Refractive Eye Surgery

SMILE®

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

Exclusively at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic

At Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic in Korea, our ambidextrous SMILE® eye surgery
takes vision correction to the next level. Using a unique dual-hand surgical technique,
our experienced surgeons deliver exceptional precision, balance, and reliability.

  • Enhanced precision through dual-hand technique

  • Balanced and reliable visual outcomes

  • Minimally invasive with faster recovery

Schedule your consultation today to experience the future of SMILE® laser eye surgery.

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SMILE® Vision Correction Process

Experience clear vision with SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), a minimally invasive laser eye surgery
designed to reduce the burden on your eyes and shorten recovery time. SMILE® is one of the most advanced procedures for myopia
and astigmatism correction, using a precise femtosecond laser.

  • Step
    01

    Laser irradiation

    The femtosecond laser is transmitted through the cornea to carefully target the corneal tissue. This process precisely reshapes the cornea while preserving surrounding structures, ensuring a safe and effective correction for nearsightedness and astigmatism.

  • Step
    02

    Minimal incision

    A tiny incision of less than 2mm is made on the cornea. The minimal incision technique reduces discomfort, promotes faster healing, and minimizes the risk of complications compared to traditional LASIK.

  • Step
    03

    Removal of the Lenticule

    The surgeon gently removes the separated corneal tissue (lenticule) through the small incision. This step reshapes the cornea, correcting your vision effectively while keeping the procedure safe and precise.

What Makes Ambidextrous SMILE® Different?

Experience Ambidextrous SMILE®, a revolutionary approach to laser vision correction reimagined through bilateral surgeon control.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic is the only clinic in Korea offering this ambidextrous technique,
combining surgical precision with enhanced patient outcomes.

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  • Enhanced Surgical Stability

    Coordinated two-hand operation reduces micro-motion and
    improves surgical concentration, ensuring more stable results.

  • Superior Symmetry and Tissue Handling

    Balanced bimanual manipulation preserves corneal architecture and
    reduces irregular astigmatism.

  • Faster, More Efficient Procedures

    Optimized workflow and dexterity shorten operative time and
    minimize patient exposure.

  • Greater Control for Complex Cases

    Allows precise management of astigmatic axes and
    challenging anatomical variations.

  • All SMILE® Advantages Preserved

    Benefits include flap-free micro-incision, reduced dry-eye risk,
    and strong corneal integrity.

Who Benefits Most from Ambidextrous SMILE® Eye Surgery

Ambidextrous SMILE® is an advanced,
minimally invasive vision correction procedure ideal for patients who:

  • 01

    Have myopia with or
    without astigmatism.

  • 02

    Seek a flap-free, minimally
    invasive alternative to LASIK

  • 03

    Are concerned about dry eye
    or flap-related complications

  • 04

    Lead active lifestyles and need
    rapid, stable visual recovery

SMILE® vs. LASIK vs. LASEK (PRK)

Choosing the right laser vision correction procedure is a major decision.
Modern ophthalmology offers three leading options—SMILE®, LASIK, and LASEK (PRK)—each with distinct methods,
recovery profiles, and benefits. This side-by-side comparison is designed to help you understand the differences
and determine the best choice for your eyes and lifestyle.

Swipe to check.

Category SMILE® LASIK LASEK (PRK)
Method Corrects vision by separating and
removing a small lenticule using
femtosecond laser (VisuMax)
without creating a flap. 		Creates a corneal flap and reshapes
the cornea with an excimer laser.		 Removes the epithelium (outer layer),
then reshapes the cornea with
an excimer laser.
Cornea Preserves corneal structure.
Minimizes corneal nerve damage.
No corneal flap exposure during
the procedure. 		Flap creation makes corneal
preservation difficult.
Corneal flap exposure during surgery.		 Epithelium removal makes corneal
preservation difficult.
Wide corneal surface exposure
during surgery.
Flap None (Flapless) Yes None (Flapless)
Incision Within 2mm (Minimally Invasive) 20-24mm -
Pain 1-2 hours (Minimal) 2-4 hours 2-3 days (Most significant)
Recovery Within 1 day (Fastest) 1 day 1 week - 1 month
(Vision stabilizes slowly)
Post-op Care 3 weeks of eye drops 1 month of eye drops,
Protective eye shield during sleep,
Sunglasses		 3-6 months of eye drops (varies),
Protective eye shield during sleep,
Sunglasses,
Protective lenses
Daily Life Next day: shower, basic makeup,
electronic device use, light exercise		 Next day: shower, basic makeup,
electronic device use, light exercise		 After 3-7 days: shower, basic makeup,
electronic device use, light exercise
  • In SMILE®, more than 90% of corneal nerves are preserved, minimizing the risk of postoperative dry eye.
  • Corneal flap creation: LASIK only.