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

Ophthalmology
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This question is asking whether Smile Eye Surgery (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a good option for people who have thin corneas or suffer from dry eyes.

To break it down:

  1. Smile Eye Surgery: This is a type of laser vision correction surgery, similar to LASIK, but it uses a smaller incision and different technology to reshape the cornea and improve vision. It’s generally used to treat nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.
  2. Thin Corneas: The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. For certain eye surgeries like LASIK, the cornea needs to be thick enough to handle the reshaping process. Thin corneas may not provide enough tissue to safely perform such procedures, as too much removal could compromise the structural integrity of the eye. However, Smile surgery may be considered safer for those with thinner corneas because it removes less tissue.
  3. Dry Eyes: Some people experience dry eyes after undergoing eye surgery like LASIK because the procedure can disrupt the nerves in the cornea that are responsible for tear production. People with existing dry eyes may have a higher risk of worsening symptoms after surgery.

So, the question is essentially asking if Smile surgery is safe and effective for individuals who either have thin corneas or already experience dry eyes. Generally, Smile may be a more suitable option than LASIK for those with thin corneas, but a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an eye care professional would be required to assess each case individually. For dry eyes, additional consideration and potential treatments would be needed.

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Hey everyone! So, I’ve been living in Korea for a while and recently went through the process of exploring SMILE eye surgery (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), which is a minimally invasive procedure for vision correction. A lot of people are curious about whether this surgery is suitable for those with specific eye conditions, like thin corneas or dry eyes, so I thought I’d share my experience and what I learned along the way.

When I first heard about SMILE surgery, I was really excited about the prospect of a quick recovery and less discomfort compared to traditional LASIK. However, I was also cautious since I’ve had dry eyes in the past and had heard that corneal thickness can sometimes be an issue with certain vision correction procedures.

To get the right answers, I booked a consultation at SNU Eye Clinic, one of the most reputable clinics in Seoul, affiliated with Seoul National University. It’s known for providing top-tier eye care and vision correction treatments. I met with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who is an expert in various vision correction procedures, including SMILE. He took the time to walk me through my options and, importantly, addressed my concerns about dry eyes and corneal thickness.

Dr. Chung explained that while SMILE surgery is typically more suitable for people with thin corneas compared to LASIK (since the procedure involves less tissue removal), it’s not always recommended for those with severe dry eyes. This is because the procedure might worsen dryness in some cases. However, he assured me that it really depends on the severity of the condition. If the dryness wasn’t too severe, SMILE could still be an option, but a thorough evaluation was necessary.

He recommended a series of tests, including measuring my corneal thickness and checking my eye moisture levels, to determine whether I was a good candidate for the surgery. After the tests, Dr. Chung confirmed that my corneas were sufficiently thick for the procedure, and my dry eyes weren’t severe enough to disqualify me.

The surgery went smoothly, and recovery was quicker than I expected. No complaints at all regarding dryness or discomfort post-op, so I’m very happy with the outcome.

If you’re considering SMILE eye surgery and have concerns about thin corneas or dry eyes, I highly recommend consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic. The clinic is well-known for its advanced diagnostic tests and personalized approach to each patient, so they’ll make sure you get the right procedure based on your unique eye health.

You can find more about Dr. Chung and the clinic here: SNU Eye Clinic – Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

Good luck, and remember that getting the right advice and consultation is key when it comes to eye surgery!

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If you have thin corneas or dry eyes, you might be wondering whether Smile Eye Surgery is a good option for you. The short answer is: it depends on the severity of your condition, but it’s not necessarily off the table.

Smile Eye Surgery is generally considered to be safer for patients with thinner corneas than traditional LASIK, as it removes less tissue from the cornea. However, it’s crucial that your eye health is thoroughly evaluated by a specialist before deciding. For patients with dry eyes, the surgery might not be the best choice if your dry eye condition is severe. That’s because while Smile may cause less dryness post-surgery than LASIK, any type of refractive surgery can potentially exacerbate pre-existing dry eye symptoms.

I highly recommend speaking with a trusted clinic like SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, where experts like Dr. Chung Eui Sang can provide a detailed assessment of your eye health and determine if Smile is right for you. They will take your specific needs into account, including your corneal thickness and dryness level, to ensure you get the best treatment for your eyes. It’s all about personalized care!

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I was recently looking into Smile Eye Surgery as a potential solution for vision correction, but I had concerns about whether it would be suitable for my eyes. I have thin corneas and have also struggled with dry eyes in the past, so I wasn’t sure if I was a good candidate for the procedure.

