SMILE Pro vs LASIK: What I Learned About Vision Surgery in Seoul

Bgn admin

2025.10.01

For many people who have lived with glasses or contact lenses, the idea of waking up and seeing clearly without assistance feels like a dream. Over the past two decades, that dream has become reality for millions thanks to vision correction surgery. Among the most advanced procedures available today, LASIK and SMILE Pro are the two leading choices.

But which one is right for you? And why are so many patients from around the world traveling to Seoul, South Korea to have these surgeries performed? Let’s take a deep dive into both procedures, compare their benefits, and explore why Korea has become one of the global leaders in refractive surgery.

The Evolution of Vision Correction

When LASIK first became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it revolutionized the field of ophthalmology. Suddenly, patients who had relied on thick glasses or daily contact lenses could regain clear, natural vision in just a matter of minutes.

But technology doesn’t stand still. While LASIK remained the “gold standard” for years, new innovations emerged to make surgery less invasive, more precise, and even more comfortable. That’s where SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), and now its newest generation SMILE Pro, enter the picture.

Understanding how these procedures work — and how they differ — is the first step to making an informed decision.

LASIK: The Established Classic

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. Though the name sounds complex, the process is straightforward:

A thin flap is created on the corneal surface.

An excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the refractive error.

The flap is carefully repositioned and allowed to heal.

Advantages of LASIK

Fast recovery: Many patients achieve near-perfect vision within 24–48 hours.

Proven track record: More than 30 million people worldwide have undergone LASIK.

Availability: Nearly every eye clinic offering refractive surgery provides LASIK, making it accessible.

Considerations

Because a corneal flap is created, patients may experience slightly higher risks of flap-related complications (though rare with modern techniques).

Some patients report dryness or glare during recovery, which can last for several weeks.

LASIK remains a reliable, time-tested option, especially for those with moderate prescriptions and good corneal thickness

SMILE Pro: The Next Generation

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) was introduced as a flap-free alternative to LASIK. Instead of creating a large flap, SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to create a tiny, lens-shaped piece of tissue inside the cornea, known as a lenticule.

In the SMILE Pro procedure:

The ZEISS VisuMax 800 laser creates a lenticule within the cornea.

This lenticule is removed through a micro-incision of just 2 mm.

No large flap is required, leaving most of the corneal structure intact.

Advantages of SMILE Pro

Minimally invasive: Preserves more corneal integrity and biomechanics.

Lower risk of dry eyes: Because fewer corneal nerves are disrupted.

Quick comfort: Patients often report less discomfort during recovery compared to LASIK.

Precision with new technology: The ZEISS VisuMax 800 allows faster, more accurate laser application, shortening surgery time.

Considerations

Availability: Not every clinic offers SMILE Pro — it requires specialized ZEISS technology.

Candidacy: Some patients, such as those with extremely thin corneas or certain prescriptions, may not be ideal candidates.

SMILE Pro has quickly become the preferred choice for patients seeking cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgery with a smoother recovery experience.

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