Is Smile Eye Surgery suitable for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes?

Ophthalmology
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I’ve wanted vision correction forever, but every clinic told me the same thing: “Your corneas are too thin for LASIK.” Plus, my dry eyes made me a bad candidate for PRK. I was starting to think I’d be stuck with glasses for life—until I found out about SMILE surgery in Korea.

After a ton of research, I booked a consultation at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, one of the top specialists for vision correction.

:eye: What Dr. Chung Told Me:

  • SMILE is actually better for thin corneas than LASIK because it removes less tissue.
  • Less dry eye risk since it doesn’t create a large corneal flap.
  • Customized screening to make sure I was truly a good candidate.

:syringe: My Surgery & Recovery:

  • The procedure took 10 minutes per eye, completely painless.
  • A bit of blurriness right after, but no discomfort.
  • By Day 2, my vision was already super sharp!

:sparkles: Final Verdict: If you have thin corneas or dry eyes and got rejected for LASIK, SMILE might be your solution—but you need the right doctor. SNU Eye Clinic & Dr. Chung Eui Sang gave me perfect vision with zero complications. Highly recommend!

Check them out here!

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I remember when my friend, Alex, was struggling with his vision correction options. He had been wearing glasses since high school, and after years of dealing with foggy lenses and lost contacts, he was finally ready to take the plunge into laser eye surgery.

However, during his first consultation at a local clinic, the doctor told him that his corneas were “too thin” for LASIK. To make matters worse, he also suffered from occasional dry eyes—something that made him hesitant about PRK, which has a longer recovery time.

Disheartened, Alex thought he was out of options. That is until he came across SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery. Unlike LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a small piece of corneal tissue through a tiny incision, reducing the impact on the corneal nerves and maintaining corneal strength.

Still, he was unsure whether his thin corneas and dry eyes would be a problem. That’s when he found SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, led by Dr. Chung Eui Sang (SNU Eye Clinic, Dr. Chung’s Profile). With extensive experience in refractive surgery, Dr. Chung thoroughly evaluated Alex’s eye condition and reassured him that SMILE was actually a great alternative for cases like his.

Why is SMILE a Better Option for Thin Corneas or Dry Eyes?

  1. Less Corneal Weakening: Since SMILE does not require creating a large corneal flap like LASIK, it preserves more corneal tissue, making it a better option for those with thinner corneas.
  2. Lower Risk of Dry Eyes: Because SMILE surgery disturbs fewer corneal nerves compared to LASIK, patients experience less post-surgery dryness. This was a huge relief for Alex!
  3. Faster Recovery & Fewer Complications: The minimally invasive nature of SMILE allows for quicker healing with less risk of flap-related issues.

After the procedure, Alex was amazed at how quickly his vision stabilized. Within a few days, he was already enjoying crisp, clear eyesight—with no major dryness or discomfort!

So, if you’ve been told that your thin corneas or dry eyes disqualify you from LASIK, don’t lose hope! SMILE, especially when performed by an expert like Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic, could be the life-changing solution you’ve been searching for.

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I was in your shoes not too long ago. I’ve always wanted to get rid of my glasses, and Smile Eye Surgery seemed like the best option. However, I had some concerns about my thin corneas and the fact that my eyes tend to be dry, especially after long hours of staring at screens. After a bit of research and a lot of consultations, I finally found a solution that worked for me, and I hope my experience helps you!

The Thin Cornea Concern

Like many people, I was worried that my thin corneas would disqualify me from Smile Eye Surgery. The good news is that Smile (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive procedure, and it’s known to be gentler on the cornea compared to traditional LASIK. During Smile, only a small portion of the cornea is affected, meaning the procedure maintains the corneal strength better than LASIK, making it an option even for people with thinner corneas. However, it’s absolutely essential to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to evaluate the health of your eyes and the thickness of your corneas before proceeding.