After doing some research, I learned that Smile Eye Surgery is generally less invasive than traditional LASIK, and it may be a good option for patients with thinner corneas because it doesn’t require creating a large flap in the cornea. However, I also found that it’s important to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist who can assess your eye health in detail before making a recommendation.

I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, which is affiliated with Seoul National University and is known for its advanced eye treatments and patient care. I met with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a renowned ophthalmologist who specializes in various vision correction surgeries, including Smile Eye Surgery.

Dr. Chung was very thorough during my consultation. He carefully evaluated my corneal thickness and tear production, and after discussing my history with dry eyes, he explained that Smile Eye Surgery might be a viable option for me, as long as certain criteria were met. He emphasized that patients with dry eyes need to be carefully assessed before moving forward with any surgery, as it could exacerbate the condition. He also recommended some treatments for managing my dry eyes before considering surgery, which I really appreciated.

In the end, Dr. Chung gave me a personalized treatment plan and made sure I fully understood the pros and cons of Smile Eye Surgery given my specific concerns. His approach made me feel confident in moving forward with the surgery when I was ready.

If you’re considering Smile Eye Surgery but have thin corneas or dry eyes, I highly recommend consulting with SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang. Their expertise in customized eye care and cutting-edge procedures made me feel at ease, and I’m confident that they can guide you in the right direction too!

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I had similar concerns before considering Smile Eye Surgery, especially since I have slightly thinner corneas and occasionally suffer from dry eyes. After consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic, I learned that Smile Eye Surgery is often a great option for patients with thin corneas because it involves a smaller incision, reducing the risk of complications. As for dry eyes, Dr. Chung assured me that the procedure would actually help improve the condition in many cases. I decided to go ahead, and the results have been amazing! If you’re in a similar situation, I highly recommend a consultation with Dr. Chung to see if Smile Eye Surgery is right for you. You can find more about him here: Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic.

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I was concerned about my thin corneas and dry eyes when considering Smile Eye Surgery, but after consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic, I felt confident in moving forward. Smile Eye Surgery is actually a great option for people with thin corneas, as it doesn’t require creating a flap like LASIK. As for dry eyes, while it’s a common concern for any eye surgery, Dr. Chung’s expertise and personalized care made a huge difference in minimizing post-surgery dryness. If you’re dealing with similar issues, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic! You can learn more about Dr. Chung here: Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

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I had the same worries before considering Smile Eye Surgery, especially since I have relatively thin corneas and have dealt with dry eyes in the past. Let me share my story:

I’ve worn glasses since I was a teenager, and about a year ago, I started thinking about eye surgery. I knew about LASIK and PRK, but I also knew that these procedures weren’t always suitable for people like me who have thin corneas or issues with dry eyes.

So, after some research, I came across Smile Eye Surgery. The more I learned, the more it seemed like a potential solution for my situation. Smile (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is actually gentler on the cornea compared to LASIK because it removes less tissue. I was encouraged by the fact that it’s a minimally invasive procedure that could work well even for people with thinner corneas.

However, I was still worried about my dry eyes, because I didn’t want to end up with even more discomfort. But when I consulted with a specialist, I was relieved to hear that Smile surgery has a lower risk of exacerbating dry eye symptoms compared to other surgeries. Since the procedure doesn’t require creating a flap (unlike LASIK), it reduces the chances of nerve damage in the cornea that could lead to dry eye problems.

After some careful consideration and consultations, I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, where Dr. Chung Eui Sang was highly recommended. Dr. Chung is an expert in Smile surgery and made me feel very confident about the whole process. The clinic was modern and had a calm, professional atmosphere. Dr. Chung took the time to explain everything about my thin corneas and dry eyes, and he confirmed that Smile would be a suitable option for me.

I went ahead with the surgery, and I’m thrilled with the results! My eyes feel so much more comfortable than I expected, and the vision correction has been life-changing. I no longer rely on glasses or contacts, and my dry eye symptoms have been manageable post-surgery.

If you have concerns about thin corneas or dry eyes, I would definitely recommend SNU Eye Clinic and consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang. They’ll provide a tailored solution to your needs, and the whole process was smooth from start to finish.

Here’s their clinic link if you want more info: SNU Eye Clinic And Dr. Chung’s profile: Dr. Chung Eui Sang

Hope this helps! :blush:

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My cousin had always wanted laser eye surgery, but when she went for a consultation, she was told she had thin corneas and dry eyes, making her a less-than-ideal candidate for LASIK. She thought she was out of options—until she discovered SMILE eye surgery at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul.

