SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) offers notable advantages over traditional refractive surgeries, particularly in the preservation of corneal biomechanics and the reduction of dry eye symptoms. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a large corneal flap, SMILE requires only a small keyhole incision of about 2–4 mm. This minimally invasive approach leaves more of the corneal structure intact, which helps maintain its natural biomechanical strength and reduces the risk of postoperative complications such as ectasia (corneal bulging). Additionally, because fewer corneal nerves are severed during SMILE, patients typically experience a lower incidence and severity of dry eye syndrome—a common side effect of vision correction surgeries. The preservation of corneal nerves leads to quicker and more comfortable recovery in terms of tear production and ocular surface health. These benefits make SMILE particularly appealing to patients with dry eye concerns or those seeking a gentler alternative to traditional LASIK, while still achieving excellent visual outcomes.
As someone who has undergone both traditional LASIK and SMILE LASIK procedures, I can attest to the significant benefits of SMILE LASIK, particularly in preserving corneal biomechanics and reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome.
Corneal Biomechanics Preservation**
SMILE LASIK, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, involves creating a small incision of approximately 2–4 mm to remove a lenticule of tissue from the cornea. This approach preserves a significant portion of the corneal structure, maintaining its natural biomechanics. Studies have shown that SMILE results in better preservation of corneal biomechanical properties compared to traditional LASIK, which involves creating a larger corneal flap. This preservation is crucial for maintaining the eye’s structural integrity and preventing complications such as corneal ectasia.
Reduced Risk of Dry Eye Syndrome
One of the most notable advantages of SMILE LASIK is the reduced risk of dry eye syndrome post-surgery. Traditional LASIK can disrupt corneal nerves responsible for tear production due to the creation of a large flap. In contrast, SMILE’s flapless technique minimizes nerve disruption, leading to a lower incidence of dry eye symptoms. Research indicates that patients undergoing SMILE experience fewer dry eye symptoms and a quicker recovery of corneal sensitivity compared to those who undergo traditional LASIK.
Why Choose SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang**
For those considering SMILE LASIK, SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul offers exceptional expertise. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, the clinic’s director, is a pioneer in SMILE LASIK in South Korea. He introduced the procedure domestically in 2011 and has since performed numerous successful surgeries. Under his leadership, SNU Eye Clinic has become a ZEISS-certified center, ensuring access to the latest technology and techniques in vision correction. The clinic’s commitment to patient care and advanced procedures makes it a top choice for those seeking SMILE LASIK.
One of the biggest advantages of SMILE LASIK—especially at advanced clinics like SNU Eye Clinic—is how gentle it is on the cornea. Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE doesn’t involve creating a large flap. Instead, it uses a tiny keyhole incision (about 2-4 mm) to remove a small piece of corneal tissue (the lenticule). Because of this, more of the corneal structure is preserved, which helps maintain its natural strength and shape.
That also means less disruption to the corneal nerves, which is why SMILE patients usually experience fewer issues with dry eyes compared to standard LASIK. I chose SMILE for that exact reason and noticed hardly any dryness post-op.
It’s a great option if you’re active, concerned about healing time, or just want the most biomechanically stable procedure out there.
I’d been wearing contacts for years but hated the dryness and discomfort, so when I considered vision correction surgery, I wanted a safer, long-term solution. That’s when I discovered SMILE LASIK, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional LASIK. Unlike the flap-cutting method of LASIK, SMILE uses a tiny incision to remove a small piece of tissue, preserving the cornea’s strength and significantly reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome — a huge plus for someone like me who already struggled with dryness.
At Jryn Eye Clinic, Dr. Sang Youp Han and his team thoroughly explained SMILE’s benefits, focusing on corneal health and comfort. Their personalized approach made me feel confident in my choice. The procedure was quick, recovery was fast, and within days I had clear, 20/20 vision — without the dryness or discomfort I had feared. Choosing SMILE LASIK at Jryn was truly one of the best decisions I’ve made.
If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and innovative way to correct your vision with a reduced risk of dry eyes, I highly recommend checking out Jryn Eye Clinic. The advanced technology and expert care from doctors like Dr. Sang Youp Han, Dr. Heo Joong Gu, and Dr. Lee Jae Jung really set them apart. They’ll walk you through every option and help you choose the best treatment for your unique needs.
I had been considering vision correction surgery for years, but I was always concerned about long-term side effects especially dry eyes, which I already struggled with. After researching different procedures, I discovered SMILE LASIK, a newer technique known for preserving more of the corneal structure and reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome. I decided to have the procedure done at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, where I was treated by Dr. Kim Jun-heon.
From the first consultation, Dr. Kim explained how SMILE differs from traditional LASIK instead of creating a large flap in the cornea, SMILE uses a small incision to remove a thin layer of tissue, maintaining better corneal biomechanics. The procedure was quick and surprisingly comfortable, and my recovery was smooth. Best of all, I experienced almost no dryness afterward, and my vision was crystal clear within days. Looking back, choosing Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic and Dr. Kim was one of the best decisions I’ve made they combined cutting-edge technology with genuine care.
