SMILE LASIK

This SMILE LASIK event uses a tiny incision of 2mm or less, with no corneal flap. A femtosecond laser reshapes only the inner layer of the cornea, which reduces damage to the corneal surface and nerves. Recovery tends to be quick, so it fits easily into a short trip to Korea.

Who it's for

• You want to live without glasses or contact lenses and get surgery within a short schedule
• You play sports or have a job where your eyes could take an impact, so LASIK, where the flap can shift, feels risky
• You're worried about LASEK's long care period (wearing sunglasses, using eye drops for a long time)
• You're concerned about dry eye after surgery
• You want to get back to daily life, like washing your face and light exercise, quickly

How it works

1. Detailed eye examThe clinic checks your vision, your degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, your corneal thickness and shape, and your corneal endothelial cells. It also screens for other eye conditions such as retinal, optic nerve and glaucoma issues. The goal is to find which surgery suits you and also which surgeries you should not have.
2. Choosing the procedureBased on the results, the clinic decides whether SMILE LASIK is right for you. If your cornea is thin or your prescription is very high, another procedure may suit you better, so LASIK, LASEK and implantable lens surgery are also explained.
3. Custom planningThe surgery uses the Smartfit SMILE method. Before surgery, an OCT-HD device measures your corneal epithelium thickness in 1㎛ increments to set where the corneal stroma will be separated, and the laser intensity is adjusted to your cornea.
4. SurgeryThe femtosecond laser passes through the corneal surface and works only inside the cornea. The tissue needed for correction is removed through a small incision of 2mm or less. No flap is created, and the corneal epithelium is preserved.
5. Follow-upHow and when post-op checkups happen will be explained during your consultation.

What's included

• SMILE LASIK, both eyes
• Detailed pre-surgery eye exam

Price includes VAT and applies during the clinic's event period. If the exam shows SMILE LASIK isn't right for you, the clinic will consult with you on other vision correction options.

From surgery day to recovery

1. Before your tripStop wearing contact lenses 1 week before surgery. You don't need to get an eye exam before traveling, as the clinic will run its own tests. No deposit is required.
2. Arrive by 2 p.m. on surgery dayIf you arrive before 2 p.m., the exam, consultation and surgery can all be done on the same day. It takes about 4 hours from consultation to surgery, and all you need to bring is your passport. Anesthesia is standard numbing eye drops, and a Japanese interpreter is provided free of charge.
3. Right after surgeryYour vision will be blurry after surgery, so you can't drive a car or ride a bike. Plan how you'll get around in advance.
4. From the day after surgeryThe clinic says that because SMILE LASIK preserves the corneal epithelium and creates no flap, you can return to daily activities like washing your face and light exercise relatively quickly. Confirm the exact timing during your consultation.
5. About one monthSteroid eye drops are prescribed for about one month or less. Sunglasses and a protective eye shield for sleeping are not needed.
6. Post-op checkupsCheckups in Korea are not required. You can visit the clinic if you'd like, or see an eye doctor after you return home. Separate checkups in Korea come with additional exam and interpreter fees.

Aftercare

• Use your prescribed eye drops for the period you're given.
• How long your vision takes to settle and when to get checkups will be explained during your consultation based on your eyes.
• After you return home, you can get checkups at a local eye clinic.

Doctors and clinic

This clinic has been performing SMILE LASIK for over 10 years, since the procedure was first introduced in Korea. Chief Director Dr. Moon Hyun-seung and Dr. Gu Myeon handle vision correction, and the clinic says they plan surgery around not just your eyes but also your lifestyle and job (for example, shooters or archers who mainly use one eye). The clinic is on the 3rd floor of the building right outside Gangnam Station Exit 11 and is closed on Wednesdays. A Japanese interpreter is provided free on surgery day; for other languages, please ask when booking.

Side effects and precautions

• Your eyes may feel dry or gritty after surgery. This is said to be less common than with LASIK or LASEK, but you may need artificial tears and eye drops.
• There may be a period of blurry or hazy vision until it stabilizes.
• The right surgery differs for every eye, so a procedure that worked for a friend could be risky for you. Depending on your exam results, the clinic may recommend a different procedure instead of SMILE LASIK.
• If your vision is still changing, the clinic may recommend postponing surgery.
• Follow your prescribed eye drops and care instructions as directed.

FAQ