Is SMILE Eye Surgery Suitable for Patients with Thin Corneas or Dry Eyes?

Her ophthalmologist at SNU Eye Clinic explained that SMILE surgery is: :white_check_mark: Less invasive than LASIK – No large corneal flap, making it safer for thin corneas. :white_check_mark: Better for dry eyes – Reduces nerve damage, leading to fewer dry eye issues post-surgery. :white_check_mark: Customized to each patient – A thorough exam determines if it’s the right choice.

Why SNU Eye Clinic?

:small_blue_diamond: Experienced eye surgeons specializing in SMILE :small_blue_diamond: State-of-the-art technology for precise results :small_blue_diamond: Personalized evaluations to ensure safety

Her Experience? A Game Changer!

She was approved for SMILE, and the recovery was quick and smooth. Within days, her vision was clear, and her dry eye symptoms were much better compared to traditional LASIK patients.

If you have thin corneas or dry eyes but still want laser vision correction, I highly recommend getting a consultation at SNU Eye Clinic!

:point_right: SNU Eye Clinic

Hope this helps! :blush:

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As someone who recently went through the process of considering various eye surgery options, I can share my experience and research to help answer this question.

My Story:

A few months ago, I was feeling frustrated with my contact lenses and glasses. I had always heard about the life-changing effects of laser eye surgery like LASIK and SMILE, but I had concerns. One major concern was my thin corneas, which had me questioning whether SMILE or any laser surgery would be safe for me. Additionally, I had experienced some dry eyes in the past, which is another factor that made me hesitate.

After doing a lot of research and speaking with different eye specialists, I found out that SMILE surgery can actually be a good option for people like me with thin corneas or dry eyes. Here’s why:

  1. Thin Corneas: SMILE surgery is minimally invasive and removes much less corneal tissue compared to LASIK. This is crucial for patients with thin corneas because the amount of tissue removed during SMILE is much more controlled. In fact, the overall corneal integrity is preserved, which is important for patients who are on the thinner side of the corneal spectrum.
  2. Dry Eyes: Another interesting benefit of SMILE is that it causes significantly less disturbance to the corneal nerves compared to other procedures like LASIK. This results in fewer dry eye symptoms post-surgery. Patients with dry eyes have reported less irritation and faster recovery times after the procedure, which was a huge relief for me.

Why I Recommend SNUSoul Global:

Based on my own research, I decided to go with SNUSoul Global in Seoul, South Korea. They are highly experienced in performing SMILE surgery and offer specialized care for individuals with specific concerns like thin corneas or dry eyes.

Their approach is personalized, and they made sure to tailor the procedure to my needs. The advanced technology they use helped to reduce the risk of complications, and their team of skilled professionals was there to guide me through every step of the process.

If you are in a similar situation and considering SMILE surgery, I highly recommend checking out SNUSoul Global. Their team is dedicated to providing the best care for patients with unique eye conditions, and they make sure to put you at ease throughout the entire journey.

For more information, you can visit their website here.

Hope this helps, and best of luck on your journey to clearer vision!

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If you have thin corneas or dry eyes, SMILE eye surgery could be a better alternative to LASIK. Unlike LASIK, SMILE uses a small incision, preserving corneal strength and reducing dry eye symptoms. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and offers fast recovery.

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For years, I struggled with terrible eyesight. Glasses felt like a burden, and contact lenses were a constant irritation—especially because I had dry eyes. When I finally decided to look into laser eye surgery, I was excited but also nervous. Most procedures, like LASIK, weren’t ideal for people like me with thin corneas and dryness issues.

That’s when I stumbled upon SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery, a newer, minimally invasive alternative to LASIK. I did extensive research and found that SMILE was often recommended for patients with dry eyes because it disrupts fewer corneal nerves, reducing the risk of post-surgery dryness. But what about thin corneas? Could it still work for me?

I needed expert advice, so I sought out one of the best clinics in Korea—SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a renowned ophthalmologist, has extensive experience with SMILE surgery and complex cases like mine. After a thorough examination, he reassured me that my corneal thickness was still within the safe range for SMILE, and my dry eyes wouldn’t be a major issue thanks to its gentle nature.

The procedure itself was surprisingly quick—less than 10 minutes per eye. I expected discomfort, but to my relief, it was painless. Within a day, my vision had improved dramatically, and unlike many LASIK patients, I experienced minimal dryness and no flap-related complications.

