JOEUNNUN VISION CLINIC

Post-Operative Care Process for International Patients after SMILE LASIK The day after SMILE surgery, a check-up is required just like with LASIK. In SMILE, the laser enters the cornea and performs the procedure in the mid-corneal layer. Because it is less affected by external exposure, there is less irritation to the corneal surface. For this reason, patients can safely take flight the a day after surgery, and sunglasses are not required, as UV exposure does not affect recovery. Follow-up Care After SMILE LASIK After SMILE surgery, a check-up is recommended one week later, and then once a month thereafter. During follow-up visits, the corneal condition and intraocular pressure are examined to monitor healing progress. In addition, SMILE LASIK typically requires less than a month of eye-drop usage, and does not require frequent check-ups.  

What is the Best Age to Get SMILE LASIK? There isn’t a “best” age for SMILE LASIK, but it’s important to know when the surgery becomes possible. Myopia occurs when light focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. As the eyeball grows, the degree of myopia tends to increase. During adolescence, vision may continue to worsen even without any specific reason. However, once eye growth stabilizes, myopia usually stops progressing. Generally, after the age of 18, the progression of myopia begins to slow down, making it possible to undergo SMILE LASIK. If myopia continues to change, it is better to wait until around age 20 before having the procedure. Does the Cornea Change with Age? The corneal thickness is actually formed during infancy. During adolescence, there is almost no significant change in corneal thickness. As we age, the cornea can become slightly thinner — typically noticeable in people in ...

What is Suction Loss? In SMILE LASIK, the laser penetrates inside the cornea to separate and remove corneal tissue. For this to happen, the device must dock securely with the eye. The laser can only enter the cornea properly when firm suction keeps the eye and the device in close contact. If this fixation is lost during surgery, it is called suction loss . Why is Suction Loss a Problem in SMILE LASIK? If suction loss occurs, the laser settings used before the interruption must be reproduced exactly, which is a complicated process. Repeating the laser treatment risks overlapping with the previous laser spots, which can lead to unwanted corneal tissue patterns. These irregularities may affect vision. Therefore, if suction loss occurs, the surgery must be stopped immediately. In many cases, SMILE cannot be continued once suction loss happens. To correct vision afterward, the patient usually has to wait until the cornea has stabilized over time, at which point LASEK may be performed instea...

Why Is SMILE Surgery Sometimes Considered Difficult at Eye Clinics? The reason is that each hospital has different types of vision correction equipment. If only an excimer laser is available, then only LASEK can be performed. If the clinic has a femtosecond laser, then LASIK is possible. To perform SMILE, however, even more specialized and delicate equipment is required. If SMILE Is Not Possible, Does That Mean You Must Undergo LASIK or LASEK Instead? In reality, most people who are eligible for LASIK or LASEK are also eligible for SMILE. Patients often choose SMILE because it is more precise and maintains stable vision. However, in cases of high myopia, the cornea may become weakened. To avoid further weakening, LASEK might sometimes be chosen. But LASEK in high myopia carries a risk of corneal haze, and in such cases SMILE may actually be the more suitable option. In contrast, there are cases where LASIK and LASEK are possible but SMILE is not, because SMILE does have limitations in ...

Is Corneal Cross-Linking Necessary for Vision Correction Surgery? Laser vision correction procedures can thin the cornea. To ensure long-term stability, the cornea must maintain a certain level of strength. If the cornea becomes too thin or weak, it may lead to a condition called keratoconus — a progressive eye disorder characterized by irregular astigmatism due to corneal bulging or distortion. Corneal cross-linking (CXL) helps prevent such complications. Today, CXL is not just used as a treatment, but primarily as a preventive measure. By strengthening the cornea after laser vision correction surgery, it helps reduce the risk of post-surgical complications. What Are the Benefits of Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)? There are two major benefits of corneal cross-linking: 1. It strengthens the cornea that has been weakened due to surgery. 2. It can help reduce the risk of vision regression after vision correction surgery While CXL isn’t absolutely necessary for everyone — skipping it won’t ...

Is SMILE Surgery Possible for High Astigmatism? SMILE has built-in correction limits: up to -10.00 diopters for myopia and up to -5.00 diopters for astigmatism. While many people believe their astigmatism is very high, it’s usually within this correctable range. For astigmatism over -5.00 diopters, partial correction may be done, leaving a small amount of residual astigmatism. In most cases, mild residual astigmatism doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms and doesn’t impact daily life. Is SMILE Surgery Not Possible If I Have Thin Corneas? LASIK is comfortable, but it removes more corneal tissue than any other laser correction surgeries. That’s why in the past, people with thin corneas often opted for LASEK, even though it’s more uncomfortable during recovery. SMILE, however, offers the comfort of LASIK while preserving corneal tissue like LASEK. So now, even people with relatively thin corneas can often undergo SMILE. If I’ve Worn Contact Lenses For a Long Time, Does That Make Me Ineligible...

