SMILE LASIK
From 2,400,000 KRW/ surgery
SMILE LASIK SMILE LASIK is a minimally invasive vision correction procedure using advanced femtosecond laser technology. By minimizing the corneal incision, it is designed to reduce corneal damage and support a rapid return to daily activities. Based on comprehensive eye examinations, the procedure is customized to each patient’s individual eye condition. International patients receive seamless consultation, examination, surgery, and post-operative care through our one-stop service. - Femtosecond laser technology recognized with a Nobel Prize in Physics - 2 mm incision for rapid recovery - CE, U.S. FDA, and Korean MFDS-approved technology
Surgery Overview
SMILE LASIK
An invisible incision, noticeable comfort.
This procedure creates a 'lenticule (a thin piece of tissue)' using a laser that passes through the corneal surface within the cornea, then removes it through a 2 mm micro-incision to correct vision.
Vision correction best suited to your eyes: SMILE LASIK
A smaller incision results in less corneal nerve damage, less pain, faster recovery, and a lower likelihood of dry eye symptoms.
Conventional LASIK (LASIK)
Creation of a corneal flap
LASEK (LASEK)
Removal of the corneal epithelium
SMILE LASIK (SMILE)
Minimally invasive corneal incision
ZEISS VisuMax 500
Invisible, subtle differences create perfect vision.
VisuMax 500 by Germany's ZEISS provides precise correction with laser energy levels designed to minimize stimulation to the eye. Its refined curved-surface dosing technology and stabilized energy control system deliver smoother and safer surgical outcomes.
✓ Precision lenticule extraction technology
Minimizes the incision area to promote faster recovery and improves uniformity in the correction area for clearer vision.
✓ Personalized energy control
Automatically adjusts energy intensity and treatment depth according to the patient's corneal condition and ocular response speed to achieve optimal cutting results.
✓ Curved-surface alignment technology tailored to natural curvature
A sophisticated curved-surface design that follows the natural shape of the eye provides natural vision and comfortable correction.
✓ Globally recognized safety
A vision correction laser system that meets the three major global safety standards, certified by the U.S. FDA, European CE, and Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
An invisible difference: patented lenticule side-cut design
A vertical side-cut plane created to remove the lenticule formed inside the cornea without damaging other parts of the eye, enhancing safety during the lenticule extraction process. It is ZEISS's patented technology designed to prevent lenticule damage (tearing) and reduce dryness or pain.
➞ Incomplete lenticule removal may cause irregular astigmatism, etc.
A patented technology in the lenticule extraction process for precise surgery: VisuMax's exclusive safety mechanism
*Source: Variation of Lenticule Tickness for SMILE in Low Myopia- Siedlecki, JRS, 2018
The standard of stability created by SMILE LASIK
Customized energy delivery based on the patient's corneal condition can preserve an additional 20–30 μm of residual corneal tissue.
Residual cornea after other SMILE LASIK procedures
Residual cornea after ZEISS SMILE LASIK
The beginning of precision: negative-pressure eye fixation system
ZEISS SMILE's negative-pressure eye fixation method secures the eye gently yet firmly. With ideal suction pressure and an ergonomically designed eye fixation device, it enables real-time detection and automatic adjustment for stable, precise laser treatment.
During the suction process and laser treatment, physical detection and correction are possible; even if suction loss occurs in patients with significant movement, immediate reoperation is possible.
Globally validated safety
VisuMax is a semiconductor femtosecond laser device for ophthalmic use certified by the U.S. FDA, European CE, and Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. It is a high-performance vision correction system globally recognized for its accuracy, safety, and overall performance.
U.S. FDA approval
European CE approval
Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approval
The precision of 2 mm: a new standard in vision correction
With minimal incision, the structural stability of the cornea can be maintained, helping preserve clearer vision safely for longer.
Femtosecond laser technology precisely controlled in 1/500,000-second increments
VisuMax 500 precisely separates the cornea in 1/500,000-second increments to achieve accurate correction.
Ultra-fine incision of approximately 2 mm
With an incision of only 2 mm, it enables rapid recovery and stable visual recovery.
More precise SMILE surgery with femtosecond technology recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physics
Femtosecond laser treatment is delivered precisely in 1/500,000-second increments, selectively separating only the necessary area to minimize corneal damage and smoothly correct vision. With this innovative technology, SMILE delivers faster and safer vision correction outcomes.
VisuMax SMILE: No. 1 in global vision correction market share
Surgical reliability demonstrated by ZEISS technology and more than 10 years of clinical data
✓ Vision correction market share: No. 1 ✓ Countries exported to globally: Over 80 ✓ SMILE technology patents: 240 ✓ SMILE research papers: 800 ✓ First development of SMILE: 2008
Rapid treatment speed based on high-speed laser technology
The difference between laser repetition rate and actual laser treatment speed
Proven technology: fast and precise SMILE
The safety and precision of SMILE procedures have been demonstrated through more than 15 years of accumulated expertise and equipment based on over 500 patents. Using a high-speed spiral laser pattern minimizes the period of blurred vision, while central treatment takes only 2–3 seconds, reducing patient burden.
VisuMax 500 treatment method: Spiral out -> in / in -> out
SMILE LASIK procedure
Using First Eye Clinic's ZEISS VisuMax
❶ Laser treatment
A precise laser is applied to the corneal stroma to separate the area to be corrected without creating a flap.
❷ Minimal incision
A micro-incision of approximately 2 mm is created to form a pathway for vision correction.
❸ Stromal tissue removal
The separated stromal tissue is removed through the created incision to correct vision.
What makes SMILE LASIK special
Precision technology that preserves the structure of the eye
Maximum preservation of residual corneal tissue
Preserves the upper portion of the cornea to maintain structural strength, which is beneficial for long-term visual stability.
Strong resistance to external impact
Unlike conventional LASIK, no flap is created, eliminating the risk of flap displacement during face washing or exercise.
Minimized risk of dry eye symptoms
Less corneal nerve cutting significantly reduces postoperative dry eye symptoms and foreign body sensation.
Correction of high myopia and astigmatism possible
By securing sufficient corneal thickness, even patients with high myopia can undergo correction safely.
One-to-one personalized design
Based on individual eye data, including corneal curvature, pupil size, and tear film condition, a laser pattern optimized for the eye is designed.
VisuMax SMILE, chosen by millions
The record of trust proves it
Reasons to choose First Eye Clinic
The doctor trusted by doctors: Chief Director Yoon Sam-young, a KEY Doctor
❶ A trusted ophthalmology clinic chosen by countless patients
❷ Proven expertise with extensive experience treating complications and revision surgeries from other clinics
❸ A premium medical system equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment
❹ A “lifelong primary physician” system that takes responsibility through postoperative care
FIRST EYE CENTER