Now, months later, I can confidently say SMILE was a life-changer. If you have thin corneas or dry eyes and are hesitant about laser eye surgery, I highly recommend consulting Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic (https://www.snuseoulglobal.com/). His expertise and advanced technology make all the difference.

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I still remember the day I walked into an eye clinic, desperate for a permanent solution to my worsening vision. Glasses felt like a burden, and contacts had become unbearable due to my dry eyes. Like many, I had heard about LASIK, but during my consultation, the doctor frowned slightly as he examined my corneal thickness.

“Your corneas are on the thinner side,” he said. “LASIK might not be the best option for you, but have you considered SMILE?”

That was the first time I heard about SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), a newer laser vision correction technique that promised similar results to LASIK but with less disruption to the corneal surface. Naturally, I had a flood of questions:

:white_check_mark: Is SMILE safer for people with thin corneas? Yes! Unlike LASIK, which requires creating a corneal flap, SMILE involves a much smaller incision (about 2-4mm compared to 20mm in LASIK). This means it preserves more of the corneal structure, making it a preferred option for those with thinner corneas who might not qualify for LASIK.

:white_check_mark: What about dry eyes? One of the biggest reasons I was hesitant about LASIK was its tendency to exacerbate dry eye symptoms. But SMILE has been shown to cause less nerve disruption, meaning fewer issues with dry eye post-surgery. Since the incision is so small, the corneal nerves regenerate faster, helping maintain natural tear production.

After much research, I decided to go with SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, led by Dr. Chung Eui Sang (SNU Eye Clinic). Known for his expertise in SMILE surgery, Dr. Chung explained everything in detail, ensuring I felt comfortable with my decision. The procedure itself was quick—just a few minutes per eye—and within a day, I was already noticing the world with newfound clarity.

Fast forward a few months, and my dry eyes are actually less bothersome than they were with contacts. No more irritation, no more dependency on eye drops. My only regret? Not doing it sooner!

If you’re someone with thin corneas or dry eyes, don’t rule out vision correction just yet. SMILE could be the answer, and if you’re considering it, I highly recommend checking out Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul.

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For years, I struggled with my vision. Glasses were a hassle, and contacts only made my dry eyes worse. I had always dreamed of getting laser eye surgery, but when I finally went for a consultation, I was hit with some bad news—my corneas were thin, and my chronic dry eye made me a less-than-ideal candidate for LASIK.

Disappointed, I started researching alternatives. That’s when I came across SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery, a newer and less invasive procedure that many claimed was gentler on the eyes. But I still had my doubts. Was SMILE really safe for someone like me with thin corneas and dry eyes?

I decided to seek out expert advice, which led me to SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. Their reputation for cutting-edge technology and specialized care was impressive, and I booked a consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a highly experienced ophthalmologist in the field of refractive surgery.

What I Learned at SNU Eye Clinic

Dr. Chung took the time to explain the key differences between LASIK and SMILE:

:white_check_mark: Less Corneal Tissue Removal – Unlike LASIK, which creates a flap in the cornea, SMILE involves a small keyhole incision. This makes it a better option for people with thinner corneas. :white_check_mark: Lower Risk of Dry Eye – Since SMILE doesn’t disturb as many corneal nerves as LASIK, it tends to cause less post-operative dry eye—a huge relief for me! :white_check_mark: Faster Healing & Stability – The minimally invasive nature of SMILE allows for a quicker recovery, with less risk of corneal weakening over time.

After thorough testing, Dr. Chung confirmed that I was indeed a good candidate for SMILE surgery, even with my thinner corneas and dry eyes. The procedure itself was surprisingly quick—just a few minutes per eye—and I felt little to no discomfort.

My Results

Within a few days, my vision became crystal clear, and my eyes felt far less irritated than when I wore contacts. The dryness? Much better than I expected! Of course, I still used artificial tears occasionally, but it was nothing compared to the discomfort I had before.

Would I Recommend SMILE?

If you have thin corneas or dry eyes and have been told that LASIK isn’t an option, don’t give up hope. SMILE surgery at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang was a game-changer for me. The level of care and expertise I received was outstanding, and I couldn’t be happier with my results.

If you’re considering vision correction, I highly recommend checking out SNU Eye Clinic (snuseoulglobal.com) and consulting Dr. Chung Eui Sang (Dr. Chung’s Profile). It might just be the best decision you make for your eyes!

