Which should you choose: SMILE LASIK or traditional LASIK?
h3 { font-size: 17px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: -0.015em; color: var(--text-primary); margin: 36px 0 12px; } /* CALLOUT */ .callout { background: var(--bg-elevated); border-left: 3px solid var(--blue); border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 20px 24px; margin: 32px 0; } .callout p { font-size: 15px; color: var(--text-secondary); margin: 0; line-height: 1.72; } .callout strong { color: var(--text-primary); } /* STAT CARDS */ .stat-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 12px; margin: 32px 0; } .stat-card { background: var(--bg-card); border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 12px; padding: 22px; } .stat-value { font-size: 30px; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -0.04em; color: var(--text-primary); line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 8px; } .stat-value em { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; color: var(--blue); font-style: normal; margin-left: 3px; } .stat-label { font-size: 13px; color: var(--text-tertiary); line-height: 1.5; } /* FLOW DIAGRAM */ .flow { display: flex; align-items: center; margin: 36px 0; overflow-x: auto; padding: 4px 0; } .flow-step { background: var(--bg-card); border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; color: var(--text-secondary); white-space: nowrap; flex-shrink: 0; text-align: center; line-height: 1.5; } .flow-step .step-label { font-size: 10px; color: var(--text-tertiary); font-weight: 500; display: block; margin-bottom: 4px; letter-spacing: 0.06em; } .flow-step.highlight { border-color: rgba(49,130,246,0.3); background: var(--blue-dim); color: var(--blue); } }.flow-step.highlight .step-label { color: rgba(49,130,246,0.55); } .flow-arrow { color: var(--text-tertiary); font-size: 14px; padding: 0 8px; flex-shrink: 0; } /* CODE BLOCK */ .code-block { background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; margin: 32px 0; } .code-header { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; padding: 12px 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); background: #f4f5f7; } .code-dots { display: flex; gap: 6px; } .code-dots span { width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 50%; } .code-dots span:nth-child(1) { background: #ff5f57; } .code-dots span:nth-child(2) { background: #febc2e; } .code-dots span:nth-child(3) { background: #28c840; } .code-lang { font-size: 12px; color: var(--text-tertiary); font-family: 'SF Mono', 'Fira Code', monospace; letter-spacing: 0.04em; } pre { padding: 24px; overflow-x: auto; font-family: 'SF Mono', 'Fira Code', 'Consolas', monospace; font-size: 13.5px; line-height: 1.78; color: #383a42; margin: 0; } .tk-comment { color: #a0a1a7; font-style: italic; } .tk-keyword { color: #0184bc; } .tk-fn { color: #4078f2; } .tk-var { color: #986801; } /* DIVIDER */ hr { border: none; border-top: 1px solid var(--border); margin: 52px 0; } /* CONCLUSION */ .conclusion { background: var(--bg-card); border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 16px; padding: 36px; margin-top: 52px; } .conclusion h3 { margin-top: 0; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 14px; } .conclusion p { font-size: 15.5px; color: var(--text-secondary); margin-bottom: 0; line-height: 1.8; } /* FAQ */ .faq-section { margin-top: 64px; } .faq-section > h2 { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 28px; } .faq-item { border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .faq-question { width: 100%; background: none; border: none; padding: 20px 24px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 16px; cursor: pointer; text-align: left; font-family: inherit; transition: background 0.15s; } .faq-question:hover { background: var(--bg-card); } .faq-question span { font-size: 15px; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text-primary); line-height: 1.4; word-break: keep-all; } .faq-icon { width: 22px; height: 22px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--bg-elevated); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; font-size: 14px; color: var(--text-tertiary); transition: transform 0.25s, background 0.15s; } .faq-item.open .faq-icon { transform: rotate(45deg); background: var(--blue-dim); color: var(--blue); } .faq-answer { max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease, padding 0.3s ease; padding: 0 24px; } .faq-item.open .faq-answer { max-height: 300px; padding: 0 24px 20px; } .faq-answer p { font-size: 15px; color: var(--text-secondary); line-height: 1.78; margin: 0; } /* ANIMATIONS */ @keyframes fadeUp { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } } article { animation: fadeUp 0.5s ease both; } /* RESPONSIVE */ @media (max-width: 600px) { article { padding: 48px 20px 80px; } .stat-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } }
👁 A comparison of incision size, dry eye, and suitability for sports
🎯 The names are similar, but the procedures are quite different
To put the difference between SMILE LASIK and conventional LASIK in one sentence, it comes down to three points: incision size, dry eye risk, and whether a flap is created.
Rather than asking which is superior, choosing based on which procedure suits your lifestyle can lead to greater long-term satisfaction.