 What is New in SMILE Pro? Compared to the original SMILE procedure, SMILE Pro features a much faster laser speed. While the SMILE laser operates at 500 kHz, SMILE Pro uses a 2 MHz laser — that’s four times faster. This significantly reduces the risk of complications that can occur during surgery. In terms of visual quality, aligning the visual axis during the procedure is essential. Traditional SMILE surgery required manual adjustment to align. However, SMILE Pro offers automatic alignment. For patients with astigmatism, it’s not only important to align the visual axis but also to match the axis of the astigmatism. In cases of high astigmatism, aligning the axis accurately can be challenging. Standard SMILE requires manual alignment of the astigmatism axis, increasing the risk of complications. With SMILE Pro, the astigmatism axis can be corrected automatically. After using special diagnostic equipment, the data is linked to the SMILE Pro system, allowing it to adjust the astigmat...

Why Do Athletes Often Choose SMILE LASIK? Athletes often opt for SMILE LASIK because it offers greater safety against external impact. In traditional LASIK surgery, a corneal flap is created. While the flap is generally stable, it can potentially be displaced by an impact—especially during high-contact sports. Although such flap-related complications are rare, they are still a theoretical risk for people engaged in intense or contact-heavy physical activity. LASEK does not involve creating a corneal flap but directly reshapes the cornea. Although it can be painful for a few days after surgery, once the reshaped cornea heals, there’s no need to worry about flap complications. After LASEK surgery, the corneal surface can be slightly weaker, so a strong impact could peel off the surface. However, since LASEK doesn’t create a flap, it was considered better than LASIK for athletes, and it was commonly used before SMILE LASIK was introduced. SMILE LASIK doesn’t involve creating a corneal fla...

Is it necessary to wear UV-blocking sunglasses after surgery? Yes. UV rays can stimulate corneal cells and may cause corneal haze. This complication is more likely to occur after LASEK compared to other procedures. Is SMILE LASIK the fastest in terms of recovery among vision correction surgeries? Yes, SMILE LASIK offers significantly faster recovery than LASIK or LASEK. Its key advantages include quick healing and easy post-operative care. Patients can wear eye makeup and resume intense exercise or computer work starting a day after the surgery. Will I regain clear vision immediately after SMILE LASIK? Most patients achieve 90–95% of their corrected vision by the next day. For example, if your expected vision is 1.2, you may see 1.0 right after surgery, and within 2–3 weeks, your vision gradually becomes more comfortable. SMILE LASIK and LASIK offer similar timelines for visual recovery, but SMILE often feels clearer sooner, as the corneal surface remains largely untouched.

Why Is SMILE Pro More Expensive Than Standard SMILE LASIK? SMILE Pro is significantly more expensive than traditional SMILE LASIK, mainly due to the high cost of advanced laser equipment required for the procedure. Clinics that already offer SMILE must purchase a completely new laser system to perform SMILE Pro. On top of that, the disposable instruments and materials used during the surgery are also more expensive. Does the higher price of SMILE Pro guarantee better results? Not necessarily. If a patient has no complications after standard SMILE, the results can be just as good. However, SMILE Pro offers enhanced features designed to reduce the risk of complications and improve precision. It’s considered an upgraded version of SMILE that may lead to faster recovery, better centration, and improved patient comfort. While the core outcome may be similar, SMILE Pro is often chosen for its added safety and potential for more refined results. Why Do Eye Clinics Invest in Expensive, State-o...

Can People with Astigmatism Undergo SMILE LASIK? Astigmatism with a certain level of myopia can be corrected with SMILE LASIK. In contrast, in cases of hyperopia combined with astigmatism, correction with SMILE may not be possible. The majority of people with astigmatism can be corrected with SMILE. However, SMILE May not be Suitable for Those with Only Astigmatism as Follows: LASIK and LASEK correct vision by ablating the cornea, and even a small amount of ablation can achieve correction. However, SMILE does not remove tissue by burning it away. Instead, it separates a layer within the cornea and removes it manually. For this method, a certain amount of tissue volume is required, so a certain degree of myopia is needed to allow proper separation and handling of the lenticule. Therefore, SMILE is generally only possible when a sufficient amount of myopia is present. What If You Have High Astigmatism but Want SMILE LASIK? High astigmatism can place certain limitations on SMILE LASIK, as...