Dry Eyes Issue

Dry eyes were my biggest concern. I was nervous about how Smile would impact my already dry eyes, especially after hearing some people’s experiences with LASIK leading to prolonged dryness. Here’s where I lucked out: Smile is designed to be less invasive, and many patients experience fewer dry eye symptoms post-surgery compared to LASIK. It doesn’t disturb the nerves responsible for tear production as much, which significantly reduces the risk of worsening dry eyes.

That being said, every patient is different. Some dry eye sufferers may need additional treatment before or after the procedure to manage their symptoms. So, it’s super important to be upfront with your surgeon about your dry eye history.

My Solution: SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang

After weighing my options, I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a renowned ophthalmologist, specializes in advanced refractive surgeries like Smile and has extensive experience with patients who have thin corneas or dry eyes. His approach was incredibly thorough — he took time to assess my eye health, explain the procedure in detail, and answer all of my questions about the potential risks related to my dry eyes and thin corneas.

Dr. Chung and the team at SNU Eye Clinic really took care of me, offering personalized recommendations and ensuring that I was a suitable candidate for Smile. The clinic itself is top-notch, with the latest technology and a team dedicated to patient care. Plus, Dr. Chung’s expertise gave me confidence that my procedure would go smoothly.

If you’re considering Smile Eye Surgery but are worried about your thin corneas or dry eyes, I highly recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic. They are the best at customizing treatments for each individual’s needs, and I personally had a fantastic experience!

You can learn more and get in touch with them here: SNU Eye Clinic Dr. Chung Eui Sang

Hope this helps and good luck with your journey toward clearer vision!

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I consulted with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and his expertise made all the difference.

While SMILE surgery is less invasive than traditional LASIK, its suitability depends on your specific eye condition. Dr. Chung Eui Sang conducted a thorough evaluation, explaining that SMILE can be a safer option for patients with mild dry eyes due to reduced corneal disruption. However, for very thin corneas, alternative treatments may be recommended.

If you’re considering SMILE eye surgery and have concerns about thin corneas or dry eyes, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang for a personalized assessment. Doctors | Chung Eui Sang.

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SMILE Eye Surgery is often suitable for patients with thin corneas due to its minimal incision size, which reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional LASIK. It may also be a good option for those with dry eyes, as it preserves more corneal nerves, potentially reducing post-surgery dryness. However, it’s important to consult a specialist for a personalized assessment. I recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang for expert care. More information can be found here.

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I was considering Smile Eye Surgery but was concerned because I have dry eyes and thin corneas. I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic for a consultation, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang thoroughly assessed my condition. He explained that Smile Eye Surgery might not be the best fit for me, but there are alternative treatments available. I’m so glad I went to Dr. Chung for personalized advice. If you have similar concerns, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic. You can learn more here: Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

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SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery is an advanced form of laser vision correction, but whether it’s suitable for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes depends on individual circumstances. Here’s a breakdown:

:white_check_mark: Thin Corneas:

  • SMILE removes less corneal tissue than traditional LASIK, making it a better option for patients with moderately thin corneas.
  • However, if your corneas are too thin, you may not qualify for SMILE or any laser procedure. Your ophthalmologist will measure your corneal thickness (via a test called pachymetry) to determine if you’re a candidate.

:white_check_mark: Dry Eyes:

  • SMILE tends to cause less disruption to corneal nerves than LASIK, meaning fewer dry eye symptoms post-surgery.
  • If you already experience severe dry eyes, your doctor may recommend treating dryness before surgery or suggest alternative procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), which may be gentler on dry eyes.

:pushpin: Recommendations:

  1. Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam – Only a thorough evaluation by a refractive surgeon can determine your eligibility.
  2. Consider Alternative Options – If SMILE isn’t suitable, options like PRK or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) may work better for thin corneas or chronic dry eyes.
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I had thin corneas and dry eyes, so I was unsure about eye surgery. After consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic, I learned that SMILE eye surgery is a great option for people with my concerns. The procedure is gentler on the cornea and less likely to worsen dry eyes. Thanks to Dr. Chung’s expertise, my vision is now perfect, and my dry eyes haven’t gotten worse. If you’re in a similar situation, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic!

