SMILE is a minimally invasive vision correction procedure that causes less pain and allows for faster recovery, making it a popular choice for many patients.However, no matter how precise and safe the surgery itself is, if proper post-operative care is not followed, recovery may be delayed, and in rare cases, unexpected discomfort may occur.The true completion of SMILE surgery begins not in the operating room but in the recovery process that follows. In this article, we will clearly outline the essential post-operative care guidelines as advised by BGN Eye Clinic in Jamsil.It's no exaggeration to say that the true success of SMILE starts after the surgery. Right after the procedure, the eyes are extremely sensitive to external stimuli, so your recovery environment and habits have a significant impact on your visual outcome and long-term prognosis.On the day of surgery, it is best to minimize eye use. While most patients begin to see to some extent immediately after the procedure, temporary blurriness, glare, and foreign body sensation may be present.These symptoms are part of the natural healing process and are usually not a cause for concern. However, it is crucial to avoid rubbing your eyes or squeezing them shut. When going outside, wear protective glasses to shield your eyes from wind and dust.One of the most important aspects of post-SMILE care is the correct use of prescribed eye drops. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drops, and artificial tears should be used regularly at designated intervals. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying the drops.When using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least five minutes between applications. Also, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop bottle touch your eyes, as this could contaminate the solution.Washing your face or taking a shower should be done with caution for at least two to three days after surgery. Direct contact with water can negatively affect the healing of the cornea. During this time, gently wipe your face with a warm damp towel instead. When washing your hair, tilt your head back to prevent water from flowing into your eyes. Avoid eye makeup and cleansing products for at least a week.Lifestyle adjustments also play a vital role in post-SMILE recovery. Avoid tasks that strain your eyes, especially prolonged use of smartphones or computers. If screen time is necessary, follow the 20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.Keep indoor lighting moderate—avoid overly bright or dim settings. Indirect lighting that reduces glare is preferred.You should return to the clinic for your first follow-up exam the day after surgery. Additional follow-ups are typically scheduled at one week, one month, three months, and six months to monitor your vision and corneal health.During this period, some patients may experience temporary fluctuations in vision, blurred sight, or glare at night. These are usually normal signs of healing, but if symptoms become severe or persistent, consult your clinic for a proper diagnosis.An important point to note is that post-surgery, corneal sensitivity may temporarily decrease, making it easy to overlook dryness or foreign body sensations. This is a time when dry eye syndrome may develop or worsen, so it is essential to use artificial tears consistently. Maintain adequate indoor humidity and avoid direct exposure to heaters or air conditioners.Driving is usually allowed starting the day after surgery, but since recovery varies from person to person, it’s best to refrain for a few days if you experience blurred vision or eye fatigue.Night driving, in particular, can increase glare in the early recovery phase. Begin with daytime driving and wait until your eyes are fully adjusted before driving at night.If you experience discomfort after surgery—such as sudden vision loss, intense pain, redness, or increased eye discharge—do not attempt to treat it yourself.Contact the clinic immediately for proper medical attention.Some patients may stop using their prescribed drops or change their schedule based on personal judgment. This can negatively impact recovery. All treatments should be guided by medical professionals, and any concerns should be addressed through direct communication with your clinic.Although SMILE generally offers a fast recovery, that doesn’t mean your vision will stabilize without effort. The cornea is a very delicate tissue, and after surgery, it can react sensitively to external stimuli and environmental changes. Habits like rubbing your eyes, sleeping face down, or exposure to hot and humid conditions can cause micro-damage and should be consciously avoided.At BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil, we monitor each patient's recovery closely. If needed, we adjust medications, offer lifestyle coaching, and promptly address any discomfort during recovery.On the day of surgery, a dedicated coordinator will provide detailed instructions and precautions. At each follow-up visit, we not only assess your surgical outcome but also track specific symptoms such as dry eye and glare to ensure comprehensive recovery.Ultimately, no matter how advanced the surgical technology or techniques may be, the real measure of success lies in how well the patient adheres to post-operative care. Just as pre-surgical consultations are crucial, following post-operative guidelines and maintaining open communication with your clinic are the wisest ways to ensure a safe and satisfying recovery.To go beyond a successful surgery and achieve a satisfying outcome with safe recovery, everything begins with proper care—from this moment forward.BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil is committed to guiding and caring for each patient before and after surgery, ensuring both eye health and quality of life.

