Treatment Overview
Femto SMILE in Korea (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the latest generation of laser eye surgery — a flap-free, minimally invasive procedure that corrects nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism with exceptional precision and comfort. Unlike LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, Femto SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to create a small disc-shaped tissue (lenticule) inside the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea to correct vision.
This advanced technique combines the accuracy of femtosecond laser technology with a gentle, one-step process that preserves more of the corneal structure, enhances stability, and minimizes dry-eye symptoms. Korean ophthalmology centers are recognized globally for their excellence in AI-guided Femto SMILE, 3D eye mapping, and microsurgical precision, making Korea one of the top destinations for this breakthrough vision correction surgery.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Correct myopia (up to -10.00 D) and astigmatism (up to -5.00 D).
- Provide a flap-free, minimally invasive vision correction method.
- Improve visual clarity and corneal stability for long-term results.
- Reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
Benefits
- Flap-Free Safety: No corneal flap means zero risk of flap complications.
- Minimally Invasive: Tiny 2–4 mm incision ensures fast healing and minimal discomfort.
- Less Dryness: Preserves corneal nerves, significantly reducing post-surgery dry-eye symptoms.
- High Stability: Maintains strong corneal biomechanics for long-term safety.
- Quick Recovery: Clear vision typically achieved within 24–48 hours.
- Enhanced Comfort: Gentle, single-laser process with minimal irritation.
Ideal Candidates
Femto SMILE in Korea is ideal for:
- Adults over 18 with stable vision prescriptions for at least one year.
- Individuals with myopia or astigmatism who prefer a flap-free surgery.
- Patients with active lifestyles, such as athletes or military personnel.
- Those prone to dry eyes or with thin corneas not suitable for LASIK.
- Individuals seeking safe, comfortable, and fast vision correction.
Possible Risks & Complications
Femto SMILE is one of the safest laser vision correction procedures available. However, minor and temporary side effects may include:
- Mild dryness or foreign body sensation for a few days.
- Temporary light sensitivity or glare at night.
- Slight vision fluctuation during initial healing.
- Rarely, minimal under- or over-correction requiring enhancement.
Korean clinics minimize these effects through AI-guided laser calibration, real-time eye tracking, and biophotonic healing stimulation, ensuring smooth recovery and long-term clarity.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Femtosecond Laser Lenticule Creation: The laser creates a precise lenticule inside the cornea.
- Micro-Incision Extraction: The surgeon removes the lenticule through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea.
- AI-Guided Laser Control: Provides precise laser placement and depth accuracy.
- Wavefront and Topography Integration: Enhances vision sharpness and reduces optical aberrations.
- Oxygen-Assisted Cooling System: Keeps corneal tissues cool and comfortable.
- Biophotonic Healing Laser Therapy: Accelerates regeneration and minimizes inflammation.
These cutting-edge technologies ensure maximum safety, speed, and precision with minimal tissue disruption.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Eye Evaluation: Includes corneal mapping, refraction tests, and 3D imaging.
- Customized Surgical Planning: AI software creates a personalized lenticule and incision profile.
- Laser Lenticule Creation: The femtosecond laser forms the corneal lenticule in under 30 seconds.
- Lenticule Extraction: The surgeon removes the lenticule through a micro-incision, reshaping the cornea.
- Post-Surgery Eye Care: Healing drops applied and protective eye shields provided.
The procedure takes 10–15 minutes per eye, and patients can usually resume normal activities within 1–2 days.
Recovery & Aftercare
Aftercare Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and lubricating drops as directed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes for at least one week.
- Wear protective eyewear or sunglasses outdoors.
- Avoid swimming, saunas, and heavy exercise for one week.
- Attend scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing progress.
Recovery Timeline
- 24 Hours: Vision noticeably clearer with minimal irritation.
- 3–5 Days: Normal comfort restored; dryness decreases.
- 1–3 Weeks: Vision stabilizes and sharpens completely.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear, stable vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
- Sharper, more natural visual quality compared to older LASIK methods.
- Minimal dryness and faster healing.
- Long-term visual comfort and stability.
Longevity
Femto SMILE provides permanent correction for most patients.
Korean eye centers report success rates above 98% for achieving 20/20 vision or better.
Results remain stable for many years, supported by proper eye care and routine check-ups.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Cutting-Edge Laser Technology: Korea leads globally in advanced femtosecond laser systems.
- Expertise in SMILE Surgery: High-volume experience with outstanding precision and outcomes.
- AI-Guided Vision Correction: Personalized surgical plans for every patient.
- Fast, Comfortable Recovery: Patients return to normal life within days.
- Affordable Excellence: 40–60% lower cost than equivalent surgeries abroad.
- Multilingual Care: International support teams assist patients from around the world.
Korea’s combination of AI precision, minimally invasive laser innovation, and microsurgical excellence makes it a global leader in Femto SMILE eye surgery.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Calibrated Femto SMILE Laser Platforms
- 3D Lenticule Mapping & Simulation Systems
- Real-Time Eye Tracking & Depth Calibration
- Wavefront-Optimized Vision Correction
- Biophotonic Healing Laser Therapy
- PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Ocular Regeneration Drops
- Oxygen-Cooling and Moisture Balance Systems
- AI Healing Progress Analytics
These innovations ensure precision, comfort, and biologically stable long-term vision correction.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Femto SMILE | ₩1,900,000 – ₩2,800,000 | $1,410 – $2,070 | Single-step femtosecond laser + micro-incision correction + aftercare |
| Custom Femto SMILE | ₩3,000,000 – ₩4,200,000 | $2,220 – $3,110 | AI-guided mapping + wavefront integration + post-op follow-ups |
| Premium AI Femto SMILE Vision Program | ₩4,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 | $3,330 – $4,440 | Advanced AI laser + biophotonic healing + lifetime check-ups |
Popular Clinics
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul): Specialists in femtosecond SMILE laser surgery and AI-guided refractive care.
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam): Renowned for high-precision SMILE vision correction and post-op excellence.
- Dream Eye Center (Myeongdong): Experts in flap-free SMILE and regenerative ocular healing therapy.
- Olim Eye Clinic (Gangnam): Focused on AI-calibrated Femto SMILE and advanced corneal preservation.
- Eyereum Eye Clinic (Apgujeong): Leaders in premium, minimally invasive SMILE laser technology.
