Treatment Overview
Myopia SMILE Eye Correction in Korea is one of the most advanced and comfortable solutions for treating nearsightedness (myopia). Using SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) technology, this flap-free laser vision correction technique reshapes the cornea through a microscopic incision — providing clear, stable vision with minimal dryness and rapid recovery.
Unlike traditional LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to remove a thin lenticule of tissue through a 2–4 mm micro-incision, preserving corneal strength and nerve health.
Korean ophthalmology centers have refined this technique with AI-guided corneal mapping, wavefront imaging, and oxygen-regenerative healing, ensuring sharper visual outcomes and lasting ocular comfort for patients with mild to severe myopia.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Correct myopia (–1.00 D to –10.00 D) and astigmatism (up to –3.00 D).
- Eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
- Preserve corneal biomechanics and natural tear-film function.
- Provide a safe, minimally invasive, and permanent vision correction solution.
Benefits
- Flap-Free Comfort: No corneal flap means faster healing and less irritation.
- Precise Vision Correction: AI-assisted femtosecond laser ensures sub-micron accuracy.
- Reduced Dryness: Preserves corneal nerves and tear secretion.
- Fast Recovery: Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours.
- Stable Long-Term Results: Maintains corneal strength and minimizes regression risk.
- Gentle & Safe: Minimal tissue disruption and lower risk of complications than LASIK.
Ideal Candidates
Myopia SMILE Eye Correction in Korea is suitable for:
- Adults aged 18 years or older with stable vision for at least one year.
- Patients with mild to high myopia, with or without astigmatism.
- Individuals with thin corneas or dry eyes not suitable for LASIK.
- Those seeking flap-free, comfortable, and long-lasting vision correction.
- Active individuals or athletes who prefer a surgery with no flap displacement risk.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although extremely safe, minor and temporary side effects may occur:
- Mild Dryness: Temporary, relieved with lubricating eye drops.
- Light Sensitivity: Short-term during early recovery.
- Glare or Halos: Typically fade as corneal healing stabilizes.
- Under- or Over-Correction: Rare; enhancements can refine outcomes if needed.
- Inflammation or Infection: Exceptionally uncommon under Korean sterile surgical conditions.
Korean clinics minimize these risks through real-time eye tracking, AI precision calibration, and comprehensive post-operative care.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction: Creates a small disc-shaped lenticule inside the cornea for precise reshaping.
- AI-Enhanced Laser Mapping: Customizes treatment based on each patient’s corneal curvature and visual profile.
- Wavefront-Topography Fusion: Corrects subtle optical aberrations for clearer, sharper vision.
- Tear-Film Preservation: Maintains hydration and natural eye comfort post-surgery.
- Biologic & Oxygen Healing: Stimulates faster cell recovery and prevents dryness.
- Corneal Nerve Protection: Maintains sensory feedback and tear function.
Top Korean eye clinics employ ZEISS VisuMax 800, SCHWIND ATOS, and LENSAR AI Vision Systems, all optimized for sub-micron precision and safety.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Eye Evaluation:
Includes corneal topography, wavefront analysis, pachymetry, and tear-film assessment. - AI-Driven Surgical Planning:
Software designs a personalized lenticule shape for optimal correction. - Laser Lenticule Creation:
The femtosecond laser forms the lenticule inside the cornea within seconds. - Lenticule Extraction:
Surgeon removes the lenticule through a 2–4 mm micro-incision, reshaping the cornea. - Corneal Stabilization:
Oxygen and biologic drops enhance healing and comfort. - Post-Operative Monitoring:
Follow-up imaging confirms stability and visual performance.
Procedure Duration: 10–12 minutes per eye.
Recovery: Most patients regain 20/20 or better vision within 24–48 hours.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and lubricating drops as instructed.
- Avoid rubbing or touching eyes for one week.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV exposure.
- Avoid swimming, saunas, and intense workouts for 1–2 weeks.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for corneal monitoring.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–2: Vision improvement; minor dryness possible.
- Week 1: Clear, stable vision; daily activities can resume.
- Weeks 2–4: Enhanced sharpness and color contrast.
- 1–3 Months: Final corneal recovery and permanent clarity achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Crisp, high-definition vision with enhanced color and contrast.
- Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
- Excellent night vision and depth perception.
- Long-term comfort with minimal dryness or irritation.
Longevity
Myopia SMILE Eye Correction provides permanent corneal reshaping with stable results lasting 15–20 years or more.
Korean studies report over 98% patient satisfaction, with consistent clarity and low regression rates over a decade.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea leads the world in laser vision correction innovation, with a strong reputation for safety, accuracy, and post-surgical care excellence.
- Technological Innovation: Cutting-edge AI and femtosecond laser systems.
- Global Expertise: Korean ophthalmologists are pioneers in SMILE procedures.
- Comprehensive Patient Care: Pre-surgery diagnostics, regenerative therapy, and precise follow-up.
- Comfort & Convenience: Multilingual support and streamlined recovery programs for international patients.
- Affordable Excellence: World-class results at 30–50% lower cost than Western clinics.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Guided Myopia Mapping System
- Wavefront-Topography Integration for Precision
- Corneal Nerve Preservation Protocol
- Oxygen-Activated Recovery Therapy
- Biologic Eye Regeneration Drops
- Smart Tear-Film Stabilization System
- Real-Time Ocular Tracking & Calibration
These technologies make Myopia SMILE Eye Correction in Korea one of the world’s safest, most comfortable, and most precise vision correction procedures.
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. |
| Myopia SMILE Eye Correction | ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,000,000 | ~$2,500 – $3,600 | AI-calibrated myopia correction with regenerative care. |
| Premium Myopia Vision Package | ₩5,000,000 – ₩6,800,000+ | ~$3,600 – $4,800+ | Includes biologic healing, oxygen therapy, and comprehensive post-op monitoring. |
Pricing may vary depending on the clinic, technology platform, and surgeon expertise.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Clinic (Gangnam): Global leader in AI-based Myopia SMILE correction and ocular regeneration.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Renowned for biologic healing protocols and myopia optimization.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Specializes in international patient care and high-precision SMILE procedures.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on biologic tear therapy and advanced corneal imaging for myopia treatment.