If you're considering vision correction surgery, you've probably asked yourself at some point:“Would LASEK be better, or should I go with SMILE?”Both procedures are effective in restoring vision, but they differ significantly in surgical technique, recovery speed, pain level, and suitability for different patients.Choosing the right procedure for your eyes is the most important factor.Today at BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil, we’ll clearly and practically compare SMILE and LASEK to help you understand their differences.LASEK involves removing the corneal epithelium using alcohol and reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser. It requires time for the epithelium to regenerate and is often accompanied by significant pain immediately after surgery.SMILE, on the other hand, is a more recent laser procedure that removes a lenticule of corneal tissue through a micro-incision (about 2–4mm) without cutting the cornea broadly. Because the incision is smaller than with LASIK or LASEK, it typically offers faster recovery and less discomfort.LASEK can cause considerable discomfort for the first 2–3 days after surgery, and vision may be unstable during the epithelial regeneration phase. It often takes two weeks to a month or more to achieve fully restored vision.With SMILE, vision generally begins to improve on the day of or the day after surgery, and pain is minimal or nonexistent. Most patients can return to their daily routines within 2–3 days, making it popular among office workers and students.Postoperative Side Effects and SafetyLASEK may involve inflammation, haze, and temporary visual decline during healing, with increased dryness as a common complaint. However, because it involves less corneal cutting, it's considered relatively safe.SMILE creates no corneal flap, which makes the eye more resistant to trauma and reduces the likelihood of dry eye syndrome. It also tends to cause fewer night vision issues, such as halos or glare, than traditional LASIK.That said, SMILE may not be suitable for those with extremely thin corneas or very high myopia, so detailed diagnostic exams are necessary to determine eligibility.Who Is It For?LASEK is often recommended for individuals with thin corneas, high myopia, or those engaged in high-impact sports. It’s also suitable for those prioritizing long-term eye health, thanks to its excellent safety profile.Cost DifferencesThe cost of surgery can vary depending on the clinic, technology, scope of exams, and surgeon’s experience. In general, LASEK tends to be more affordable than SMILE.However, a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better, nor does a lower price mean worse. There’s a best-fit procedure for each person, and that’s what matters most. We also provide structured postoperative care programs tailored to your recovery process.How to Choose the Right Surgery for YouBoth SMILE and LASEK have their pros and cons. Instead of basing your decision solely on which is newer or cheaper, it's wiser to consider your eye condition, lifestyle, and preferred recovery timeline.At BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment such as ZEISS VisuMax for both SMILE and LASEK, ensuring precision and safety. Through thorough consultations, our medical team helps each patient choose the most suitable procedure.Vision correction surgery isn’t just about seeing better—it’s a life-changing decision that impacts your long-term quality of life. You only have one pair of eyes, so it’s essential to be well-informed and choose carefully.At BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil, we base our approach on accurate diagnostics and personalized consultation to perform safe and effective vision correction surgeries tailored to each individual.Whether you choose SMILE or LASEK, we hope you enjoy clearer vision and a more comfortable daily life with the procedure best suited to your eyes.

