I’m considering getting vision correction surgery in Korea, but I’m torn between SMILE and LASIK. Can anyone share the pros and cons of each, especially in the context of Korean clinics? For example, how do they compare in terms of recovery time, side effects (like dry eyes or night vision issues), and long-term results? Also, which clinics or hospitals in Korea are known to specialize in SMILE vs. LASIK and have a strong reputation among locals or expats? I’d really appreciate any personal experiences, recommendations, or even things to watch out for!
My cousin recently had SMILE surgery at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic with Dr. Kim Jun-heon, and the experience was smooth and quick. She chose SMILE over LASIK because it’s less invasive and had a shorter recovery time. The clinic felt very modern and the consultation was super thorough: Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic.
From what she shared, SMILE has fewer dry eye issues post-surgery, while LASIK is more common and might be better for higher prescriptions. But ultimately, the doctor explained the pros and cons really clearly, and she felt confident going with SMILE after that.