The recovery process after SMILE eye surgery generally takes around 1 to 2 weeks for the majority of patients. During this time, you’ll experience some mild discomfort, such as dryness, glare, or slight blurriness, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Most patients can return to normal activities like reading or working on a computer within a few days, though strenuous activities like heavy exercise should be avoided for about a week.
Complete healing, where your vision fully stabilizes, can take a few months. However, improvements in vision are usually noticeable within the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible recovery. If you’re considering SMILE surgery, I highly recommend consulting Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic. He is an experienced specialist in the field, and SNU Eye Clinic offers advanced technology to support your eye care journey. You can learn more about Dr. Chung and the clinic here: Dr. Chung Eui Sang - SNU Eye Clinic.
Immediate Post-Op (Day 1–3): After the procedure, your vision may be blurry. Most patients experience significant improvement within 2–3 days.
First Week: You can usually resume light activities and return to work. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and wearing protective eyewear when outdoors.
First Month: Vision continues to stabilize. Most patients achieve clearer and more stable vision by the end of this period. However, it’s advisable to avoid swimming and strenuous activities during this time.
Long-Term Recovery (2–6 Months): Full visual recovery occurs gradually. While most patients experience stable vision within this timeframe, some may notice slight dryness or night glare, which typically improves over time.
Why Choose Jryn Eye Clinic in Seoul?
For those in Seoul seeking expert care, Jryn Eye Clinic is a reputable choice for SMILE eye surgery. The clinic boasts a team of experienced ophthalmologists:
Dr. Sang Youp Han: Specializes in corneal diseases and refractive surgery.
Dr. Heo Joong Gu: Expert in corneal transplantation and advanced keratoconus treatments.
Dr. Lee Jae Jung: Focuses on comprehensive eye care, including keratoconus management.
Their expertise ensures personalized care and optimal outcomes for patients undergoing SMILE surgery.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Jryn Eye Clinic.
I had SMILE eye surgery at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic with Dr. Kim Jun-heon, and the recovery was impressively quick. Within 1–2 days, my vision improved noticeably, and I was back to daily activities. Full stabilization took about 1–3 months, but discomfort was minimal from the start. The clinic provided excellent follow-up care and personalized guidance throughout. If you’re considering SMILE in Korea, I highly recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic.
Last year, I had SMILE eye surgery at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul to correct my vision after years of wearing glasses. I chose this clinic because of Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a highly respected expert in refractive surgery. The clinic was modern, the staff were professional, and the entire process was clearly explained to me.
The surgery was quick and much less uncomfortable than I expected. SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a small piece of tissue from the cornea to correct nearsightedness, and it offers a faster recovery than LASIK.
My recovery was smooth. Within the first week, my vision improved significantly, and by one month, I could go about my normal activities without glasses. After a few months, my vision was sharp and stable.
I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung for anyone considering SMILE surgery. The care was excellent, and the results exceeded my expectations.
The recovery process after SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is generally swift, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day or two. Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not involve creating a corneal flap, which contributes to a quicker and more comfortable recovery. Patients often experience minimal discomfort, and vision improvements can be noticed almost immediately, continuing to stabilize over the following weeks. Laser Eye InstituteEnvue Eye and Laser Center
For those considering SMILE surgery in Seoul, Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic is a reputable choice. Located near Gangnam Station, the clinic specializes in SMILE procedures and is recognized for its advanced technology and experienced medical team. Dr. Kim Jun-heon, the clinic’s director, has over 16 years of experience and emphasizes patient safety and personalized care. CloudHospital Inc.Creatrip+1Korea Clinic Guide+1
Patients at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic benefit from a comprehensive approach to eye care, including pre-surgery evaluations, detailed post-operative instructions, and follow-up care to ensure optimal recovery and vision outcomes.
Absolutely! Recovery after SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is typically swift and straightforward. Many patients notice improved vision within a day or two and can resume daily activities shortly thereafter. However, full visual stabilization may take several weeks to a few months, depending on individual healing processes.
