Treatment

What is SMILE LASIK?

SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) uses only a femtosecond laser, the Zeiss VisuMax. It shapes a thin lens-shaped piece of tissue inside the cornea and the surgeon removes it through a small side opening, which changes the corneal curve.

Koreans call it 스마일라식. SMILE Pro is the same technique on the VisuMax 800, which cuts in under 10 seconds per eye and adds eye-tracking aids.

How it works

The eye is numbed and held with light suction. The laser creates the lenticule and the access cut, then the surgeon frees and draws out the tissue. With no flap and less nerve cutting, dry eye tends to be less than with LASIK in the early months.

Who it suits

Myopia with or without astigmatism
People who want quick recovery without a flap
Contact sports or active lifestyles
Those prone to dry eye

Who should skip it or wait

Long-sight (hyperopia), which most clinics still treat with LASIK or LASEK
Very low prescriptions where the lenticule would be too thin
Thin or irregular corneas
Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Side effects and risks

Slightly slower sharpening of vision in the first days than LASIK
Difficult lenticule removal (uncommon)
Dry eye, usually milder than after LASIK
Under-correction, with fewer touch-up options than LASIK

Aftercare

Use drops as prescribed
Do not rub eyes for 2 weeks
Avoid swimming and saunas for 2 weeks
Wear sunglasses in bright sun

Planning around your trip

Pre-op exams in Korea usually take about 1.5 to 3 hours and include pupil dilation, so you cannot drive afterwards. Most surgeons allow flying after the day-1 check, but staying about a week lets you attend the 1-week review.

Eye Clinic clinics near Apgujeong

Apgujeong St. Mary's Eye Clinic (압구정성모안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 7 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Seoul Balgeun Sesang Eye Clinic (서울밝은세상안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 4 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station
The One Seoul Eye Clinic (더원서울안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station
I Love Eye Clinic (아이러브안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 3 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Seoul Samsung Eye Clinic (서울삼성안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station
Shin Eye Clinic (신안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 1 min walk from Sinsa Station
Apgujeong Barobogi Eye Clinic (압구정바로보기안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 5 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Apgujeong Balgeun Eye Clinic (압구정밝은안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 8 min walk from Apgujeong Station

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

SMILE LASIK price in Apgujeong

₩2,000,000–₩3,500,000
both eyes, standard SMILE (SMILE Pro often costs more)

Typical range at clinics around Apgujeong, Sinsa and Cheongdam, checked 2026-10. Source: Glasswallet vision-correction cost guide (2025-2026 Korean market, both eyes). Cosmetic treatments in Korea carry 10% VAT; ask whether a quote includes it.

Full SMILE LASIK price breakdown →

SMILE LASIK questions

What is the real difference between SMILE and SMILE Pro?

The surgical idea is the same. SMILE Pro runs on the newer VisuMax 800 with a much shorter laser time per eye. Clinics charge more for it.

Can SMILE fix long-sightedness?

In Korea it is mainly used for myopia and myopic astigmatism. Hyperopia is usually treated with LASIK or LASEK.

Is SMILE better for dry eyes than LASIK?

Studies generally show less early dry eye after SMILE because fewer corneal nerves are cut. It does not remove the risk.

How is SMILE different from SMILE LASEK?

Some Korean clinics use 스마일라섹 as a marketing name for a laser surface procedure. Ask whether the cornea is opened through a small incision or the surface is lasered.

Can SMILE be topped up if I need a touch-up?

Yes, usually with a surface laser or by converting to a flap, but options depend on remaining corneal thickness.

Do I need someone to come with me?

Yes, it helps. Your vision is hazy for the first hours and you should not drive.

Questions before you visit?

Eye · 스마일라식

SMILE and SMILE Pro Laser Eye Surgery

Quick facts