How long does SMILE LASIK recovery take?One of the most common questions from people considering vision correction surgery is: “How soon can I return to my normal daily life after surgery?”Many people these days choose SMILE LASIK because it’s known for its fast recovery, but not everyone is fully aware of the process and how much time it actually takes.Today, I’ll walk you through the recovery timeline of SMILE surgery, based on frequently asked questions from real patients.Is it true that SMILE LASIK has a faster recovery time? To answer upfront—yes, that’s true.Unlike traditional LASIK or LASEK, SMILE does not involve cutting a corneal flap. Instead, it uses a tiny 2–4 mm incision to remove a portion of the corneal stroma, preserving more of the eye’s natural structure while still providing precise vision correction.Because this approach minimizes corneal damage, patients typically experience less pain and recover more quickly. However, like any surgical procedure, SMILE also requires a recovery process— and since the eyes are especially delicate, careful post-op care is essential.On the day of surgery, your vision may still be blurry, and you might feel some stinging or foreign body sensation. Some people become sensitive to light or find it uncomfortable to open their eyes fully. However, most symptoms improve significantly after about 3 to 6 hours of rest.It’s best to keep your eyes closed and get plenty of rest immediately after surgery. Avoid activities that strain your eyes, such as watching TV, using your phone, or reading. Also, be careful not to touch or rub your eyes.The day after surgery, many patients notice a big improvement. Most say, “Wow, I can see much better than yesterday!”In fact, vision typically recovers quickly by the next day, and you’ll be able to carry out daily activities without major inconvenience. Returning to work or going outside is usually fine, and you can use a computer or move around short distances.That said, full recovery is not yet complete. You should still avoid prolonged reading or screen time. You might feel eye fatigue or experience slight blurriness and dryness.After about one week, most discomfort disappears and your vision becomes stable. At this point, light exercise or outdoor activities are generally okay, and you can manage basic hygiene like washing your face or taking a shower. However, you should still avoid getting water directly into your eyes. Wearing contact lenses, going to swimming pools or saunas, and visiting beauty salons should also be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks.By around one month, most patients recover vision of 1.0 or better, and night vision issues like glare or halos significantly diminish. You’ll be able to drive long distances and do detailed tasks comfortably. Eye fatigue also improves over time.However, recovery speed varies from person to person. Those with pre-existing dry eye or long-term contact lens wear may need more time. In such cases, artificial tears or prescribed medication can help manage symptoms and support recovery.Even though SMILE surgery has a fast recovery time, some factors can delay or interfere with healing.The most common issues are: using your eyes too soon after surgery, rubbing your eyes, or failing to apply prescribed eye drops.Because the eyes are highly sensitive, even small actions can affect the healing process— especially in the early stages of recovery.So for the first 2 to 3 days after surgery, it's crucial to be cautious and follow your doctor’s instructions. Use artificial tears and antibiotic drops exactly as prescribed.Regular post-op checkups are also essential. Visits are typically scheduled for the day after surgery, one week later, then one month, three months, and six months afterward. These follow-ups help monitor vision progress and detect any issues early.In the early stages, vision can fluctuate rapidly— so your doctor may need to check if changes are within normal range and adjust treatment if necessary.To summarize, SMILE LASIK offers fast recovery and minimal discomfort. Most people can return to daily life the next day, and enjoy stable vision within a month.However, achieving such a smooth recovery requires: a detailed pre-operative exam, thorough post-op care, and regular communication with your eye doctor.The period after surgery is even more important than the procedure itself.At BGN Eye Clinic, we’ll support your eye health every step of the way— from surgery to recovery and ongoing care. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.For a clearer, brighter daily life, we’re here and ready for you.

‘ICL Lens Implantation’: When Is It Most Effective?When people think of vision correction, LASIK or LASEK usually comes to mind. However, for those with thin corneas, high myopia, or those who frequently engage in activities with high risk of impact, other options may be more suitable.One of those options is implantable lens surgery. As the name suggests, this procedure involves placing a special corrective lens inside the eye to improve vision. Although it resembles cataract surgery in technique, it differs in that the natural lens remains untouched, and the implant is placed in front of or behind it.Currently, the most commonly used method is posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation, especially the ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens). This lens is made of a biocompatible material called collamer, which allows it to remain stable in the eye without causing discomfort.Who is a good candidate for ICL surgery?ICL surgery can be a highly effective choice for:1) High myopia: Because LASIK and LASEK involve reshaping the cornea, they can become risky when correcting large refractive errors, as more corneal