SMILE LASIK Procedure in Seoul: Step-by-Step Guide
Pre-Op Day
On the day of your SMILE LASIK procedure, you’ll arrive at the clinic for a brief check-in and final pre-surgery eye tests. The surgeon will review your corneal scans, confirm your prescription, and answer any last-minute questions. You’ll change into a clean surgical gown, and anesthetic eye drops will be applied to ensure a pain-free experience.
Step-by-Step (Lenticule Creation & Removal)
- Positioning – You’ll be comfortably positioned under the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser.
- Lenticule Creation – The laser creates a thin, lens-shaped layer (lenticule) inside your cornea with high precision.
- Small Incision – A tiny incision (about 2–4 mm) is made on the corneal surface.
- Lenticule Removal – The surgeon gently removes the lenticule through the incision, reshaping the cornea to correct your vision.
- Completion – No flap is created, so the cornea remains structurally stable and begins healing immediately.
Time Per Eye
The SMILE LASIK procedure is quick — typically around 10–15 minutes per eye. The laser portion itself takes less than 30 seconds per eye, with the remainder spent on positioning and preparation.
Comfort & Anesthesia
- Anesthetic Eye Drops – No injections or general anesthesia required.
- No Pain During Surgery – You may feel slight pressure or a mild sensation during lenticule removal.
- Post-Op Sensation – Some patients experience mild dryness or foreign body sensation for a few hours afterward.
Same-Day Tips
- Arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure.
- Rest your eyes for several hours and avoid screen use immediately afterward.
- Use prescribed eye drops exactly as directed.
- Wear the protective eye shields provided by the clinic while sleeping the first night.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes or exposing them to dust and smoke.
