Written by Apgujeong Eye Clinic
2025.02.20
In modern society, PCs and various mobile devices have become an integral part of both the work environment and daily life, leading to a steady increase in usage. When wearing glasses or contact lenses and staring at a monitor or smartphone for extended periods, the dryness and fatigue in the eyes can become overwhelming, causing significant discomfort. As a result, more people are seeking ways to improve their vision. Here, I have compiled some helpful information for those considering vision correction surgery.
The main types of laser vision correction surgeries are LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE LASIK. First, LASEK, the first-generation surgery, involves removing the corneal epithelium using alcohol and a brush, followed by the use of a laser to correct the vision. During the recovery process, a protective lens is worn and sufficient rest is required for the epithelium to heal. While advancements in equipment have reduced the area of injury and developed lasers with less damage, the method of ablating the cornea remains the same, and this procedure still results in significant pain. LASIK, the second-generation surgery, involves cutting the corneal epithelium (around 20-22mm) to create a corneal flap, which is then lifted for laser treatment, and the flap is replaced afterward. Compared to LASEK, LASIK has the advantage of a faster recovery and less pain, but it is more vulnerable to external impact and carries a higher risk of dry eye syndrome due to the damage to the corneal nerve cells from the incision.
The solution to the issues mentioned earlier is SMILE LASIK. SMILE LASIK is a third-generation vision correction surgery that uses a femtosecond laser to pass through the corneal epithelium without cutting the cornea itself. Vision correction surgeries are often associated with side effects such as dry eyes and glare, but SMILE LASIK has a very small incision (around 2mm), making it a safer option with minimal corneal damage and a low risk of side effects, providing a higher level of stability. After the surgery, the recovery time for LASIK is typically 3 to 4 days, and for LASEK, it is about a week. However, these recovery periods refer to the healing of the surgical wound, and it may take a longer time for the corneal swelling to subside and for the corrected vision to fully stabilize. On the other hand, SMILE LASIK causes much less corneal damage than LASIK or LASEK, resulting in a shorter recovery period. This makes it a smarter choice for busy professionals or those with limited time.
SMILE LASIK is performed with a femtosecond laser directly applied to the corneal stroma, and the corneal tissue is separated through a minimal incision in a highly precise manner. Because of this, the surgeon’s skill and surgical time significantly affect the outcome. Particularly, shortening the surgical time is essential. By performing the surgery quickly and without unnecessary steps, the exposure of the surgical area to the outside is minimized, reducing the risk of infection. This also helps reduce potential side effects, such as corneal haze and dry eyes. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the level of equipment at the eye clinic and the surgeon's experience before the surgery. If you're unsure about how to choose a surgeon, a good approach is to check if the surgery can be completed within 5 minutes and if the surgeon holds a Smile Doctor Certification, which is awarded to surgeons with rich clinical experience and high proficiency.
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