SMILE Pro

This event covers SMILE LASIK and SmilePro performed with the VISUMAX 800, the latest system from Germany's ZEISS. Compared with conventional SMILE LASIK, the laser time is shorter, and the system adds a feature that automatically aligns to the center of the eye and the astigmatism axis. It's especially recommended if you have astigmatism or tend to get very nervous in the operating room.

Who it's for

• People with severe astigmatism or a rotated astigmatism axis
• People whose visual axis and pupil center are significantly offset
• People who find long procedures or the operating-room atmosphere stressful
• People with asymmetric corneas or dry eye
• People with thin corneas or large pupils
• People who care about fast visual recovery and quality of vision

How it works

1. Detailed eye examThe exam checks your vision, your degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, the astigmatism axis, corneal thickness and shape, and corneal endothelial cells, and also screens for other eye conditions affecting the retina, optic nerve and so on. This step determines whether SmilePro is right for you; if your eyes aren't suited to SMILE-type surgery, another procedure will be recommended.
2. Custom planningUsing the SmartFit SmilePro method, the clinic analyzes your corneal epithelial thickness and eye condition to set the laser position and intensity.
3. Automatic correctionThe system detects eye movement and automatically aligns to the center, and corrects for any rotation of the astigmatism axis. The clinic says it can correct the astigmatism axis in 0.1-degree increments.
4. SurgeryVISUMAX 800 laser treatment is completed within 7–10 seconds. Conventional SMILE LASIK equipment takes 24–26 seconds. Only a small incision of about 2 mm is made in the cornea, and no corneal flap is created.
5. Follow-upPost-op check-up methods and schedules are explained during your consultation.

What's included

• SmilePro, both eyes
• Detailed pre-op eye exam

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

From surgery day to recovery

1. Before your trip to KoreaStop wearing contact lenses 1 week before surgery. You don't need to get an eye exam in your home country beforehand, as the clinic will examine you again. No deposit is required.
2. Arrive at the clinic before 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. Standard anesthesia is numbing eye drops, and a Japanese interpreter accompanies you free of charge.
3. Right after surgeryYour vision will be blurry after surgery, so you can't drive a car or ride a bicycle. Plan how you'll get around in advance.
4. From the day after surgeryThe clinic says that because the laser time is short and corneal damage is minimal, you can return to daily life the day after surgery. Check the specific timing and how long it takes for your vision to settle during your consultation.
5. Post-op check-upsCheck-ups in Korea are not mandatory. You can have one at the clinic if you wish, or get checked at an eye clinic back home after you return. A separate check-up in Korea incurs additional exam and interpreter fees.

Aftercare

• Use your prescribed eye drops for the period instructed.
• Check-up timing and how long it takes for your vision to stabilize are explained during your consultation, based on your eye condition.
• After returning home, you can have check-ups at a local eye clinic.

Doctors and clinic

The VISUMAX 800 is a cutting-edge system that only some clinics have introduced, and head doctor Dr. Moon Hyun-seung describes SmilePro on this system as an upgraded version of conventional SMILE. Dr. Moon Hyun-seung and Dr. Koo Myeon handle vision correction. The clinic is on the 3rd floor of the building in front of Gangnam Station Exit 11 and is closed on Wednesdays. A Japanese interpreter accompanies you free of charge on surgery day; for other languages, please ask when booking.

Side effects and precautions

• Your eyes may feel dry or gritty after surgery, and you may need to use eye drops.
• There may be a period of blurry or hazy vision before your eyesight stabilizes.
• Not every eye is suited to SMILE-type surgery. If the detailed exam finds another procedure more suitable, that procedure will be recommended.
• If your vision is still changing, the clinic may advise postponing surgery.
• Please follow the instructions for your prescribed eye drops and precautions.

FAQ