Treatment Overview
IntraCorneal SMILE Rejuvenation in Korea is a breakthrough advancement in minimally invasive laser vision correction that combines SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) technology with corneal tissue regeneration therapy.
This innovative procedure not only corrects refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but also revitalizes and strengthens the cornea at a cellular level. Using AI-calibrated femtosecond lasers and biologic regenerative protocols, Korean ophthalmology centers have developed a new approach that enhances both visual performance and long-term ocular health.
Unlike traditional laser surgeries that only reshape the cornea, IntraCorneal SMILE Rejuvenation activates the cornea’s natural healing response — promoting collagen renewal, improving biomechanical stability, and preserving youthful optical clarity.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Correct refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) while rejuvenating corneal tissue.
- Enhance corneal strength, elasticity, and cellular regeneration.
- Restore optical smoothness and improve tear-film stability.
- Prevent long-term corneal fatigue, thinning, or regression.
Benefits
- Dual Action Technology: Vision correction + corneal rejuvenation in a single session.
- Tissue Revitalization: Stimulates collagen repair for improved strength and flexibility.
- Flap-Free Comfort: Minimal incision ensures fast recovery and reduced dryness.
- Enhanced Optical Quality: Clearer, brighter vision with improved contrast sensitivity.
- Long-Term Stability: Strengthened corneal architecture reduces future vision fluctuation.
- AI-Guided Precision: Korean systems ensure accurate alignment and depth calibration.
Ideal Candidates
IntraCorneal SMILE Rejuvenation in Korea is ideal for:
- Adults 18 years or older with stable vision for at least one year.
- Patients seeking vision correction with added corneal health benefits.
- Individuals showing early signs of corneal fatigue or reduced elasticity.
- Those with mild refractive regression after previous correction.
- Patients desiring long-lasting clarity, hydration, and eye comfort.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although highly safe, some mild temporary effects can occur:
- Mild Dryness or Sensitivity: Usually improves within days.
- Temporary Glare or Haze: Common during healing, subsiding over time.
- Light Sensitivity: Mild and short-lived.
- Under- or Over-Correction: Rare and correctable with enhancement.
- Inflammation: Very rare; managed effectively with Korean post-op protocols.
Korean specialists employ AI-tracked laser calibration, cooling modulation, and biologic tear support to minimize any risks.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Femtosecond Lenticule Creation: Reshapes corneal curvature using a small incision (2–4 mm).
- Corneal Rejuvenation Protocol: Utilizes low-energy pulses to stimulate collagen crosslinking.
- AI-Guided Laser Mapping: Ensures consistent precision and optimized energy delivery.
- Tissue Regeneration Therapy: Applies biologic or oxygen-based serums to accelerate healing.
- Tear-Film Restoration: Maintains surface hydration and reduces post-surgical dryness.
- Real-Time Biomechanical Feedback: Monitors corneal integrity throughout the procedure.
Korea’s premier eye centers use ZEISS VisuMax 800, SCHWIND ATOS, and LENSAR AI platforms, paired with biologic rejuvenation systems for complete corneal enhancement.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Eye Analysis:
Includes corneal imaging, wavefront mapping, biomechanical testing, and tear-film evaluation. - AI-Driven Custom Planning:
Software designs a personalized laser and rejuvenation protocol based on corneal strength and refractive data. - Lenticule Creation:
Femtosecond laser sculpts a precise lenticule inside the cornea. - Lenticule Extraction:
Surgeon removes the lenticule through a micro-incision, correcting the refractive error. - Rejuvenation Activation:
Controlled low-energy pulses stimulate collagen regeneration and corneal strengthening. - Post-Operative Regenerative Therapy:
Biologic eye drops or oxygen-enriched serums enhance healing and hydration.
Procedure Duration: 12–15 minutes per eye.
Recovery: Noticeable clarity within 24 hours; full rejuvenation within several weeks.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic, moisturizing, and regenerative drops as directed.
- Avoid rubbing eyes and heavy exercise for 1 week.
- Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Avoid swimming, steam rooms, or saunas for 2 weeks.
- Attend follow-up visits for corneal stability and regeneration checks.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–2: Vision improvement; minor dryness possible.
- Week 1: Stable clarity; collagen activity begins.
- Weeks 2–4: Enhanced contrast and hydration.
- 1–3 Months: Complete rejuvenation and final visual refinement.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear, natural vision with enhanced optical sharpness.
- Rejuvenated, stronger corneal structure.
- Improved hydration and long-term comfort.
- Stable refraction and low risk of regression.
Longevity
IntraCorneal SMILE Rejuvenation offers lasting vision correction and corneal health benefits for 15–20 years or more.
Korean clinical results show over 98% satisfaction rates, with sustained optical clarity and superior ocular surface health over time.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is a world leader in corneal regeneration and laser vision correction innovation, setting global benchmarks for precision and patient care.
- Pioneering Dual-Action SMILE Systems: Combine correction and regeneration in one session.
- Expert Surgeons: Globally recognized specialists in refractive and corneal biology.
- Advanced Healing Science: Use of biologic serums, oxygen therapy, and AI-calibrated rejuvenation lasers.
- Comprehensive Care: Clinics offer multilingual support, personalized recovery, and long-term monitoring.
- Affordable Excellence: Premium technology at 30–50% lower cost than comparable international procedures.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Guided Rejuvenation Mapping
- Dual-Phase Lenticule & Collagen Activation
- Biologic Regenerative Serum Therapy
- Oxygen-Infused Corneal Recovery
- Wavefront-Topography Fusion Analysis
- Smart Hydration & Tear Stability System
- Real-Time Biomechanical Strength Monitoring
These innovations ensure clearer, stronger, and healthier vision with enduring comfort and performance.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard SMILE | ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,000,000 | ~$1,400 – $2,200 | Basic flap-free SMILE correction. |
| IntraCorneal SMILE Rejuvenation | ₩4,000,000 – ₩5,500,000 | ~$2,900 – $4,000 | SMILE correction with corneal collagen rejuvenation and AI guidance. |
| Premium Rejuvenation Package | ₩5,500,000 – ₩6,800,000+ | ~$4,000 – $4,800+ | Includes biologic therapy, oxygen healing, and post-op monitoring. |
Pricing varies based on technology platform, surgeon experience, and post-operative care programs.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Clinic (Gangnam): Pioneers in SMILE-based corneal rejuvenation and AI-guided regenerative care.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Focuses on biologic ocular restoration and next-gen femtosecond precision.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Known for advanced corneal collagen rejuvenation and patient-focused aftercare.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Specializes in regenerative therapies and long-term ocular health optimization.
