SMILE LASIK in Busan, Korea
Flapless laser vision correction for nearsightedness and astigmatism, performed through an incision of under 2 mm with the ZEISS VisuMax laser. English-speaking coordinators in Seomyeon, central Busan, plan your exam, surgery and follow-up before you fly in.
SMILE LASIK, explained in one minute
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses a femtosecond laser to shape a thin disc of tissue, called a lenticule, inside the cornea. The surgeon removes it through a keyhole incision of under 2 mm, which reshapes the cornea and corrects your prescription.
Because there is no corneal flap, SMILE leaves the strong outer layers of the cornea largely intact. That is why it is often chosen by people with active lifestyles, contact-sports players, and those concerned about dry eye.
At BGSS Eye Clinic in Busan, Korea, SMILE is performed only with the ZEISS VisuMax laser. Every patient first has a full eye examination so the surgeon can confirm whether SMILE, SMILE Pro, LASIK, LASEK or ICL is the safest choice for their eyes.
Three steps inside a single laser session
Your eye is held steady with gentle suction while the VisuMax laser works. BGSS uses ZEISS SMILE with automatic pressure detection, so the laser adjusts in real time throughout the procedure.
The laser shapes a lenticule
The femtosecond laser creates a thin, lens-shaped piece of tissue inside the intact cornea, matched to your prescription.
A keyhole incision
The surgeon makes a small opening of under 2 mm and gently removes the lenticule through it. No flap is lifted.
Your cornea is reshaped
With the tissue removed, the curve of the cornea changes and light focuses correctly on the retina. The small opening seals on its own.
Benefits of SMILE LASIK
SMILE combines the precision of laser surgery with a much smaller opening in the cornea. Whether it is right for you depends on your examination results.
No corneal flap
There is no flap to dislodge, which makes SMILE a popular choice for people who play sports or have physically active jobs.
Under 2 mm incision
A keyhole opening preserves more of the cornea’s natural strength than flap-based procedures.
Less dry eye for many
Fewer corneal nerves are cut, so many patients experience less post-operative dryness than after traditional LASIK.
Fast return to routine
Most patients see clearly within one to two days and return to office work shortly after.
Precise astigmatism correction
Direct eye fixation and careful axis marking help the laser correct astigmatism accurately.
Experienced SMILE team
BGSS has performed more than 160,000 SMILE and SMILE Pro procedures and has presented its SMILE results at international meetings.
SMILE vs SMILE Pro vs LASIK
All three correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. The main differences are the laser platform, how the cornea is opened, and the speed of the procedure.
| SMILE LASIK | SMILE Pro | LASIK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser | ZEISS VisuMax 500 | ZEISS VisuMax 800 | Femtosecond + excimer laser |
| Corneal opening | Under 2 mm incision | Small incision | Hinged corneal flap |
| Laser time | 25 seconds or less | 10 seconds or less | Varies by prescription |
| Eye fixation time | 27 seconds or less | 13 seconds or less | — |
| Centration | Set by the surgeon | Automatic, robot-assisted | Eye tracker |
| Treats | Myopia, astigmatism | Myopia, astigmatism | Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism |
| Good to know | Flapless, well proven at BGSS | Faster and more automated | Wider prescription range |
SMILE and SMILE Pro figures come from BGSS’s ZEISS comparison. Your surgeon will recommend a procedure after measuring your corneal thickness, shape and prescription. Read more about SMILE Pro in Busan or LASIK in Busan.
Who SMILE LASIK suits
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are 18 or older with a prescription that has been stable for at least a year
- Are nearsighted (myopia), with or without astigmatism
- Have a healthy cornea of sufficient thickness
- Have no active eye disease or infection
- Want freedom from glasses and contact lenses for sport, travel or work
Final eligibility is decided only after a comprehensive eye examination at BGSS.
Your SMILE LASIK trip to Busan
BGSS is a registered facility for international patients. Our coordinators speak English and Chinese and arrange your schedule before you arrive. Appointments are by reservation only.
Send your current prescription and travel dates on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk. A coordinator replies with a suggested schedule.
Detailed tests of corneal thickness and shape, prescription, tear film and overall eye health, followed by a consultation with your surgeon.