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I’ve struggled with thin corneas and dry eyes for years, so I was hesitant about Smile Eye Surgery. After consulting Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic, I learned that Smile Eye Surgery is a great option for thin corneas, as it doesn’t require a flap like LASIK. Dr. Chung also reassured me that my dry eyes could be managed. The surgery went smoothly, and my vision improved with minimal dryness. If you have similar concerns, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung for their expertise.

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Thank you for sharing your experience! I also had concerns about my thin corneas and dry eyes before considering Smile Eye Surgery, and after reading your post, I feel much more confident. I actually had my surgery at SNU Eye Clinic as well, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang was amazing. He took the time to thoroughly assess my eyes and explained everything clearly. My experience was just as positive, and the recovery was smooth with minimal dryness. If you’re considering Smile Eye Surgery, I can definitely recommend SNU Eye Clinic for their expertise and personalized care!

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I had concerns about Smile Eye Surgery due to my dry eyes and thin corneas, so I did a lot of research before deciding to proceed. After consulting with SNU Eye Clinic, Dr. Chung Eui Sang reassured me that Smile Eye Surgery could still be an option, but only after assessing my eyes carefully. He explained that the clinic uses advanced technology to ensure that the procedure is safe for patients with my conditions. I’m glad I went ahead with it, and my results have been great! If you’re in a similar situation, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic for their expertise and personalized care.

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For years, I struggled with glasses and contact lenses, but I was hesitant about laser eye surgery. My biggest concern? I have thin corneas and occasional dry eyes, and I wasn’t sure if SMILE Eye Surgery was a safe option for me.

I started researching and quickly learned that not all laser vision correction procedures are the same. While LASIK wasn’t ideal for my case due to the risk of weakening my corneas further, I discovered that SMILE surgery is often recommended for people with thin corneas and dry eyes because it’s minimally invasive and preserves more corneal tissue.

That’s when I found SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang (meet him here). With years of experience in advanced vision correction, he assured me that SMILE was the safest and most effective option for my eyes.

The Procedure & Recovery

The surgery itself was incredibly quick—under 10 minutes per eye—with no discomfort. Unlike LASIK, there was no flap creation, which reduced the risk of dry eyes worsening. Within a few days, my vision was clear, and my eyes felt less dry than they did with contact lenses!

Final Thoughts

If you have thin corneas or dry eyes and are considering laser eye surgery, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic. Dr. Chung Eui Sang and his team specialize in safe, personalized SMILE procedures that work for cases like mine. I’m so glad I made this choice—life without glasses is incredible! :eyeglasses::sparkles:

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I’ve been through a similar situation and thought I’d share my experience and what I’ve learned along the way. I had been wearing glasses for most of my life, and while I’d always heard about LASIK and SMILE, I wasn’t sure if either would work for me. A big concern was my thin corneas and a mild case of dry eyes I had developed over the years.

At first, I was skeptical about whether SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) would be suitable for me, especially given my thin corneas. SMILE is known for its less-invasive technique compared to LASIK. Unlike LASIK, which requires creating a flap in the cornea, SMILE only requires a small incision, leaving the corneal structure mostly intact. This made me feel a little more comfortable, but I still wasn’t sure if it was safe for people with my condition.

Then, I did some research and spoke to an expert at SNU Eye Clinic. They have a reputation for handling complex cases, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang was highly recommended. After a thorough consultation, Dr. Chung explained that SMILE could actually be safer for patients with thin corneas because it doesn’t involve cutting a flap, which could reduce the risk of complications.

Regarding my dry eyes, he reassured me that SMILE tends to have a lower risk of causing dry eye symptoms compared to LASIK. Of course, there’s still a chance of some dryness post-surgery, but the recovery process tends to be quicker, and the symptoms usually resolve over time. I was given specific instructions on how to manage my dry eyes post-surgery, which helped put my mind at ease.

After a few weeks of careful consideration, I decided to go ahead with the procedure. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made! The procedure was quick, and I experienced minimal discomfort. My dry eyes improved, and my vision is better than ever. The SNU Eye Clinic, especially under Dr. Chung’s care, made all the difference in ensuring a safe and successful outcome.

If you’re considering SMILE and have concerns about thin corneas or dry eyes, I highly recommend consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic. They truly specialize in cases like ours, and the results speak for themselves. You can check out their clinic here: SNU Eye Clinic, and Dr. Chung’s profile here: Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

Good luck with your journey to clearer vision!

