Does the Corneal Tissue Removed during SMILE LASIK Surgery Regenerate?

Does the Corneal Tissue Removed during SMILE LASIK Surgery Regenerate?


All types of vision correction surgery involve removing a portion of the corneal stroma (the inner corneal tissue).


• In LASEK, the surface epithelium is removed and the stroma is reshaped.

• In LASIK, a flap is created, lifted, and then the stroma is reshaped underneath.

• In SMILE, a small 2 mm incision is used to extract a lenticule from the stroma.


Reshaping corneal stroma is a necessary process for laser-based vision correction surgery. If the tissue regenerates, it would result in a decline in visual correction, which is known as regression. If regression occurs, further vision correction would require additional reshaping of the stroma, meaning more tissue would need to be removed.


If the Corneal Stroma doesn’t Regenerate after Surgery, What Happens to the Space Where Tissue was Removed?



The cornea is structured like a series of thin layers stacked together. After stromal tissue is removed during surgery, the space doesn’t remain empty — instead, the surrounding corneal tissue naturally settles and flattens into that area. It becomes as if the tissue was never there.


In SMILE LASIK, even though the stroma is removed, the final shape and effect on the cornea are essentially the same as in LASIK or LASEK.


Corneal Stroma Regeneration and Vision Regression



Even though the corneal stroma doesn’t regenerate after being removed during SMILE LASIK surgery, vision regression can still occur due to various factors. For example, changes in the corneal epithelium or natural progression of myopia can lead to a decline in vision over time.


Among the major surgeries, the likelihood of vision regression generally follows this order: LASEK > LASIK > SMILE. This means that SMILE LASIK typically shows less chance of vision regression.


While SMILE LASIK does not guarantee permanent vision, it has a lower possibility of regression compared to LASIK or LASEK, making it a more stable long-term option for many patients.



‼️ Experience clearer and high-quality vision with our advanced vision correction at Joeunnun Vision Clinic ‼️


Thanks for reading and spending your valuable time with us. We will do our best for your vision 😊 


If you want to know more about SMILE LASIK or ophthalmologic information, visit our website‼️


📍 Your clearer, brighter vision starts here.


● Link : https://eng.visionclinic.co.kr/

● Email : joeunnun535@naver.com

● WhatsApp : 010-6389-8398


#smilelasik #lasik #lasik #gangnam #Gangnamjoeunnunvisionclinic #gangnamvisionclinic #visionclinic #seoulvisionclinic #AcuTarger #visumax #SMILEPro #ICL #implantablecontactlens #Presbyopia #PresbyLASIK