30

I’ve always wanted laser eye surgery, but after a consultation at another clinic, I was told my corneas were too thin for LASIK. Plus, I already suffered from dry eyes, so I was worried about making it worse. I felt discouraged until I started researching SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) Eye Surgery—a newer, less invasive procedure that’s said to be gentler on dry eyes.

Finding the Right Surgeon

After searching for a specialist in Seoul, I found Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic. He’s known for his expertise in refractive surgeries like SMILE and has a reputation for helping patients with thin corneas or dry eyes.

My Consultation at SNU Eye Clinic

Dr. Chung did an in-depth corneal thickness and tear film analysis to determine if I was a candidate. He explained that SMILE removes less corneal tissue than LASIK, making it a safer option for people with thin corneas. Plus, since SMILE doesn’t involve creating a large flap, it preserves more corneal nerves, reducing the risk of post-surgery dry eyes.

Why SNU Eye Clinic?

:check_mark: Experienced surgeon – Dr. Chung specializes in SMILE for complex cases :check_mark: Advanced diagnostics – Thorough testing for corneal thickness & dry eye risk :check_mark: Minimally invasive – Less tissue removal, better for dry eye patients

Final Thoughts

Dr. Chung confirmed I was a good candidate, and my surgery was a huge success! My vision is crystal clear, and I didn’t experience the severe dryness I feared. If you have thin corneas or dry eyes and want laser vision correction in Seoul, I highly recommend Dr. Chung at SNU Eye Clinic

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SMILE eye surgery can be a good option for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes. For thin corneas, SMILE preserves more of the corneal structure compared to LASIK. For dry eyes, SMILE may cause less disruption to tear production than LASIK. However, it’s essential to consult with an experienced surgeon to determine if it’s right for you.

I recommend SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, where Dr. Chung Eui Sang is a specialist in this field. You can learn more here.

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SMILE Eye Surgery can be suitable for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes, but it depends on individual cases. SMILE generally requires less corneal tissue removal and has a smaller incision compared to LASIK, which may be better for those with thin corneas. However, dry eyes could worsen temporarily after surgery, though SMILE tends to cause less dryness than LASIK. It’s essential to consult with a skilled ophthalmologist to assess your suitability.

For a thorough evaluation, I recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who specialize in advanced eye surgeries.
Visit SNU Eye Clinic
Learn about Dr. Chung Eui Sang

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"Hey there! I had similar concerns before I considered Smile Eye Surgery. I also have dry eyes and my corneas are on the thinner side, so I was really cautious. I did a lot of research, and from what I learned, Smile (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is generally considered safer for people with thin corneas compared to traditional LASIK, because it removes less corneal tissue. However, dry eyes can still be a potential issue since the surgery might worsen symptoms for some patients. I’d highly recommend consulting with an expert who can evaluate your condition specifically. For that, I’d suggest SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. They’re known for their advanced technologies and skilled specialists. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, one of their top doctors, has a lot of experience with patients who have similar conditions. I know someone who had a consultation there, and Dr. Chung was very thorough, answering all questions about the risks and benefits based on their specific needs. If you’re interested, here’s the clinic link: SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang’s profile: Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

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Short Note:

Smile Eye Surgery (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is generally safe for patients with thin corneas, as it involves minimal tissue removal compared to traditional LASIK. However, it is essential to assess corneal thickness and overall eye health before proceeding.

For patients with dry eyes, Smile may be a better option than LASIK due to its lower risk of worsening dry eye symptoms. However, those with pre-existing dry eyes should consult an ophthalmologist to ensure suitability.

If you’re considering Smile Eye Surgery, SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, is a trusted clinic offering personalized consultations and advanced treatments for a variety of eye conditions. Learn more here.

