitable if:
❌ Thin corneas below safe threshold
❌ Pregnant/breastfeeding
❌ Autoimmune conditions or severe dry eye
❌ Unstable refractive error
Benefits of SMILE LASIK
✅
Minimally invasive: tiny incision → less trauma
✅
Lower risk of postop dry eye
✅
Rapid visual recovery (often same day)
✅
Greater corneal biomechanical strength
✅ Stable long-term outcomes
✅ Comfortable, bladeless experience
SMILE LASIK vs. Traditional LASIK
FeatureSMILETraditional LASIKFlap creation✖ No flap✔ FlapIncision size2–4 mm~20 mmDry eye riskLowerHigherStructural integrityBetter preservedMore disruptedLaser stepsOne laserTwo lasers
What to Expect: Before, During, After
Before Procedure
- Comprehensive eye exam
- Corneal mapping & pupil measurement
- Stop soft contacts 1–2 weeks before
- Discuss lifestyle needs & expectations
During Procedure
- Numbing drops only
- Lie under laser; comfortable and awake
- Each eye ~10–15 min
- No blade, no flap
Aftercare & Recovery
- Vision often clearer the same day
- Avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 days
- Sunglasses recommended outdoors
- Follow prescribed eye drops schedule
- Return for postop checks at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month
Expected Results
📈 Most patients achieve
20/20 vision or better
Visual stabilization continues over 1–4 weeks
Long-term satisfaction rates are high
Common Risks (Rare)
• Dry eye symptoms (temporary)
• Glare/halos at night (usually resolving)
• Undercorrection/overcorrection (enhancement possible)
• Infection/flare (very rare)
Why Choose Korea for SMILE LASIK?
🇰🇷
World-class ophthalmology expertise
💉 Leading laser technology (Zeiss VisuMax & equivalents)
📊 High procedure volumes → refined outcomes
🌍 Foreign-patient support, English services
Cost Estimate (Korea)
💰 SMILE LASIK in Korea generally ranges based on clinic, technology, and surgeon:
- Per eye: ~1,500,000 – 2,500,000 KRW
- Package pricing often available
- Includes consult + surgery + follow-ups (varies)
(Prices are approximate — check clinic quotes for exact figures.)
Is SMILE LASIK Right for You?
If you want:
✔ Quick recovery
✔ Less dry eye risk
✔ No corneal flap
✔ Long-term clear vision
→ SMILE LASIK is a top choice for eligible candidates.
Small incision less than 3mm wide, to surgically place the lens either between the cornea and the iris or just behind the iris, without removing natural lens.
A Smarter, Safer Vision Correction Option for More Eyes
1.Preserve the Cornea, Maximize Comfort
By implanting a lens without corneal cutting, this procedure allows for faster recovery, reduced risk of dry eyes, and less concern about regression over time.
2. Precise Correction for High Myopia, Astigmatism, and Presbyopia
Customized lenses, designed to match your prescription and eye anatomy, offer accurate correction even for complex conditions such as high myopia, astigmatism, and early presbyopia. It’s also a safe alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery.
3. Flexible for Future Vision Changes
The implanted lens can be removed or replaced if needed, allowing adaptable management for future vision changes, including presbyopia progression.
Safe In Your Eyes for the Long Term Advanced Lenses for Clearer Vision
The lenses used at B&VIIT Eye Center are made from Collamer®, a biocompatible material derived from collagen, ensuring they function naturally and stably within the eye over long periods. We offer a range of high-performance lenses designed to correct myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, and more — all precisely customized in size and placement to suit each patient’s eye structure. With a central port design, UV-blocking function, and an exchangeable design, these next-generation vision correction lenses combine both functionality and safety.
Exclusive at B&VIIT Eye Center Tailored surgery just for you
Fast & Precise Lens Preparation
Thanks to our close collaboration with lens manufacturers, B&VIIT ensures fast and accurate procurement of lenses tailored to each patient’s eyes - allowing surgery scheduling to suit international patients or those on limited stays
AI-Powered Lens Size Prediction System
Based on over 580,000 cases of ophthalmic data, B&VIIT’s proprietary AI system precisely determines the ideal lens size and placement for each eye
Globally Recognized Surgical Expertise
B&VIIT’s surgical outcomes and data are regularly presented at international conferences, earning global recognition for safety and precision in Phakic IOL procedures. Our highly experienced surgeons personally oversee every step of the process, backed by thousands of successful surgeries