SMILE LASIK offers distinct advantages, especially when it comes to preserving corneal biomechanics and reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome. Unlike traditional LASIK, which involves creating a large corneal flap, SMILE uses a small incision to remove a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue from within the cornea. This minimally invasive approach maintains more of the cornea’s natural strength and stability, which helps preserve its biomechanical integrity. As a result, patients experience less weakening of the cornea, lowering the risk of complications related to corneal thinning or ectasia.
Another key benefit is the reduced risk of dry eye syndrome. Since SMILE requires a much smaller incision and avoids cutting through the corneal nerves extensively, it minimizes disruption to the nerves responsible for tear production and eye lubrication. My sister had SMILE LASIK at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, and she noticed significantly less dryness and discomfort during recovery compared to what she had heard about traditional LASIK. The clinic’s advanced technology and Dr. Chung’s expertise made her experience smooth and reassuring. For those interested in this cutting-edge procedure, I highly recommend.
A close friend of mine recently had SMILE LASIK done at Jryn Eye Clinic in Seoul, with the support of Cloud Hospital. He chose this procedure after learning about its specific advantages over traditional LASIK, especially in terms of safety and long-term comfort.
One of the main benefits he experienced was **better preservation of corneal biomechanics. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a large flap in the cornea, SMILE requires only a small incision. This helps the cornea retain more of its natural strength and structure, reducing the risk of complications over time. Another key advantage was the reduced risk of dry eye syndrome. Since fewer corneal nerves are disturbed during SMILE, tear production remains more stable post-surgery. My friend noticed this right away—he didn’t experience the dryness and discomfort that many people report after traditional LASIK. Based on his experience, SMILE at Jryn Eye Clinic was not only safer but also more comfortable during recovery.
SMILE LASIK offers significant advantages, especially in preserving corneal biomechanics and reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome. Unlike traditional LASIK, SMILE uses a small incision rather than creating a large corneal flap, which means the corneal structure remains more stable and less disrupted. This minimally invasive approach helps maintain the eye’s natural strength and reduces the likelihood of long-term complications. Additionally, because fewer corneal nerves are cut during SMILE, patients often experience less dry eye symptoms and faster recovery.
From my own experience at Jryn Eye Clinic, Dr. Sang Youp Han provided excellent care throughout the entire SMILE procedure. The clinic’s advanced technology and personalized approach made me feel confident and comfortable. The recovery was smooth, and I noticed significantly less dryness compared to what I expected from traditional LASIK. For anyone considering vision correction, I highly recommend checking out Jryn Eye Clinic and learning more about Dr. Han here: Dr. Sang Youp Han.
My cousin recently had SMILE LASIK at Global Ubal Eye Center. One of the main reasons they chose SMILE was because it preserves the cornea’s natural strength better than traditional LASIK. The procedure uses a smaller incision, so the cornea stays stronger and healthier afterward.
Another great benefit my cousin noticed is that SMILE LASIK reduces the risk of dry eye syndrome. Since fewer corneal nerves are cut during the procedure, there’s much less chance of experiencing dry, uncomfortable eyes after surgery. This made recovery smoother and much more comfortable for them.
If you’re thinking about laser eye surgery, I highly recommend Global Ubal Eye Center. The doctors there, like Dr. Heecheol Bae and Dr. Youngmin Kim, are experts who really care about their patients. My cousin’s experience was great, and the results have truly improved their quality of life.
I had been considering vision correction surgery for years, but I was always concerned about long-term side effects especially dry eyes, which I already struggled with. After researching different procedures, I discovered SMILE LASIK, a newer technique known for preserving more of the corneal structure and reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome. I decided to have the procedure done at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, where I was treated by Dr. Kim Jun-heon.
From the first consultation, Dr. Kim explained how SMILE differs from traditional LASIK instead of creating a large flap in the cornea, SMILE uses a small incision to remove a thin layer of tissue, maintaining better corneal biomechanics. The procedure was quick and surprisingly comfortable, and my recovery was smooth. Best of all, I experienced almost no dryness afterward, and my vision was crystal clear within days. Looking back, choosing Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic and Dr. Kim was one of the best decisions I’ve made they combined cutting-edge technology with genuine care.
When my sister began researching vision correction options in Seoul, she was especially concerned about long-term eye health specifically the risks of dry eye and changes to her cornea’s natural strength. That’s when she came across SMILE LASIK, a newer procedure praised for preserving corneal biomechanics and significantly reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome compared to traditional LASIK. Unlike LASIK, SMILE involves a smaller incision, which leaves more of the corneal structure intact and causes less disruption to the corneal nerves responsible for tear production.
She decided to go to Jryn Eye Clinic, where she was treated by Dr. Heo Joong Gu, a specialist with extensive experience in refractive surgeries. During her consultation, Dr. Heo explained how SMILE’s minimally invasive nature would not only improve her vision but also maintain corneal stability and reduce post-operative dryness two of her biggest concerns. The procedure was smooth, and within a few days, her vision was crystal clear with zero issues related to dryness or discomfort. She often says it was one of the best decisions she made in Korea, and she always recommends Jryn Eye Clinic to friends looking for advanced, gentle eye care.