SMILE Laser Eye Surgery Cost / Recovery Period / Precaution Tips (2025)

Generally, SMILE LASIK tends to be more expensive than LASIK or LASEK due to several key factors:

1. Advanced Equipment: The surgery is performed using the VisuMax laser system, developed by the global optical leader Carl Zeiss. This equipment is highly precise, using a 2mm micro-incision, which is about one-tenth of the incision size used in traditional LASIK. This minimizes corneal damage and reduces the likelihood of complications, making it a safer procedure.

2. Technology Costs: The VisuMax femtosecond laser system employs high-speed 5000kHz lasers and precise lenses that minimize thermal damage or shockwave damage to the corneal tissue. The cost of using this advanced equipment is reflected in the overall price.

3. Exclusive Equipment: The VisuMax system is the only device capable of performing SMILE LASIK, and the cost of using the equipment depends on the number of surgeries performed, with payments made to the equipment manufacturer.

4. Widespread Popularity: Despite the higher cost, it’s estimated that 70% of refractive surgeries in South Korea are now SMILE LASIK procedures, which reflects its growing demand and success. This high volume, despite the cost, further underscores the effectiveness and safety of SMILE LASIK as a leading option in vision correction.

Most patients achieve 1.0 or better vision after SMILE LASIK surgery. However, even with the same 1.0 vision, the quality of vision will differ between the day after surgery and one month later. Immediately after surgery, vision may appear slightly blurry, and there could be difficulty focusing. This is why it’s recommended to take about 1-2 days of rest after surgery to aid in visual recovery.

While it is possible to engage in non-contact sports after SMILE LASIK, it is advisable to be cautious. Distance perception may change as your vision stabilizes, so it is best to avoid contact sports or swimming for about 2 weeks after surgery to prevent complications.

If you spend long hours in front of a monitor or use a smartphone frequently, you may have concerns about blue light exposure after SMILE LASIK surgery.

While it has not been conclusively proven that blue light is harmful to the human body, it’s important to note that the lens in our eyes naturally blocks blue light. Therefore, there’s no need to worry excessively. However, after SMILE LASIK, without glasses, environmental factors like wind, dust, and other particles that glasses would normally block can lead to dry eyes. To help prevent this, wearing protective eyewear can help shield your eyes from external irritants.

Additionally, it’s beneficial to develop the habit of blinking more frequently to maintain good eye health after surgery.

One of the common side effects of SMILE LASIK is dry eye syndrome. This can occur due to lifestyle habits or genetic factors.

With the increased use of electronic devices, the number of people suffering from dry eyes has been rising. After SMILE LASIK, side effects like glare, dry eyes, and myopic regression may occur.

To minimize these side effects, it’s essential to undergo thorough preoperative testing and consultation and ensure proper postoperative care is followed.

Q1) Is corneal strengthening surgery necessary?

A1) Corneal strengthening surgery increases the collagen binding strength of the cornea, helping to prevent keratoconus and myopic regression. If the cornea has an irregular shape or insufficient thickness, corneal strengthening is recommended to improve the stability of the surgery. It is best to make the decision after a thorough consultation with the doctor based on your individual condition.

Q2) I'm worried about the remaining corneal thickness after SMILE LASIK!

A2) The recommended safe margin for the remaining corneal thickness can vary slightly depending on the doctor and the clinic. Generally, if the remaining corneal thickness (including the flap thickness) is 400 microns or more, it is considered relatively stable and safe.

Q3) Is there a risk of corneal opacity after SMILE LASIK?

A3) The possibility of corneal opacity is not 0%, but it is very rare for it to significantly affect vision. The opacity that develops is usually too minor to be detected with the naked eye, and in most cases, it does not affect vision. Therefore, there is generally no need to worry about it.

Q4) I have a retinal tear, can I still have SMILE LASIK?

A4) It is generally safe to undergo laser surgery for vision correction even if you have a retinal tear. In most cases, laser treatment for retinal tears is performed before the vision correction surgery. If you have a non-complicated, lattice degeneration (a mild retinal issue), it is possible to first perform SMILE LASIK and then later undergo retinal laser treatment.