Treatment Overview
Mini-Incision SMILE Surgery in Korea is the most refined evolution of SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) — a flap-free, micro-precision laser procedure designed to correct refractive errors with the smallest possible corneal incision.
Traditional SMILE already uses a 2–4 mm incision; Korean specialists have further reduced this to 1.5–2 mm, utilizing AI-guided femtosecond lasers and ultra-stable ocular tracking for unmatched precision and faster healing.
This next-generation approach minimizes disruption to corneal nerves, reduces dryness, and shortens recovery time — making it the most comfortable and tissue-preserving vision correction option available today.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Correct myopia and astigmatism using a micro-incision, flap-free method.
- Preserve corneal biomechanics and tear-film stability.
- Reduce recovery time, dryness, and discomfort.
- Deliver sharper, more stable vision with less tissue trauma.
Benefits
- Ultra-Small Incision: Less than 2 mm — ensuring minimal disturbance and faster healing.
- Flap-Free Safety: Eliminates risk of flap dislocation or dryness common in LASIK.
- AI Precision: Laser energy and alignment optimized in real time.
- Natural Comfort: Maintains tear production and corneal sensitivity.
- Rapid Visual Recovery: Clear vision typically within 24 hours.
- Long-Term Stability: Maintains corneal strength for decades.
Ideal Candidates
Mini-Incision SMILE Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Adults aged 18 or older with stable vision for ≥ 1 year.
- Patients with myopia (–1.00 D to –10.00 D) or astigmatism (up to –3.00 D).
- Individuals with thin corneas or dry eyes not suited for LASIK.
- Those who prefer a gentle, quick-recovery laser vision correction.
- Active individuals seeking stable results with minimal downtime.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although extremely safe, some mild temporary effects may occur:
- Short-Term Dryness: Usually resolves within days.
- Light Sensitivity: Mild, fading as healing progresses.
- Halos or Glare: Temporary during early recovery.
- Minor Over-/Under-Correction: Rare, easily refined later.
- Inflammation: Exceptionally uncommon in Korea’s AI-controlled systems.
Korean eye centers use real-time tracking, micro-pulse energy calibration, and tear-film diagnostics to minimize all surgical risks.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Ultra-Low-Energy Femtosecond Laser: Creates a 1.5–2 mm incision with micron-level accuracy.
- Micro-Lenticule Extraction: Precisely removes a small lenticule for vision correction.
- AI-Driven Mapping: Tailors incision size, depth, and position per patient.
- Wavefront-Topography Integration: Corrects subtle higher-order aberrations.
- Corneal Nerve Preservation: Maintains sensitivity and natural lubrication.
- Oxygen-Enhanced Healing Protocol: Promotes hydration and rapid epithelial recovery.
Korean clinics employ ZEISS VisuMax 800 Mini-Incision Edition, SCHWIND ATOS, and LENSAR AI Suite for the highest level of surgical precision.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Pre-Op Evaluation:
Corneal imaging, pachymetry, and tear-film testing confirm eligibility. - AI-Based Planning:
Custom laser parameters determined for minimal incision and optimal correction. - Micro-Incision Creation:
Femtosecond laser forms a 1.5–2 mm entry point and sculpted lenticule. - Lenticule Extraction:
Surgeon removes the lenticule via the micro-incision, reshaping the cornea. - Tear-Film Reinforcement:
Biologic or oxygen therapy stabilizes the surface. - Post-Operative Assessment:
High-resolution scans verify clarity and healing.
Procedure Time: ~10 minutes per eye
Recovery: Functional vision returns within hours.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and lubricating drops as directed.
- Avoid rubbing eyes for 1 week.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV exposure.
- Refrain from swimming or sauna use for 1–2 weeks.
- Attend all scheduled follow-ups to track healing.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–2: Vision improvement; mild dryness possible.
- Week 1: Stable clarity; minimal sensitivity.
- Weeks 2–4: Enhanced sharpness and night vision.
- 1–3 Months: Final corneal stabilization and long-term clarity achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear, sharp vision with minimal discomfort.
- Stable long-term refractive correction.
- Reduced dryness and faster healing compared to LASIK.
- Natural visual balance with high contrast sensitivity.
Longevity
Mini-Incision SMILE Surgery provides permanent corneal reshaping and stable vision for 15–20 years or more.
Korean clinical results show 98 % + patient satisfaction with durable, high-definition outcomes.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is internationally recognized for pioneering micro-incision and AI-assisted SMILE techniques, offering unmatched precision and comfort.
- World-Class Technology: Latest micro-incision femtosecond platforms.
- Globally Trained Surgeons: Korean ophthalmologists lead micro-laser SMILE research.
- Integrated Recovery Systems: Use of oxygen and biologic therapies for faster healing.
- Comprehensive International Care: Language support and concierge services for global patients.
- Affordable Premium Quality: Superior surgical technology at competitive pricing.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Micro-Incision Laser Protocol
- Dual Wavefront-Topography Mapping
- Corneal Nerve-Preserving Energy Control
- Oxygen-Activated Hydration System
- Biologic Regenerative Tear Therapy
- Real-Time Laser Stability Monitoring
- Smart Collagen Preservation Algorithm
These Korean innovations ensure maximum precision, comfort, and long-term clarity, setting global standards for next-generation SMILE vision correction.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard SMILE | ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,000,000 | ~$1,400 – $2,200 | Basic flap-free lenticule extraction. |
| Mini-Incision SMILE Surgery | ₩3,800,000 – ₩5,200,000 | ~$2,700 – $3,700 | AI-optimized micro-incision SMILE with regenerative aftercare. |
| Premium Mini-Incision Vision Package | ₩5,200,000 – ₩6,800,000 + | ~$3,700 – $4,800 + | Includes biologic therapy, oxygen healing, and advanced post-op care. |
Pricing varies by clinic, technology platform, and surgeon expertise.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Clinic (Gangnam): Pioneer in micro-incision SMILE and AI-guided corneal laser systems.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Specializes in micro-SMILE with regenerative eye recovery programs.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Global hub for flap-free micro-incision vision correction.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Known for biologic corneal therapy and ultra-precision laser calibration.
