Quick answer: SMILE, often marketed in Korea as SMILE LASIK, corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism by using a femtosecond laser to cut a thin lens-shaped piece of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a small incision of a few millimeters. There is no corneal flap, so many patients return to normal routines within days, though suitability depends on detailed screening.
What is SMILE and why is it called flapless?
SMILE stands for small incision lenticule extraction. In traditional LASIK, the surgeon creates a hinged flap on the cornea, lifts it and reshapes the tissue underneath with an excimer laser. In SMILE, a femtosecond laser creates a thin disc of tissue, the lenticule, within the corneal layers. The surgeon then removes it through a small side opening, typically a few millimeters long, and the cornea's curvature changes as a result.
Because the upper corneal layers are left largely intact, there is no flap that could be dislodged by an injury. Korean clinics may also offer newer lenticule-based platforms under different brand names; the principle is similar. More background is on our
SMILE LASIK treatment page.
What happens on surgery day?
- Numbing eye drops are applied; no general anesthesia is used
- A lid holder keeps the eye open and a suction interface gently holds the eye still
- The laser stage itself typically lasts well under a minute per eye
- The surgeon separates and removes the lenticule, then checks the eye
- Patients usually go home within a couple of hours with protective shields and drops
Vision is often blurry or hazy for the first day. Most people are asked to return the next day for a check.
Who is a good candidate for SMILE?
- Adults with stable prescriptions, usually for at least a year
- Short-sightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism within the range the laser is approved for
- Healthy corneas of adequate thickness with a normal shape on topography
- No active eye disease, uncontrolled autoimmune disease or pregnancy
SMILE has traditionally been less suited to long-sightedness (hyperopia) and very low prescriptions, and options for later enhancement are different from LASIK. Contact-sport players, military personnel and people worried about flap complications are often interested in SMILE. A thorough
pre-surgery screening decides suitability, not the price list.
How does SMILE compare with LASIK and LASEK?
- LASIK: creates a flap; quick visual recovery; broad prescription range; flap-related risks remain lifelong
- LASEK/PRK: no flap or incision, the surface layer is removed; more discomfort and slower recovery over several days
- SMILE: small incision, no flap; recovery is usually quick; dry eye may be milder in the early months than with LASIK, according to several studies, though results vary
Long-term visual outcomes between SMILE and LASIK appear broadly comparable for suitable patients. Your surgeon may recommend one over another based on your cornea and prescription. See also our
LASIK page.
What is recovery like?
- Day 1: blurry vision, watering and a gritty feeling; follow-up visit
- Days 2-7: most people read, use screens and work with breaks; eye drops on a schedule
- First weeks: avoid rubbing eyes, swimming, saunas and eye makeup as instructed
- One to three months: vision continues to stabilize; dry eye drops are often used
Many foreign patients plan to stay about a week to attend the next-day and one-week checks before flying home.
What are the risks of SMILE?
- Dry eye symptoms, usually temporary
- Glare, halos or reduced night vision, especially early on
- Under- or over-correction, which may need a different enhancement method
- Rare complications such as infection, inflammation or corneal ectasia (progressive thinning)
- Occasional difficulty removing the lenticule during surgery
No refractive surgery guarantees perfect vision. Reading glasses will still be needed with age.
How much does SMILE cost in Korea?
Vision correction is uninsured. Advertised/listing prices checked in October 2026, not quotes, generally place SMILE at about KRW 2,000,000-3,500,000 for both eyes, usually above LASIK or LASEK. Ask whether the screening exam, follow-up visits and medications are included, and whether the price varies by prescription strength. The price guide explains common inclusions.
How do I choose a clinic for SMILE?
Look for registered ophthalmology clinics with board-certified eye surgeons; the ophthalmology listing shows clinics in the area. Ask which laser platform is used, how many SMILE procedures the surgeon has performed, how enhancements are handled, and who you contact if you have a problem after returning home.
Frequently asked questions
Is SMILE painful?
The eye is numbed, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild discomfort for a few hours afterward is common.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
Yes, SMILE is usually performed on both eyes in one session.
When can I fly home after SMILE?
Many surgeons allow flying within a few days once the early checks look normal. Confirm with your clinic and use lubricating drops on the plane.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Last reviewed: October 2026.