At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, renowned for its specialization in SMILE surgery, patients benefit from advanced techniques and personalized care. Under the expertise of Dr. Kim Jun-heon, the clinic offers the AcuTarget SMILE LASIK Surgery, which utilizes a minimal corneal incision of approximately 2mm. This approach ensures rapid visual recovery, reduced risk of corneal haze, and minimal discomfort.
The clinic’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by its designation as a SMILE Surgery Research Center in collaboration with ZEISS, highlighting its role in advancing vision correction techniques.
I had SMILE eye surgery done earlier this year in Seoul after hearing great things about its quick recovery and minimal discomfort. I chose Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, which came highly recommended on Cloud Hospital and through several expat groups. The lead surgeon, Dr. Kim Jun-heon, was incredibly experienced and made me feel at ease from the start.
The recovery process was surprisingly fast. I had mild dryness and slight blurriness on the first day, but by day two, I could already see clearly. There was no pain, and I didn’t need to take much time off work just a day of rest. By the end of the first week, my vision had stabilized significantly. The best part was that there were no flaps involved, which meant fewer complications compared to LASIK. Overall, the experience at Joeunnun was smooth, professional, and life changing.
Hi, When I had Smile Eye Surgery at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, I was a bit unsure about how long the recovery would take. To my surprise, it was quicker than I thought. The first few days, my eyes felt a bit uncomfortable, but the pain was very manageable with the medicine Dr. Kim Jun-heon gave me. After a couple of days, I started feeling better and could do most normal activities, though I made sure to take it easy for about a week.
The whole recovery process took around 7 to 10 days. I had a few follow-up appointments with Dr. Kim, who checked on my healing and made sure everything was going smoothly. By the end of the second week, I could already see the great results. If you’re thinking about Smile Eye Surgery, I definitely recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. Dr. Kim and the team took excellent care of me. You can check out more about the clinic here: Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic and Dr. Kim Jun-heon here: Dr. Kim Jun-heon.
My uncle recently had Smile Eye Surgery at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, and I was really impressed with how smooth his recovery process was. He was a bit anxious before the surgery, but Dr. Kim Jun-heon made sure he understood everything clearly, which put him at ease. The first few days after the surgery were a little uncomfortable, but my uncle followed the post-op instructions carefully. By the end of the first week, he was already feeling much better, and after about two weeks, he was back to his usual routine. His full recovery took about a month, but the results were definitely worth it—his vision is much clearer, and he feels more comfortable overall.
If you’re thinking about Smile Eye Surgery, I highly recommend using CloudHospital to connect with trusted clinics like Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. The entire process was smooth, and the care from Dr. Kim Jun-heon and his team made all the difference. You can find more information here: Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic and Dr. Kim Jun-heon.
Hi! When I had SMILE eye surgery at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, I was a little unsure about how long recovery would take. But it was faster than I expected. For the first few days, my eyes felt a bit uncomfortable, but the medicine Dr. Kim Jun-heon gave me helped a lot. After a couple of days, I felt better and could go back to most of my normal activities, though I still took it easy for about a week.
My full recovery took around 7 to 10 days. I had a few follow-up visits with Dr. Kim to make sure everything was healing well. By the end of the second week, I could already see great results. If you’re thinking about getting SMILE eye surgery, I highly recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. Dr. Kim and the team took really good care of me.
You can learn more about the clinic and Dr. Kim Jun-heon here:
Gangnam Joeunnun Vision ClinicDr. Kim Jun-heon
My cousin recently underwent SMILE Eye Surgery at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and the recovery process turned out to be much smoother and faster than she had expected. Under the care of Dr. Chung Eui Sang, she received a detailed explanation of what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Right after the surgery, her vision was slightly blurry, but within 24 hours, she could already see a noticeable improvement. By the second or third day, she was comfortably reading, walking outside without glasses, and getting back into her normal routine.
Dr. Chung emphasized that full visual stabilization typically occurs within a few weeks, although most patients resume daily activities within just a couple of days. My cousin had minimal discomfort just some dryness and mild sensitivity to light in the first week which was well managed with prescribed eye drops. The clinic provided thorough aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure everything was healing correctly. Thanks to the advanced laser technology used at SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung’s expert care, her recovery was quick and problem-free. She now enjoys clear, glasses-free vision and says the entire experience exceeded her expectations.