“Can someone explain what Smile Eye Surgery is and how it differs from other popular eye surgeries like LASIK and LASEK? What are the key advantages and disadvantages of Smile Eye Surgery compared to the others? Is it suitable for everyone, and how does the recovery time compare? Also, what are the typical costs associated with each procedure, and which is recommended for specific vision issues or eye conditions?”
Hi Vivi, 
Smile Eye Surgery is an advanced minimally invasive vision correction procedure, and if you’re looking for a top clinic in Korea, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic (https://www.snuseoulglobal.com/) with Dr. Chung Eui Sang.
What is Smile Eye Surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a next-generation laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision. Unlike LASIK and LASEK, it does not require creating a corneal flap, making it a gentler option with faster healing.
How Does SMILE Differ from LASIK and LASEK?
SMILE is less invasive than LASIK and LASEK because it only requires a small incision, while LASIK creates a flap and LASEK removes the epithelium entirely. This means a lower risk of complications and faster healing.
The recovery process is generally quicker with SMILE because it disrupts fewer corneal nerves, leading to a lower chance of dry eye syndrome compared to LASIK. Since no flap is created, the cornea remains structurally stronger, reducing the risk of injury or displacement, which makes it an ideal option for athletes and those with active lifestyles.
Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic is highly experienced in vision correction and has helped many international patients achieve clearer vision with SMILE technology. If you’re considering laser eye surgery in Korea, this clinic is definitely worth looking into.
1 Like
A few years ago, I was tired of relying on glasses and contacts. After hearing about the different types of eye surgeries, I decided to explore options for laser vision correction. I had already heard a lot about LASIK and LASEK, but then I came across SMILE eye surgery and became curious about how it differed from the other two.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer, minimally invasive procedure compared to LASIK and LASEK. While LASIK and LASEK both involve creating a flap in the cornea to correct vision, SMILE is different because it requires only a small incision, and no flap is created. This means the cornea remains more stable, and there’s less risk of complications post-surgery. I found this particularly appealing since it seemed like a gentler approach with quicker recovery times.
After doing some research, I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, which has a great reputation for performing SMILE surgeries with high success rates. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a specialist in laser vision correction, was very informative during my consultation. He explained that SMILE surgery is great for those with higher degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, and recovery tends to be faster with less discomfort than LASIK.
I went ahead with the surgery, and I’m so glad I did. The entire experience at SNU Eye Clinic was seamless, and my vision improved drastically in just a few days. The best part? No flap, no hassle.
If you’re considering SMILE, LASIK, or LASEK, I highly recommend checking out SNU Eye Clinic. Their expertise and patient care are top-notch, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang is great at explaining everything clearly.
For more info, visit the clinic’s website here or learn more about Dr. Chung Eui Sang here.
A few years ago, I was struggling with wearing glasses and contact lenses. My vision was poor, and I always dreamed of a permanent solution. I started looking into laser eye surgeries and discovered three popular options: SMILE, LASIK, and LASEK. Here’s the breakdown of what I learned:
SMILE Surgery
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It’s a newer, minimally invasive procedure. Instead of using a flap (like in LASIK), the surgeon creates a small, precise incision in the cornea, and then a lenticule (a small disc of tissue) is removed to reshape the cornea. This procedure is less disruptive to the cornea’s surface, leading to quicker recovery and fewer risks of complications like dry eyes.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) has been around longer. It involves creating a flap in the cornea, then using a laser to reshape the underlying tissue. While LASIK is widely used and effective for correcting vision, the flap created during surgery can sometimes lead to complications like infection or flap dislocation, especially with injury or during healing.
LASEK Surgery
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) is similar to LASIK but with one key difference: the surgeon doesn’t create a flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is temporarily removed to access the corneal tissue beneath it. After reshaping, the epithelium is replaced. The recovery time is longer than LASIK, but it’s a better option for people with thin corneas who can’t have LASIK.
In my case, I was advised that SMILE might be a better fit because of my corneal thickness and risk of dry eyes. Unlike LASIK, there’s no flap created, so it’s less likely to cause issues in the long run. SMILE also offers a quicker recovery, and for some people, it’s more comfortable.
Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, who is highly experienced with SMILE, explained that the surgery is ideal for individuals with myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. He made me feel comfortable with the decision, explaining how the clinic’s cutting-edge technology would help me achieve optimal results.