📌 【From the YEPPURIKO Korea Beauty Travel Report】
Recently, more Japanese women have been choosing SMILE LASIK. We have received particularly many inquiries from people concerned about dry eyes and those who regularly visit Korea. In many cases, people consult us not only about comparing procedures but also about choosing a clinic.
✂️ The incision size differs by approximately 10 times
The most noticeable difference is the incision size.
The incision for SMILE LASIK is approximately 2 mm, while that for conventional LASIK is approximately 20 mm.
Because the incision is smaller, some people may experience benefits in terms of postoperative recovery and comfort. However, both procedures require an appropriate evaluation by a doctor.
💧 How does the risk of postoperative dry eye differ?
Because SMILE LASIK has relatively less impact on the corneal nerves, it tends to reduce the risk of postoperative dry eye.
On the other hand, some people experience a feeling of dryness for a while after conventional LASIK.
If you already have dry eye symptoms or spend long hours working on a computer or frequently use contact lenses, discussing this point with your doctor may make it easier to decide.
✅ For those concerned about dry eyes
Having your current tear volume and corneal condition checked during the preoperative consultation can help with risk assessment (individual differences apply).
🏃 For those who play sports, whether a flap is created makes a big difference
Conventional LASIK involves creating a flap (a thin cover) on the surface of the cornea before applying the laser.
Because the flap remains on the cornea even after surgery, people who participate in sports involving strong impacts, such as martial arts or ball sports, should discuss this thoroughly with their doctor in advance.
SMILE LASIK does not create a flap, so it is considered more likely to preserve corneal strength. For people with an active lifestyle, this can be a major reason for choosing it.
💰 Choose based on your lifestyle rather than cost
SMILE LASIK tends to cost more than conventional LASIK.
Even so, many people who want to reduce the risk of dry eye, participate in active sports, or prioritize corneal strength choose based on lifestyle suitability rather than cost.
Don’t decide based on cost alone—that is the approach that leads to greater long-term satisfaction.
📋 What to confirm during your preoperative consultation
✅ Questions to ask your doctor during the consultation
・The current thickness and shape of your cornea (which procedure is suitable)
・Your history or current condition of dry eye (confirming postoperative risks)
・The frequency and types of sports or exercise you do regularly
・The postoperative recovery period and impact on daily life (varies depending on your condition)
✨ Summary
Here are the key points to keep in mind before making your choice.
☑ Understand the incision size (SMILE: approximately 2 mm / Conventional: approximately 20 mm)
☑ Share your current dry eye condition during the preoperative consultation
☑ If you participate in sports or face impact risks, confirm whether a flap is created
☑ Make your decision based on lifestyle suitability rather than cost
☑ Tell your doctor about your corneal condition and lifestyle, and confirm whether the procedure is suitable
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How different are the incision sizes between SMILE LASIK and conventional LASIK?
SMILE LASIK involves an incision of approximately 2 mm, while conventional LASIK involves an incision of approximately 20 mm. This difference may affect the feeling of recovery after surgery and the risk of dry eye.
Q. Is there a difference in the level of pain between SMILE LASIK and conventional LASIK?
It varies from person to person, so it is difficult to make a general statement, but some people feel less discomfort during and after surgery with SMILE LASIK because it involves a smaller incision. For specific details about what you may feel, it is best to consult your doctor before surgery.
Q. Can I undergo surgery even if I have severe dry eye?
Depending on the condition of your dry eye, it may affect the choice of procedure or whether surgery is appropriate at all. Accurately explain your current condition during the preoperative consultation, and prioritize your doctor’s judgment.
Q. I participate in combat sports and ball sports. Which procedure is more suitable for me?
For people who participate in sports where strong impacts are expected, SMILE LASIK, which does not create a flap, may be more suitable in some cases. However, the choice depends on the condition of your cornea, so be sure to consult your doctor before surgery.
Q. Is there a reason to choose SMILE LASIK even if it costs more?
People who want to reduce the risk of dry eye, participate in active sports, or place importance on corneal strength may choose SMILE LASIK based on its suitability for their lifestyle rather than its cost. Consider it in light of your own lifestyle and daily habits.
For those who would like to learn more
Please also see the Complete Guide to Choosing an Ophthalmology Clinic in Korea.
Related Columns
- A Thorough Comparison of 3 Differences Between ICL in Japan and Korea | Cost, Lenses, and Postoperative Follow-Up
- The Correct Seoul Taxi Fares and Late-Night Surcharges
- 4 medications for fever at midnight available at Korean convenience stores
- For a trip to Korea, the right amount of cash per person is 50,000–100,000 won.
- Jamso Bridge, where the cars disappear—the right choice for a Sunday afternoon
- 2026 Entry into Korea: Pitfalls of K-ETA Exemption