Does SMILE Pro Hurt?

One of the most frequently asked questions about vision correction surgery, especially SMILE Pro, is:
“Does it hurt?”

We completely understand. The idea of using lasers on your eyes can sound scary.
But here’s the good news: SMILE Pro is a fast, gentle, and nearly painless procedure.

Let’s walk you through what happens before, during, and after the procedure, so you can feel confident and relaxed.

Does it hurt during the surgery?

No, not at all.
You won’t feel any pain during the surgery because numbing eye drops are applied beforehand.
Most patients say they only felt some slight pressure or a strange sensation.

The surgery takes less than 10 minutes,
and the actual laser process only lasts 10 to 15 seconds.

What about after the surgery?

After SMILE Pro, you may experience mild discomfort such as:

• Slight irritation or dryness

• A sensation like there’s sand in your eyes

These symptoms usually disappear within a few hours. Many patients are surprised by how quickly they recover. We recommend resting on the day of surgery, avoiding screens like phones or computers, and regularly using the prescribed eye drops.

How long is the recovery time?

Most patients notice improved vision within 4 to 6 hours.

Many return to work or resume daily activities as early as the next day.

You may still feel light sensitivity or dryness for a few days,
but it’s easily manageable.

Real Patient Stories

“I was really nervous before the surgery, but I didn’t feel anything!
I took a nap after surgery and woke up with much clearer vision.”
— Anna, 27, USA

“There was no pain at all, just a bit of dryness on the first day.
I absolutely recommend this surgery.”
— Timur, 34, Kazakhstan

Still Have Questions?

At BGN Eye Clinic, we’ve provided a safe and comfortable vision correction experience to thousands of patients from Korea and around the world.
Feel free to contact us anytime!