SMILE Pro in Seoul: flapless, in seconds
SMILE Pro is the newest generation of small-incision lenticule extraction, performed on the ZEISS VisuMax 800. The laser works for about 10 seconds per eye, there is no corneal flap, and most patients see clearly within a day or two.
How SMILE Pro corrects your vision
The femtosecond laser shapes a thin disc of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the intact cornea. Your surgeon then removes it through a tiny 2–4 mm opening. Taking out that lenticule changes the curvature of the cornea and corrects the prescription.
Because the surface of the cornea and most of its nerves are left untouched, SMILE Pro avoids the flap used in LASIK. That is why it is often chosen by people who play contact sports, serve in the military or police, or are concerned about dry eye.
The VisuMax 800 is faster than earlier SMILE platforms and tracks the eye's natural rotation, which helps precision when correcting astigmatism. Apgujeong Eye Clinic has performed SMILE since 2011.
Who SMILE Pro suits
Your 50+ test examination decides. These are the general patterns surgeons look for.
Often a good fit
- Myopia (short-sightedness), with or without astigmatism
- A stable prescription for at least a year
- Adequate corneal thickness on topography
- An active lifestyle or contact sports
- Concern about dry eye after surgery
May point to another option
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness): LASIK may be better
- Very high myopia or thin corneas: consider ICL
- Keratoconus or irregular corneas
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled eye or autoimmune disease
Surgery day
- Final check Your surgeon reviews your measurements and marks the treatment plan.
- Numbing drops Anesthetic drops are applied. No injections and no general anesthesia.
- Laser You look at a target light for roughly 10 seconds per eye.
- Lenticule removal The surgeon removes the lenticule through the small incision.
- Rest and go home A short rest, a quick check and you leave with eye shields and drops.
Recovery after SMILE Pro
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Same day | Mild watering, light sensitivity or a scratchy feeling for a few hours. Rest your eyes. |
| Day 1 | Most patients see well enough for daily tasks. First check-up at the clinic. |
| Week 1 | Return to screen work and normal routine. Avoid swimming and eye rubbing. |
| Month 1 | Vision continues to sharpen. Most sports allowed after clearance. |
| Month 3 | Vision typically stable. Final review of results. |
Typical experience only. Your surgeon gives personal instructions after surgery.
Other procedures
SMILE LASIK
Small-incision correction with no corneal flap.
Learn about SMILE LASIK → Flap · laserLASIK
Proven laser correction with very fast recovery.
Learn about LASIK → Surface · laserLASEK
Surface treatment that preserves corneal tissue.
Learn about LASEK → Surface · laserPRK
The original surface laser procedure.
Learn about PRK →Common questions
Is SMILE Pro painful?
The eye is numbed with drops, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Mild irritation for a few hours afterward is common.
What is the difference between SMILE Pro and SMILE LASIK?
Both use the same flapless principle. SMILE Pro runs on the newer VisuMax 800, which shortens laser time to about 10 seconds per eye and adds automated centration and rotation tracking.
How soon can I fly home after SMILE Pro?
Many patients fly after the first follow-up visits. Your surgeon confirms timing; plan for about one week in Seoul.
Can SMILE Pro correct astigmatism?
Yes, SMILE Pro corrects myopia with astigmatism. Your exam confirms whether your astigmatism is within the treatable range.
Find out which procedure fits your eyes
Send your prescription and travel dates. A coordinator replies in English and books your 50+ test examination with a board-certified surgeon.
