Treatment Overview
SMILE Eye Contoura Technology in Korea represents the latest evolution in laser vision correction — merging SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) with Contoura Vision topography-guided technology for unmatched customization and visual clarity.
Unlike conventional SMILE procedures, which rely solely on refractive data, SMILE Contoura uses a topography-guided laser platform that maps over 22,000 unique elevation points on the cornea, creating an ultra-detailed optical fingerprint of each eye. This allows Korean ophthalmologists to correct not just refractive errors, but also microscopic corneal irregularities that cause glare, halos, and reduced night vision.
The result is Sharper, Smoother, and Smarter Vision Correction — combining the precision of SMILE’s flap-free method with the surface accuracy of Contoura-guided optics.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Correct myopia and astigmatism using ultra-personalized, topography-guided data.
- Eliminate corneal irregularities for improved contrast sensitivity and night vision.
- Provide a customized, flap-free laser vision correction experience.
- Deliver natural, high-definition vision unique to each patient’s corneal structure.
Benefits
- Contoura-Guided Precision: 3D corneal mapping creates individualized correction profiles.
- Flap-Free SMILE Comfort: Minimally invasive with faster healing.
- Sharper, Brighter Vision: Enhanced contrast and reduced night-time glare.
- AI-Enhanced Laser Tracking: Ensures perfect alignment during treatment.
- Long-Term Stability: Maintains natural corneal strength and reduces regression risk.
- Natural Visual Harmony: Each eye is corrected for optimal binocular vision balance.
Ideal Candidates
SMILE Eye Contoura Technology in Korea is ideal for:
- Adults aged 18+ with stable vision for at least one year.
- Patients with myopia (–1.00 D to –9.00 D) or astigmatism (up to –3.00 D).
- Individuals with irregular corneal surfaces or visual distortions such as halos or ghosting.
- Those seeking ultra-precise, topography-driven correction with minimal invasion.
- Patients who prioritize high-definition visual clarity and night vision performance.
Possible Risks & Complications
While extremely safe, minor and temporary side effects can occur:
- Mild Dryness: Common in early healing; improves with lubricating drops.
- Light Sensitivity: Temporary, resolves within days.
- Halos or Glare: Mild during early adaptation period.
- Under- or Over-Correction: Rare; refinements are possible if required.
- Inflammation: Exceptionally rare in Korea’s AI-controlled, sterile environments.
Korean surgeons use real-time eye tracking, tear-film analysis, and AI-guided Contoura calibration to minimize all potential risks.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Contoura Topography Mapping: Captures over 22,000 elevation points to create a unique corneal fingerprint.
- Femtosecond Laser Lenticule Extraction: SMILE removes a micro-lenticule through a tiny incision.
- Wavefront & Topography Fusion: Aligns surface irregularity correction with refractive data.
- AI Calibration System: Ensures precise corneal reshaping with adaptive laser energy.
- Oxygen & Biologic Healing Therapy: Promotes corneal regeneration and hydration.
- Tear-Film Preservation Protocol: Reduces dryness and irritation post-procedure.
Korea’s top ophthalmic centers employ ZEISS VisuMax 800 Contoura Suite, SCHWIND ATOS Contoura Module, and LENSAR AI Fusion Vision System for unmatched precision and patient comfort.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Eye Mapping:
Includes corneal topography, wavefront analysis, and tear-film diagnostics. - AI-Driven Planning:
Personalized Contoura correction map designed for each eye. - Laser Lenticule Creation:
The femtosecond laser sculpts a lenticule based on the topography profile. - Lenticule Extraction:
Surgeon removes the lenticule through a 2–4 mm incision — flap-free and precise. - Corneal Smoothing & Healing:
Oxygen and biologic therapies support regeneration and stability. - Post-Operative Imaging:
Verifies corneal uniformity and visual improvement.
Procedure Duration: ~10–12 minutes per eye
Recovery: Noticeable improvement within 24 hours; full clarity in 1–2 weeks.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and hydrating eye drops regularly.
- Avoid rubbing eyes for at least 1 week.
- Protect eyes from dust, UV light, and water exposure.
- Avoid swimming, saunas, and heavy exercise for 1–2 weeks.
- Attend follow-up visits for corneal stability checks.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–2: Vision improvement; mild dryness possible.
- Week 1: Vision stabilizes; sharper focus achieved.
- Weeks 2–4: Enhanced color, contrast, and night vision.
- 1–3 Months: Full corneal regeneration and stable, high-definition sight.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Crisp, sharp, and distortion-free vision.
- Improved contrast and color clarity, even at night.
- Long-term stability and comfort.
- Near-elimination of glare, halos, and visual scatter.
Longevity
SMILE Eye Contoura Technology provides permanent corneal reshaping with visual stability lasting 15–20 years or more.
Korean clinical data shows 99% patient satisfaction, with superior clarity and minimal optical distortion long-term.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is globally recognized for combining AI-driven innovation and precision refractive technology, making it the world’s leader in SMILE and Contoura-guided eye surgery.
- Next-Generation Technology: Exclusive integration of Contoura topography into SMILE systems.
- Elite Surgeons: Korean ophthalmologists lead global SMILE and topography-guided innovation.
- Advanced Recovery Protocols: Biologic and oxygen-assisted corneal regeneration systems.
- Comprehensive Care: Multilingual patient services and global-standard facilities.
- Affordable Excellence: Cutting-edge technology at globally competitive pricing.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Driven Contoura Mapping System
- Wavefront–Topography Fusion Correction
- Real-Time Corneal Energy Calibration
- Biologic Nerve & Tear Regeneration Protocols
- Oxygen-Enhanced Corneal Healing
- Smart Hydration Monitoring Systems
- Contoura-Integrated Visual Clarity Algorithm
These technologies make SMILE Eye Contoura Technology in Korea one of the most precise, comfortable, and visually advanced refractive surgery options available worldwide.
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. |
| SMILE Eye Contoura Technology | ₩4,000,000 – ₩5,800,000 | ~$2,900 – $4,200 | Topography-guided SMILE with AI planning and biologic recovery. |
| Contoura Premium Vision Package | ₩5,800,000 – ₩7,200,000+ | ~$4,200 – $5,200+ | Includes oxygen regeneration, tear-nerve therapy, and extended aftercare. |
Pricing varies by clinic technology, surgeon expertise, and after-care package.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Clinic (Gangnam): Leader in AI-guided SMILE Contoura with advanced 3D mapping.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Specializes in topography-integrated SMILE and regenerative healing systems.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Internationally recognized for Contoura-guided SMILE vision programs.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focused on biologic tear regeneration and optical contour precision enhancement.