About 10–15 minutes in the operating room for both eyes. Bring a companion if you can, and plan a quiet rest of the day.
Your surgeon checks healing and vision, explains your eye drops, and confirms when you can travel home.
How long to stay in Busan depends on your exam results and the follow-up your surgeon recommends. Please confirm your flight dates with your coordinator before booking.
What recovery after SMILE looks like
Recovery is usually comfortable. Follow your surgeon’s personal instructions; the timeline below is a general guide.
Mild watering, light sensitivity or a gritty feeling for a few hours. Rest your eyes and use the prescribed drops.
Most patients notice clear vision. You will have your first follow-up check at the clinic.
Return to office and screen work for most people. Avoid rubbing your eyes and keep water and dust out of them.
Vision continues to stabilise. Keep up your eye drops and any follow-up visits, which can be arranged with your doctor at home.
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee
Founder & CEO · M.D., Ph.D.
Moderator and keynote speaker at the 2025 Korea SMILE Forum.
A SMILE specialist in Busan since 1997
- ZEISS SMILE only SMILE at BGSS is performed only on the ZEISS VisuMax laser, with real-time pressure detection.
- Large SMILE experience More than 160,000 SMILE and SMILE Pro cases across the Seoul and Busan clinics.
- Published clinical results BGSS has shared its SMILE outcomes in CRST Europe, the Korean Journal of Ophthalmology and at Asia-Pacific refractive surgery meetings.
- JCI accredited three times International patient safety accreditation between 2011 and 2020.
- Easy to reach In the Ion City building in Seomyeon, Busan’s main transport hub, with care in English and Chinese.
SMILE LASIK in Busan: frequently asked questions
What is SMILE LASIK?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a flapless laser vision correction procedure. A femtosecond laser shapes a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through an incision of under 2 mm to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
Neither is better for everyone. SMILE avoids a corneal flap and uses a much smaller incision, which many patients prefer for an active lifestyle and lower dry-eye risk. LASIK can treat farsightedness and a wider range of prescriptions. Your surgeon recommends the right option after your eye exam.
How long does SMILE surgery take?
The laser itself takes about 25 seconds per eye with the VisuMax laser. You will spend about 10–15 minutes in the operating room for both eyes.
Does SMILE LASIK hurt?
Numbing eye drops are used, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Mild discomfort, watering or light sensitivity for a few hours afterwards is normal.
When will I see clearly after SMILE?
Most patients notice clear vision within one to two days. In BGSS Seoul data presented in 2017, 98% of 300 patients reached 20/20 unaided vision.
Can SMILE correct astigmatism?
Yes. SMILE corrects nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. BGSS uses direct eye fixation and axis marking to treat astigmatism precisely.
What is the difference between SMILE and SMILE Pro?
Both are flapless ZEISS procedures. SMILE uses the VisuMax 500 with a laser time of 25 seconds or less; SMILE Pro uses the newer VisuMax 800 with a laser time of 10 seconds or less and automatic, robot-assisted centration.
How many days should I stay in Busan for SMILE?
Plan for an eye examination, surgery and a next-day check at minimum. The exact number of days depends on your exam results, so confirm your schedule with a BGSS coordinator before booking flights.
Do the doctors and staff speak English?
Yes. BGSS has English- and Chinese-speaking international coordinators who support you from your first message through surgery and follow-up.
How do I book SMILE LASIK at BGSS Busan?
Message the International Desk on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk, or call +82-10-7632-8782. Appointments are by reservation only; walk-ins are not accepted.
How much does SMILE LASIK cost in Busan?
The cost depends on your prescription and the procedure chosen after your exam. See our SMILE surgery cost in Busan guide, or ask a coordinator for a personal quote.
Book your SMILE LASIK consultation
Send us your prescription and travel dates. Our international team will reply with a suggested schedule.
Appointments are by reservation only. We do not accept walk-in patients.
- Address
74 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
(Ion City Bldg, 8–11F) - International Desk +82-10-7632-8782
- Busan Clinic +82-51-805-1100
- Mon · Tue · Thu · Fri 09:00 – 18:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00)
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00, no lunch break
- Wed · Sun · Holidays Closed
