SMILE LASIK FAQ — How SMILE Compares With LASIK
Many patients search for "SMILE LASIK" while deciding between the two procedures. These answers focus on the differences: flap vs lenticule, dry eye, strength of the cornea, recovery, price and who suits which.
- SMILE / SMILE Pro both eyes ₩2.5M–₩4.0M
- LASIK both eyes ₩1.9M–₩2.4M
- Exam decides which is safer for you
Is SMILE LASIK the same as LASIK?
No. "SMILE LASIK" is a common nickname, but SMILE does not create a flap. LASIK lifts a corneal flap and reshapes the tissue beneath it with an excimer laser; SMILE removes a lenticule through a 2–4 mm incision. At BGSS, LASIK costs ₩1.9M–₩2.4M and SMILE / SMILE Pro ₩2.5M–₩4.0M for both eyes, exam included.
- LASIK
- Flap + excimer
- SMILE
- Lenticule, 2–4 mm incision
- LASIK price
- ₩1.9M – ₩2.4M
- SMILE price
- ₩2.5M – ₩4.0M
SMILE vs LASIK in one table
Key differences; your corneal measurements decide which is safer.
| SMILE / SMILE Pro | LASIK | |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal opening | 2–4 mm incision | Hinged flap |
| Laser | Femtosecond only (VisuMax 800 for Pro) | Femtosecond flap + excimer |
| Recovery | 1–2 days | Functional vision next day |
| Treats hyperopia | Generally no | Yes |
| BGSS price, both eyes | ₩2.5M–₩4.0M | ₩1.9M–₩2.4M |
More: SMILE vs SMILE Pro · LASIK in Korea · SMILE Pro FAQ.
Your treatment plan and price within 24 hours
- 1 Send a photo of your glasses or prescription
- 2 Get a likely procedure and estimated cost
- 3 Reserve an exam slot for your trip
No obligation · English · 中文 · 日本語 · Tiếng Việt · Монгол · Bahasa Indonesia
BGSS Eye Clinic 2026 prices
Every package includes the pre-operative exam, the surgery and standard post-op medications.
| Procedure | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK (both eyes) | ₩1,900,000 – ₩2,400,000 | $1,340 – $1,690 | 1 day |
| LASEK / PRK (both eyes) | ₩2,200,000 – ₩2,800,000 | $1,550 – $1,980 | 3–5 days |
| SMILE / SMILE Pro (both eyes) | ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000 | $1,760 – $2,830 | 1–2 days |
| EVO ICL (both eyes) | ₩5,200,000 – ₩7,000,000 | $3,670 – $4,950 | 1 day |
| Cataract / presbyopia lens (per eye) | ₩1,500,000 – ₩7,250,000 | $1,060 – $5,120 | 1–2 days |
USD values are approximate and vary with exchange rates. Final pricing is confirmed after your pre-operative exam.
- Full pre-operative diagnostic exam (2–3 hours)
- Surgery performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist
- Standard post-op eye drops and check-ups before you fly
- Medical interpreter and English medical records
Which procedure fits your eyes?
Answer 3 quick questions to see the procedure most often suited to people like you, with the 2026 starting price. Then send it to a coordinator for a free personal review.
- FREE No obligation, no deposit to ask
- 24h Reply from our international team
- MD Final plan confirmed by an ophthalmologist after your exam
How old are you?
Written and reviewed by the surgeons who perform it
Every figure on this page is a published BGSS total or a public credential you can check.
- 160,000+ SMILE / SMILE Pro
- 66,000+ ICL lens implants
- 49,000+ presbyopia & cataract
- Many with M.D., Ph.D. research backgrounds
- Founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee: 56,000+ ICL eyes
- Complex-case and toric ICL positioning
- STAAR Surgical EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit (2024)
- Korea SMILE Forum (2025)
- Korea EVO ICL Forum (2025)
- Among Korea's first to introduce LASIK & LASEK
- Ministry of Health & Welfare–designated regenerative medicine institution
- 2026 prices published openly
- Medical content reviewed by an ophthalmologist
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Lee is a pioneer of first-generation LASIK, LASEK and ICL in Korea and is known internationally for complex-case ICL and custom lens positioning for astigmatism. He reviews the medical content on this website.
Editorial policy: clinical statements on this page are checked against the sources below and BGSS outcome data, and are reviewed at least once a year. Prices are the clinic's published 2026 rates.
SMILE vs LASIK: frequently asked questions
Why do people call it "SMILE LASIK"?
Both reshape the cornea with lasers, so SMILE is often marketed as a type of LASIK. Technically they are different: SMILE is flapless.
Which has less dry eye?
SMILE generally cuts fewer corneal nerves than a LASIK flap, and studies report less early dry eye on average. Individual results vary.
Is SMILE stronger for contact sports?
With no flap, there is no flap that can be dislodged by trauma. This is one reason SMILE is often chosen by athletes and people in physical jobs.
Which recovers faster?
Both are fast. LASIK typically gives functional vision the next day; SMILE patients usually return to daily activities in 1–2 days.
Can SMILE treat astigmatism?
Yes, SMILE treats myopia with astigmatism within certain ranges. Your surgeon confirms whether your astigmatism is within range.
Can SMILE treat farsightedness?
SMILE is generally used for myopia. For hyperopia, LASIK, surface laser or lens options are considered.
Why is SMILE more expensive than LASIK?
SMILE uses dedicated ZEISS technology and a different surgical technique. At BGSS SMILE is ₩2.5M–₩4.0M and LASIK ₩1.9M–₩2.4M, both eyes, exam included.
Is SMILE better for thin corneas?
SMILE preserves more of the strong anterior cornea than a flap, but very thin corneas may still be unsuitable. LASEK or ICL may then be advised.
Are night halos more common with one or the other?
Both can cause temporary glare or halos. Most settle over weeks to months; pupil size and prescription influence risk.
Can I switch from LASIK to SMILE on the day?
The procedure is chosen after your exam and discussion. Changing requires your surgeon to confirm the alternative is equally safe for your measurements.
Which is better for high myopia?
For very high myopia, removing more tissue may not be safe with either; EVO ICL is often considered instead.
How do I decide?
Send your prescription for a free pre-assessment (reply within 24 hours). After a 2–3 hour exam, your surgeon recommends the safest option.
Ready to see clearly? Start with a free consultation.
Send your prescription today and get a personal treatment plan and price estimate within 24 hours.
- Free consultation
- No obligation
- Reply within 24 hours
- Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic
Medical information on this page is for general education and does not replace a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Results vary by individual, and suitability is determined after a full pre-operative eye examination. Statistics: BGSS Seoul + Busan cumulative totals as of December 2025.
