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BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil: Clear Comparison Between SMILE LASIK and LASEK

Bgn admin

2025.07.15

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 Safety

LASEK 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 Differences

The 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 You


Both 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.



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