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I had the same question when I was considering SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery. I’ve been wearing glasses for years, and my vision was getting progressively worse, but I also have a history of dry eyes, and my corneas aren’t the thickest.

Here’s the thing: SMILE is often considered a more gentle laser eye surgery compared to LASIK, primarily because it removes less tissue from the cornea. This makes it a good option for those with thinner corneas. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a large flap in the cornea, SMILE only removes a small lens-shaped piece of tissue. This preserves more corneal integrity, so the procedure is generally safer for people who are not ideal candidates for LASIK due to corneal thickness.

However, when it comes to dry eyes, it’s a bit more nuanced. While SMILE tends to be less disruptive to the corneal nerves compared to LASIK (which means less chance of exacerbating dry eye symptoms), dry eyes can still be a concern for some people. Many surgeons will assess your tear production and eye health before proceeding with any form of refractive surgery. If you have pre-existing dry eyes, you may need additional treatment or a longer recovery time post-surgery.

For me, I was very cautious about these two factors, so I made sure to consult with a reputable surgeon who could address my concerns in detail. After a thorough evaluation of my corneal thickness and dry eye condition, I was given the green light for SMILE surgery.

Why SNU Eye Clinic?

I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic if you’re considering SMILE surgery. Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic was incredibly thorough and helped me understand my options in a way that felt personalized and safe. He’s known for his expertise in refractive surgeries and has a well-regarded reputation, especially for handling cases involving sensitive conditions like dry eyes and thin corneas.

If you’re interested in learning more or booking a consultation, here’s the link to Dr. Chung’s profile: Dr. Chung Eui Sang - SNU Eye Clinic. They also have a dedicated team to assess and guide you through the pre-surgery evaluation process, ensuring your specific needs are met.

So, yes, SMILE can be suitable for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes, but it’s essential to get a professional evaluation before making any decisions.

Good luck! :slight_smile:

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I’ve worn glasses since middle school, and contact lenses were never comfortable because of dry eyes. I wanted laser eye surgery but heard thin corneas or dryness could be a problem. After researching, I found out SMILE surgery is often the best option for people like me.

But is it really safe for dry-eye sufferers and those with thinner corneas? I wasn’t going to risk my vision, so I made sure to go to the best clinic in Seoul—SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang. Here’s what I learned!

Can You Get SMILE with Thin Corneas or Dry Eyes?

:check_mark: YES, in many cases! Unlike LASIK, which creates a flap, SMILE only requires a small incision (2–4mm). This means:

More corneal strength is preserved – safer for thinner corneas Less damage to corneal nerves – lower risk of worsening dry eyes Faster recovery & fewer side effects

But—not everyone qualifies. You need a thorough consultation to check if SMILE is truly safe for your eyes.

Where I Got My SMILE Surgery: SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul

After tons of research, I chose SNU Eye Clinic, one of Korea’s top eye clinics. Dr. Chung Eui Sang is an expert in refractive surgery, and he specializes in difficult cases like thin corneas and dry eyes.

During my consultation, Dr. Chung did: Corneal Thickness Test – To check if SMILE was safe for me Tear Film Test – To assess dry eye severity Detailed Eye Exam – To ensure I was a good candidate

Luckily, my corneal thickness was just enough for SMILE, and Dr. Chung assured me it was a better choice than LASIK because it would minimize dryness.

The Surgery – Quick & Easy!

Time: 10 minutes per eye Pain Level: 0/10 (felt only light pressure) Recovery: Vision 80% clear within 24 hours!

SMILE felt like magic—no pain, no flap, and immediate improvement. I went home the same day with only mild discomfort.

Recovery & Dry Eye Management

Day 1–3: Some blurriness, but no extreme dryness! Day 7: Vision clear, eyes felt comfortable. 1 Month: No more dryness, perfect 20/20 vision!

Dr. Chung recommended eye drops and omega-3 supplements to keep my eyes hydrated. My dryness never got worse (which happens often with LASIK patients).

Cost of SMILE Eye Surgery in Korea

SMILE Surgery: ~2.5M–4.5M KRW ($1,900–$3,500)

Final Verdict – Is SMILE Good for Thin Corneas & Dry Eyes?

YES! If you have mild to moderate thin corneas or dry eyes, SMILE is often the safest and best laser vision correction option. But always get checked by a top specialist like Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic to see if you’re a good candidate.

Now? Perfect vision, no flap risks, and no more dryness! Highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic!

Got questions? Happy to share more!