tissue must be removed. ICL can be a safer option in such cases.2) Thin corneas: Patients with thin corneas may not qualify for laser-based surgeries. Since ICL surgery does not involve corneal removal, it may be more appropriate.3) Severe dry eye: Laser surgeries can temporarily worsen dry eye by affecting corneal nerves. ICL surgery minimizes this risk.4) Jobs or sports with high risk of trauma: For those in physically demanding fields—such as military personnel or contact sports athletes—ICL, which doesn't involve cutting the cornea, may offer greater safety.That said, simply meeting one of the above criteria does not automatically mean ICL is the right choice. As always, the most important step is to undergo a comprehensive exam and consult with a specialist to determine the best method for your eye condition and lifestyle.The ICL procedureLike other types of vision correction surgery, the first step is a thorough preoperative exam. This includes measurements of corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, iris structure, and lens positioning.Next, a custom lens is ordered based on your unique eye parameters, including prescription, size, and curvature. This step may take 1–2 weeks.Once the lens is ready, you'll prepare for surgery by resting your eyes and following the preoperative care instructions.Under local anesthesia, a 2–3 mm incision is made on the edge of the cornea, and the folded lens is inserted and positioned inside the eye. Because the incision is very small, no sutures are typically required, and recovery is quick.Vision usually improves within hours after surgery. Patients use prescribed eye drops and attend follow-up appointments to monitor for any complications during recovery.What are the benefits of ICL surgery?ICL is not merely a fallback option for those who can’t undergo LASIK or LASEK—it is a fundamentally strong procedure with several advantages.The biggest benefit is that it does not involve cutting the cornea. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the cornea, contributing to long-term safety.Also, the lens can be removed or replaced later, offering flexibility.ICL provides excellent correction for high myopia and helps preserve night vision and contrast sensitivity. Since it does not affect the corneal nerves, dry eye symptoms are rare post-surgery.Of course, like any surgery, ICL has points that require careful consideration.Accurate preoperative measurements are crucial. Rare complications like lens mispositioning or iris contact may occur. In extremely rare cases, lens placement may trigger cataracts, so routine monitoring is essential.Also, some patients may experience a temporary increase in intraocular pressure after the procedure, which requires careful observation in the first few days.A common concern is the cost. Since ICL involves custom-manufactured lenses, it is typically more expensive than LASIK or LASEK.However, ICL should not be viewed simply as an alternative. It is an advanced, premium vision correction procedure in its own right. Especially for patients with high myopia, thin corneas, or occupational needs, it may be the most ideal solution.At BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil, we conduct dozens of detailed tests before recommending any surgery, ensuring that you receive the safest and most appropriate option based on expert consultation.If you're seeking to enhance the quality of your visual life, ICL may be worth considering. Feel free to contact us with any questions.Thank you.

SMILE PRO vs SMILE LASIK: What’s the Difference?Vision correction technology has been advancing rapidly in recent years. SMILE LASIK emerged as an evolution of traditional LASIK and LASEK, and now, an upgraded version called SMILE PRO has been introduced, leading many to wonder about the differences between the two. However, just because a procedure uses newer equipment doesn’t automatically mean it’s better.Both surgeries are known for their excellent safety profiles and high precision, but they each have distinct advantages. That’s why it's important to choose the procedure that best suits your eye condition, based on accurate information.What is SMILE LASIK?SMILE LASIK differs from traditional LASIK or LASEK in that it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, it corrects vision by using a small 2–4 mm incision to remove a thin lenticule formed within the cornea. Since the incision is smaller, recovery is faster, pain is minimized, and the structural stability of the cornea is better preserved. For these reasons, SMILE LASIK is considered a procedure that overcomes the drawbacks of LASIK and LASEK.What is SMILE PRO?SMILE PRO is an upgraded version of SMILE LASIK that utilizes the latest technology from ZEISS—the VISUMAX 800—to achieve higher precision and speed. One of the most significant differences lies in the laser speed. While SMILE LASIK uses a 500kHz laser, SMILE PRO operates at 2MHz—almost four times faster.This results in a much shorter laser application time, reducing the entire procedure to under 10 seconds. That means fewer variables like patient anxiety or eye movement can affect the outcome. Another key advancement is in eye centration. Previous SMILE procedures required manual alignment, which could limit the precision of astigmatism correction.SMILE PRO, however, is equipped with CentraLign and OcuLign—automated centration alignment features that recognize the visual axis and even compensate for slight eye rotation when the patient lies on the surgical bed. Thanks to this technology, more accurate outcomes can be expected in complex cases like high astigmatism, compound astigmatism, or hyperopic astigmatism.Does that make SMILE LASIK a lesser option?Not at all. SMILE LASIK has already proven its safety