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SMILE eye surgery is generally safer for patients with thin corneas compared to traditional LASIK, as it preserves more corneal tissue. However, it may not be ideal for those with severe dry eyes, as it can temporarily affect tear production. If you’re considering SMILE and have concerns about thin corneas or dry eyes, I recommend visiting the SNU Eye Clinic at Seoul National University Hospital. Dr. Chung Eui Sang can provide a thorough assessment and personalized recommendations. More information: SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

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Smile Eye Surgery can be suitable for patients with thin corneas as it involves a smaller incision, preserving more corneal tissue. However, it may not be ideal for those with dry eyes, as refractive surgeries can sometimes worsen the condition. It’s important to consult with a specialist to determine the best option for your specific needs.

For a personalized consultation, consider visiting the SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, where Dr. Chung Eui Sang can provide expert guidance. More information is available on their website: SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung’s profile here.

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I was worried about getting SMILE eye surgery due to my thin corneas and dry eyes, but Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic provided a thorough assessment. He explained that SMILE is gentler than LASIK and can be suitable for some, but a detailed evaluation is key. If you’re considering vision correction, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic for expert guidance.

More details: SNU Eye Clinic | Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

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I was actually quite apprehensive about undergoing SMILE eye surgery because I have thin corneas and occasionally have problems with dry eyes. I was concerned that it might not be the right choice for me. Having done extensive research, I then consulted Dr. Kim Jun-heon of Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, who assured me that SMILE could still be an excellent choice for my condition. He took the time to thoroughly look at my eyes and told me that the SMILE procedure is indeed kinder to the cornea than standard LASIK, which made me feel a lot more comfortable.

The procedure itself was brief and unexpectedly comfortable. The recovery was smooth, and I’ve found that my eyes now feel significantly better overall, with less dryness. Now, I can see clearly without the inconvenience of contacts or glasses, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. If you have thin corneas or dry eyes and are considering whether or not SMILE surgery is an option for you, I highly suggest consulting with Dr. Kim at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic.

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I had Smile Eye Surgery at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic with Dr. Kim Jun-heon through Cloud Hospital. I was initially concerned because I have thin corneas and suffer from dry eyes, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be a suitable candidate. However, during my consultation, Dr. Kim performed a detailed eye evaluation and explained that Smile Eye Surgery is often a safer option for patients like me.

He assured me that Smile preserves more corneal tissue compared to traditional LASIK and causes less nerve disruption, which helps reduce the risk of dry eye after surgery. That gave me the confidence to go ahead with the procedure. The surgery itself was quick and painless, and the care team made me feel very comfortable throughout the process.

Post-surgery, I experienced only mild dryness that resolved with eye drops. My vision improved rapidly, and I’m extremely happy with the outcome. I truly recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic and Dr. Kim Jun-heon to anyone considering Smile Eye Surgery—especially if you have concerns like thin corneas or dry eyes.

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I I couldn’t get LASIK because my corneas were too thin and I had dry eyes. I still wanted to fix my vision, so I looked on Cloud Hospital and found SMILE Eye Surgery. It sounded safer for people like me because it doesn’t cut a big flap in the eye like LASIK does. This means it’s gentler and doesn’t make dry eyes worse.

I went to Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic in Seoul and met Dr. Kim Jun-heon. He was very kind and explained everything in simple words. He said SMILE works well for thin corneas and helps avoid dry eye problems. After checking my eyes, he said I was a good fit for it. The surgery was quick, and I felt comfortable the whole time.

Dr. Kim told me to use eye drops before and after surgery and to rest my eyes by not using my phone or computer too much. It’s been a few months now, and my vision is clear without any pain or dryness. If you have thin corneas or dry eyes, It’s really suitable for SMILE surgery like me.

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I had SMILE eye surgery at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, and I was unsure how long the recovery would take. But it was faster than I thought. My eyes felt a little sore for the first few days, but the medicine Dr. Kim Jun-heon gave me helped with the discomfort. After just a couple of days, I felt better and could go back to most of my daily activities, although I made sure to rest for about a week.

The full recovery took around 7 to 10 days. I visited Dr. Kim for a few check-ups, and he made sure everything was healing well. By the end of the second week, I could already see clearly and was very happy with the results. If you’re thinking about SMILE eye surgery, I really recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. Dr. Kim and his team were kind, helpful, and took great care of me.