In the end, each procedure has its advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your eyes and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive option, SMILE could be the answer. But always consult with a trusted ophthalmologist like Dr. Chung, who can guide you toward the best solution for your vision.
For more information, I’d recommend checking out SNU Eye Clinic (link here) to see if SMILE is the right choice for you.Let me know if you’d like to adjust any part of the answer!
Hi Vivienne,
Smile Eye Surgery is an advanced minimally invasive vision correction procedure, and if you’re looking for a top clinic in Korea, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic (https://www.snuseoulglobal.com/) with Dr. Chung Eui Sang.
What is Smile Eye Surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a cutting-edge laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK and LASEK, SMILE does not require creating a corneal flap or removing the corneal surface, making it a gentler option with faster healing.
How Does SMILE Differ from LASIK and LASEK?
- Minimally Invasive – SMILE uses a small incision (2-4mm) to reshape the cornea, while LASIK creates a large flap and LASEK removes the outer corneal layer.
- Faster Recovery – Patients typically experience less discomfort and dry eye symptoms with SMILE compared to LASIK and LASEK.
- Stronger Cornea – Since no flap is created, the cornea remains structurally stronger, reducing the risk of complications in the long term.
- Ideal for Active Lifestyles – With no risk of flap displacement, SMILE is great for athletes or those with physically demanding jobs.
At SNU Eye Clinic, Dr. Chung Eui Sang is a leading expert in vision correction and has successfully treated many local and international patients with SMILE. If you’re considering laser eye surgery in Korea, this clinic is definitely one of the best options!
A few months ago, I had been considering eye surgery options because I was tired of wearing glasses and contact lenses. After researching, I came across something called SMILE eye surgery. At first, I thought it was just another form of LASIK or LASEK, but it turns out it’s quite different! Here’s what I learned.
My Journey to Understanding SMILE Surgery
I visited SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, where Dr. Chung Eui Sang explained the differences to me. SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, and it’s a newer, less invasive technique compared to LASIK and LASEK.
The Process of SMILE Surgery
Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a large flap on the cornea, SMILE uses a tiny incision (about 2-4mm). Dr. Chung explained that in SMILE, a laser is used to create a small lenticule (a disc of tissue) inside the cornea, which is then removed through the incision. The small incision results in less disruption to the cornea, which could lead to quicker recovery and less risk of complications, like dry eyes.
How It Differs from LASIK and LASEK
- LASIK: This is the most well-known method, where a flap is cut in the cornea to reshape it with a laser. It’s highly effective but can cause dry eyes and has a longer recovery time compared to SMILE.
- LASEK: This method is similar to LASIK, but the corneal flap is not cut; instead, the outer layer is loosened and replaced after the laser reshapes the cornea. Recovery tends to be a bit longer with LASEK because the outer layer of the cornea needs to heal.
Why I Chose SMILE
What convinced me was the fact that SMILE is minimally invasive, offers a quicker recovery time, and causes less irritation than LASIK. It was ideal for my active lifestyle, and I wanted something that would reduce the chances of dry eyes.
I ended up having the procedure done by Dr. Chung at SNU Eye Clinic. The experience was smooth, and recovery was surprisingly fast. My vision has improved dramatically!
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering eye surgery and are trying to choose between SMILE, LASIK, or LASEK, I would recommend visiting a professional, like Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic, to understand your options. For me, SMILE turned out to be the best choice because of its minimal recovery time and lower risk.
Smile Eye Surgery (SMILE) is a minimally invasive laser procedure for treating nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK and LASEK, SMILE doesn’t involve creating a large flap. Instead, a small incision is made to remove a lenticule (tissue), reshaping the cornea. This results in quicker recovery and less risk of complications compared to LASIK, which creates a flap, or LASEK, which removes the corneal epithelium.
If you’re considering SMILE or other eye surgeries, I recommend SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. Dr. Chung Eui Sang is a highly skilled surgeon specializing in SMILE and other advanced treatments. Learn more about him here.
I had been wearing glasses for years, and the idea of laser eye surgery was both exciting and terrifying. I started researching the options—LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE—and that’s when I learned about SMILE Eye Surgery at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang.
Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a flap, or LASEK, which removes the outer layer of the cornea, SMILE is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses a small incision to reshape the cornea, resulting in faster recovery, less discomfort, and reduced risk of dry eyes—exactly what I was looking for.
After my consultation at SNU Eye Clinic, I felt completely at ease. Dr. Chung Eui Sang explained everything in detail, and the procedure was quick and painless. My vision improved almost immediately, and within days, I was seeing the world in crisp, clear detail—without glasses!
