SMILE LASIK · SMILE PRO · GANGNAM, SEOUL
SMILE LASIK in Seoul.
No flap. Small incision.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism through a small keyhole incision — minimally invasive, precise and comfortable, with minimal downtime.
QUICK ANSWER
What is SMILE LASIK?
SMILE LASIK is flapless laser vision correction: the ATOS femtosecond laser shapes a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a small keyhole incision. Because no corneal flap is created, it is less invasive than traditional LASIK and has less impact on corneal nerves, reducing dry-eye symptoms. It corrects myopia and astigmatism.
- Surgery time
- 10–15 min per eye
- Vision improves
- Within 24 hours
- Corneal flap
- None — keyhole incision
- Treats
- Myopia −1.00D to −10.00D, astigmatism
- Minimum age
- 18+, stable vision for 1 year
KEY BENEFITS
Why patients choose SMILE
Minimally invasive
No corneal flap, reducing the risk of flap complications.
Faster recovery
Shorter healing time with minimal discomfort.
Fewer dry-eye symptoms
Less impact on corneal nerves than traditional LASIK.
High precision
ATOS femtosecond laser accuracy for a predictable result.
CANDIDACY
Am I a candidate for SMILE LASIK?
SMILE LASIK suits people who:
- Are over 18 with stable vision for at least one year
- Have mild to moderate nearsightedness ( −1.00D to −10.00D) with or without astigmatism
- Have healthy corneas with sufficient thickness
- Do not have glaucoma or severe dry eye
Not the right fit? Compare options
Every eye is different. These alternatives may suit you better:
Farsighted (hyperopia)? See LASIK → Very high myopia? Consider ICL → Thin corneas? Consider LASEK → Over 40 with near-vision loss? See RLE →STEP BY STEP
Your SMILE journey in three steps
- 01
Pre-surgery consultation
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Corneal thickness and eye-health evaluation
- Personalised treatment planning
- 02
SMILE surgery (10–15 min per eye)
- Numbing eye drops for a pain-free experience
- ATOS femtosecond laser creates the lenticule and a small incision
- Lenticule removed to reshape the cornea
- 03
Recovery & care
- Vision improvement starts within 24 hours
- Minimal discomfort and fast healing
- Follow-up checkups to monitor recovery
COMPARISON
SMILE LASIK vs traditional LASIK
| Feature | SMILE LASIK | Traditional LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap | No flap | Flap created |
| Recovery time | Faster | Slightly longer |
| Dry eye risk | Lower | Higher |
| Active lifestyles | Ideal | Flap-related risks |
| Treatment range | Myopia & astigmatism | Myopia, hyperopia & astigmatism |
If you lead an active lifestyle or are concerned about dry eyes, SMILE LASIK may be the best choice.
WHY GANGNAM SMILE EYE CLINIC
SMILE specialists in Gangnam
Specialised expertise
Our ophthalmologists are highly experienced in SMILE, including SMILE Pro and customised SMILE for astigmatism.
ATOS femtosecond laser
Latest-generation SMILE platform with CenTrax centration for precise lenticule extraction.
Personalised plans
Comprehensive exams and a treatment plan tailored to your eyes.
Comfortable environment
A calm Gangnam clinic designed for patient comfort from consultation to aftercare.
YOUR SURGEONS
Dr. Yeom Dong Ju, MD, Ph.D. — Chief Ophthalmologist
Over 20 years in ophthalmology and more than 10,000 LASIK procedures. Ph.D. in Medicine; M.D., Inje University College of Medicine; residency at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital. He leads a team of board-certified ophthalmologists — Dr. Jeong Sang Jun, Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung and Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo — trusted by Korean national archers An San and Kim Woo-jin.
Dr. Jeong Sang Jun
Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung
Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo
COST
How much does SMILE LASIK cost in Seoul?
The cost of SMILE LASIK in Gangnam varies with your eye condition. We offer transparent pricing and financing options — contact us for a personalised quote.
Get a personalised quote
Send your current prescription on WhatsApp. Our English-speaking team replies with candidacy guidance and a quote.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
SMILE LASIK questions, answered
What is the difference between SMILE and LASIK? +
SMILE removes a lenticule through a small keyhole incision with no flap; LASIK lifts a corneal flap. SMILE generally means fewer dry-eye symptoms and no flap risks, while LASIK can also treat hyperopia.
What prescriptions can SMILE correct? +
Mild to moderate nearsightedness of about −1.00D to −10.00D, with or without astigmatism.
How long is SMILE surgery? +
About 10–15 minutes per eye, with vision improvement starting within 24 hours.
Is SMILE good for athletes? +
Yes. With no corneal flap, SMILE is well suited to contact sports and active lifestyles.
Is SMILE Pro available? +
Yes. Our surgeons perform SMILE Pro on the ATOS laser and customised SMILE, including astigmatism correction. Your surgeon recommends the best option after testing.
Last updated October 2026 · Information is general and does not replace an eye examination.
RELATED TREATMENTS
Explore other options at our Gangnam clinic
FREE CONSULTATION
Ready to see clearly — without a flap?
English-speaking team · 1 minute from Gangnam Station Exit 10 · Reply on WhatsApp.
405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Gangnam Stn Exit 10 · 1-min walk
Sat 09:30–16:30 · Lunch 13:00–14:00
2nd & 4th Fri: evening appointments
Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
