SMILE PRO

What is SMILE PRO eye surgery?

SMILE PRO is a flapless, minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure for nearsightedness and astigmatism. It is a newer generation of SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). Instead of lifting a corneal flap as in LASIK, the surgeon shapes a thin lens-shaped layer of tissue inside the cornea and removes it through a small incision of only a few millimetres. At Smile Eye Clinic Korea, SMILE PRO is performed on the ATOS femtosecond laser with the CenTrax predictive centration system, which helps the surgeon align the treatment precisely with your visual axis. Because no flap is created, more of the cornea’s natural structure is preserved, and many patients experience less dry eye than with flap-based methods.

Who is SMILE PRO for?

SMILE PRO suits many adults who want freedom from glasses or contact lenses, but candidacy is always confirmed at an in-person examination in Seoul. As a general guide, suitable candidates tend to have:

• Stable nearsightedness, usually with a prescription that has not changed significantly for at least a year
• Astigmatism within the treatable range
• A cornea of adequate thickness and healthy shape
• Age generally in the early twenties or older
• No active eye disease, and overall eye health suitable for surgery

If you have very high prescriptions, thin corneas, or significant dry eye, a surgeon may recommend an alternative such as ICL or a surface procedure. Only a complete in-person exam can confirm which option fits your eyes.

How SMILE PRO works, step by step

The treatment itself is brief, and you stay awake with numbing eye drops rather than needles. A typical visit follows these stages:

• In-person examination: Detailed scans of your cornea, prescription, and tear film are taken in Seoul, and a surgeon confirms your eligibility.
• Preparation: Anaesthetic drops are applied so the eye is comfortable; no general anaesthetic is used.
• Laser step: The ATOS femtosecond laser, guided by CenTrax centration, forms a precise lenticule (a thin tissue layer) within the cornea.
• Lenticule removal: The surgeon gently removes the lenticule through a small incision, which reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.
• Finish: No stitches are needed. The small incision heals on its own.

The technology: ATOS laser and CenTrax centration

The differentiator at Smile Eye Clinic Korea is the pairing of the ATOS femtosecond laser with the CenTrax predictive centration system. Accurate centration, aligning the treatment with the eye’s visual axis, is one of the most important factors in a clean optical result, and CenTrax is designed to help the surgeon achieve this consistently. The clinic also uses advanced diagnostic systems for the pre-operative measurements that map your cornea before any treatment is planned. Four specialist ophthalmic surgeons perform these procedures, and the clinic has carried out vision correction procedures across its practice.

Recovery timeline

Because SMILE PRO is flapless, the surface of the eye is disturbed very little, which often means a comfortable recovery. Individual healing varies, but a common pattern is:

• Day 1: Vision may be a little hazy and the eye can feel watery; rest is recommended.
• Day 2 to 3: Vision usually becomes clearer and many people return to light daily activities.
• Week 1: Most routine activities, including screen work, are comfortable for many patients.
• Weeks to months: Vision continues to settle and stabilise, with follow-up checks to monitor progress.

Your surgeon will give you eye drops and clear aftercare instructions, and will advise when you can resume swimming, contact sports, and eye make-up.

Risks and considerations

Every surgical procedure carries some risk, and SMILE PRO is no exception. Possible considerations include temporary dry eye, glare or halos around lights at night, mild discomfort in the first days, and the chance that a small residual prescription may remain. Less commonly, additional treatment may be needed to fine-tune the result. These risks are generally low, and a thorough in-person assessment is a clear way to understand what applies to your eyes. Your surgeon will discuss the realistic benefits and limitations openly before you decide.

Why have SMILE PRO in Korea?

Korea is an established destination for vision correction, with experienced surgeons and modern equipment. Smile Eye Clinic Korea is located in Gangnam, central Seoul, and cares for international patients, including visitors from Mongolia and English-speaking patients worldwide. The clinic offers English-language coordination to help you plan your examination, procedure, and follow-up visits during a single trip. Because remote diagnosis is not permitted in Korea, all examinations and eligibility decisions take place in person in Seoul, which lets the surgical team plan your treatment with full, up-to-date information about your eyes.

Cost of SMILE PRO

The cost of SMILE PRO depends on your prescription, the detailed findings of your examination, and the treatment plan your surgeon recommends. For this reason, an exact price is confirmed after your in-person exam in Seoul rather than quoted in advance. A typical package covers the pre-operative examination, the procedure itself, post-operative medication, and scheduled follow-up checks. During your consultation the team will give you a clear written estimate so you understand what is included before you proceed. Items such as flights and accommodation are usually arranged separately.

Frequently asked questions

Is SMILE PRO eye surgery safe?

SMILE PRO is a widely used, minimally invasive procedure, and serious complications are uncommon. As with any surgery it carries some risk, which your surgeon will explain. A complete in-person examination in Seoul is the recommended way to confirm you are a suitable candidate before treatment.

Can both eyes be done the same day?

For many suitable candidates, SMILE PRO is performed on both eyes during the same visit, often within a short session. Whether this is right for you depends on your examination findings. Your surgeon confirms the plan in person and will advise if a different schedule suits your eyes better.

How is SMILE PRO different from LASIK?

The main difference is that SMILE PRO is flapless. Instead of creating a corneal flap, the surgeon removes a thin tissue layer through a small incision. This preserves more of the cornea’s natural structure and is often associated with less dry eye, though a surgeon will advise which method fits your eyes.

Does SMILE PRO hurt?

Numbing eye drops are used, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during the brief procedure. Mild watering or a gritty sensation can occur in the first day or two afterwards and usually settles quickly with the prescribed eye drops and rest.

When can I travel home after surgery?

Many international patients plan a short stay in Seoul so the surgeon can perform a next-day check before they fly home. Your exact timeline is confirmed at your in-person consultation, where the team will help you arrange examination, surgery, and follow-up within your visit.