If you’re considering vision correction surgery, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic for their expertise, advanced technology, and outstanding patient care.
I’ve worn glasses since I was a teenager, and after years of dealing with them, I finally decided to get vision correction surgery in Seoul. The biggest question? Which procedure to choose: SMILE, LASIK, or LASEK?
Understanding the Differences
LASIK – The most well-known procedure, involving a corneal flap that is lifted to reshape the cornea with a laser. Fast recovery, but the flap can be a weak point.
LASEK – No flap, just a removal of the top layer (epithelium), which regenerates over time. Longer recovery but better for people with thin corneas.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) – The newest method! No flap, no full removal of the surface, just a tiny incision (2-4mm) to remove a small corneal tissue. Less dry eye, faster healing, and more stability.
Why I Chose SMILE at SNU Eye Clinic
After consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic (link), I realized that SMILE was the best choice for me. I wanted:
Minimal discomfort
Faster recovery than LASEK
Less risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK
The surgery itself took less than 10 minutes per eye, and within two days, my vision was already sharp! No major discomfort, just some minor blurriness that cleared up quickly.
Would I Recommend It?
100%! If you’re considering eye surgery in Korea, SNU Eye Clinic is an excellent choice, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang is incredibly skilled. If you have an active lifestyle or worry about dry eyes, SMILE is definitely worth considering! 
For years, I was totally dependent on glasses and contact lenses. I had always wanted laser eye surgery, but I was stuck between LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE. Each had its pros and cons, and honestly, I was overwhelmed.
After hours of research and a consultation at SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, I finally decided on SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) eye surgery—and it was the best decision ever!
Breaking It Down: SMILE vs. LASIK vs. LASEK
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK | LASEK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Small incision, no flap | Corneal flap created | No flap, but surface layer removed |
| Recovery Time | 1-3 days | 3-7 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Pain Level | Minimal discomfort | Mild irritation | More discomfort |
| Risk of Dry Eyes? | Lower | Higher | Moderate |
| Sports & Activities | Can return quickly | Risk if flap moves | Longer downtime |
Why I Chose SMILE Over the Others
No Flap, Less Risk – I’m pretty active, so I didn’t want the risk of a corneal flap shifting (which can happen with LASIK).
Faster Recovery Than LASEK – LASEK has a longer healing period because it removes the cornea’s outer layer, which then has to grow back. SMILE avoids this issue.
Less Dry Eye Side Effects – LASIK can increase dry eyes because of the corneal flap. SMILE has a smaller incision, so it preserves more corneal nerves, reducing this risk.
The SMILE Surgery Experience
I was nervous, but the procedure at SNU Eye Clinic took only about 10 minutes per eye! Dr. Chung Eui Sang walked me through everything, and the actual laser part was just a few seconds.
Post-Surgery Timeline:
Day 1 – Slight blurriness but no pain.
Day 2 – Vision already 90% clear.
Day 3 – Back to normal activities, no discomfort.
1 Week Later – Perfect vision, no dryness!
Would I Recommend It? 100% Yes!
If you’re thinking about laser eye surgery, definitely consider SMILE—especially if you have dry eyes, an active lifestyle, or want a quicker recovery.
Check out SNU Eye Clinic: www.snuseoulglobal.com
Learn more about Dr. Chung Eui Sang: Doctors | Chung Eui Sang
Smile Eye Surgery (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer laser eye surgery for correcting myopia. It differs from LASIK and LASEK in several ways:
- Smile: Involves a tiny incision to remove a lenticule from the cornea, offering quicker recovery and less risk of complications like dry eyes.
- LASIK: Involves creating a flap in the cornea to reshape it, with a faster recovery but a higher risk of flap-related issues.
- LASEK: Reshapes the cornea without creating a flap, but recovery is slower and more uncomfortable.
Smile is ideal for patients with high myopia or thin corneas, offering a less invasive option with a faster recovery compared to LASIK and LASEK. For personalized advice, consult with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic.
Smile Eye Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a small tissue layer from the cornea to correct vision, offering a faster recovery and fewer risks compared to LASIK and LASEK.
- LASIK involves creating a corneal flap and reshaping the underlying tissue.
- LASEK removes the surface layer and reshapes the cornea.
Smile differs by avoiding flap creation, making it gentler on the eye. For more information, Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic offers this advanced treatment. Learn more here.