and predictability through extensive clinical results and remains a standard procedure for correcting myopia and moderate astigmatism.From a medical standpoint, understanding the strengths of both SMILE LASIK and SMILE PRO is crucial to choosing the best procedure for each patient.For example, a patient in their 20s with good corneal health and a moderate prescription can expect excellent results with SMILE LASIK alone. Conversely, if a patient has high astigmatism, asymmetric corneal alignment, or needs fast recovery and precise correction—perhaps due to their occupation—SMILE PRO may be more suitable.Beyond cost and equipment: what’s best for you?Even if the surgical techniques seem similar, differences in technology can affect surgical efficiency and patient comfort during the procedure.SMILE PRO, being built on cutting-edge equipment, tends to be more expensive than SMILE LASIK.But what matters most is not just the price—it’s about identifying the surgerythat matches your eye condition, desired recovery speed, and lifestyle.In the end, SMILE and SMILE PRO aren’t necessarily better or worse than each other—they are distinct options that should be selected based on the patient’s eye characteristics, daily life, and degree of correction needed.Your doctor must consider more than just the surgical equipment—they should evaluate the corneal thickness, curvature, tear film, retina, and optic nerve through comprehensive tests to determine the safest and most effective method.Vision correction is a one-time procedure that can impact your eyesight for life. That’s why it’s crucial to make an informed decision through thorough testing and consultation. While technology keeps advancing, it’s the responsibility of the medical team to apply it precisely to each patient.Whether you choose SMILE or SMILE PRO, BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil strives to understand your eyes and lifestyle in the most personalized way. If you’re looking for a high-quality surgery backed by the expertise and skill developed through over 100,000 procedures, we invite you to visit BGN Eye Clinic for a consultation.

LASIK vs. LASEK: Which Surgery Is Right for Me?When considering vision correction surgery, LASIK and LASEK are among the most commonly known procedures. Since their names are similar and both involve the use of lasers, many people often confuse the two.However, the surgical techniques, recovery processes, and suitability for different eye conditions differ significantly. Today, we’ll explain the exact differences between LASIK and LASEK, and who may be better suited for each type of surgery.Differences Between LASIK and LASEKLASIK surgery involves creating a thin corneal flap, reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap.LASEK, on the other hand, removes the corneal epithelium (the outer layer), reshapes the tissue underneath using a laser, and then places a protective lens over the eye to support healing.Because of the different techniques, there are distinctions in terms of recovery speed, pain level, and impact on the cornea.Generally, LASIK causes less pain and offers quicker recovery, often allowing patients to return to daily life the very next day. In contrast, LASEK can involve a few days of discomfort during epithelial regeneration, and it may take longer for vision to stabilize.However, since LASEK doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap, it offers higher stability against external trauma. LASIK, which requires flap creation, needs a certain amount of corneal thickness, while LASEK can be performed even on thinner corneas.Who Is Better Suited for LASIK?Because LASIK allows for fast recovery and causes less discomfort after surgery, it’s a great option for working professionals or students who need a quick return to daily life.It’s also a good choice for those who are sensitive to pain or feel burdened by several days of post-surgery discomfort. However, it’s important that candidates for LASIK have sufficient corneal thickness and are not frequently exposed to external impact in their daily lives.Who Is Better Suited for LASEK?Since LASEK doesn’t involve making a flap and only removes the epithelial layer, it can be suitable for patients with thin corneas who are not eligible for LASIK. People who frequently engage in high-impact sports like martial arts or swimming, or who are regularly exposed to external trauma, may find LASEK a safer choice.LASEK is also recommended for those requiring more precise correction, such as individuals with high myopia or astigmatism. In fact, some patients opt for LASEK even if they are eligible for LASIK, preferring the enhanced safety and outcomes despite a longer and more uncomfortable recovery.So Which Surgery Is Better?Many people ask whether LASIK or LASEK is better, but it's not a matter of one being superior to the other. The best procedure depends on many factors—corneal thickness, dry eye condition, job type, daily environment, and personal hobbies.The best approach is to undergo a detailed eye examination and consult with an ophthalmologist to determine the most suitable vision correction method for you.Since everyone’s eyes are different, the priority is to find the procedure that fits your unique needs. That begins with a comprehensive diagnostic process.Vision correction surgery is more than just improving how well you see—it’s a key decision that affects your overall quality of life.No matter which surgery you consider, the most important thing is to receive an accurate diagnosis, understand the surgical methods available, and confirm which approach best suits you.If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to speak with a trusted eye care professional and find the correction method that’s right for you.