Is Experience and Expertise in SMILE Pro and SMILE LASIK Important?

Currently, SMILE LASIK, developed by Carl Zeiss, holds the number one market share worldwide in vision correction surgeries. Since the introduction of the VisuMax laser, SMILE LASIK has been performed in over 8 million cases globally, including 1.3 million cases in South Korea over the past 15 years. Throughout this time, Zeiss and medical professionals have continually conducted research and technological advancements to perfect SMILE LASIK.

With the launch of the VisuMax 800, the upgraded SMILE Pro procedure has been introduced. SMILE Pro can be described as an “enhanced version of SMILE LASIK.” It builds upon the globally proven SMILE LASIK technique, incorporating features that improve safety, such as shorter laser treatment times, centration tracking, and astigmatism axis correction. Therefore, the success of SMILE Pro surgery is heavily influenced by the surgeon’s experience and expertise in performing SMILE LASIK. The accumulated knowledge and refined techniques from SMILE LASIK play a crucial role in achieving optimal outcomes with SMILE Pro.

▲ SMILE LASIK Lenticular Extraction Process



The experience and expertise in SMILE LASIK and SMILE Pro can be divided into two main areas: 



1. Surgeon’s Skill and Proficiency
Both SMILE LASIK and SMILE Pro surgeries are completed by removing the lenticule through a small incision. While the VisuMax femtosecond laser creates the smooth lenticule, the task of extracting it from the cornea is carried out by the surgeon. The key to high surgical quality lies in the surgeon’s ability to smoothly and quickly extract the lenticule. This requires significant experience and skill, as it is the surgeon’s technique that enhances the overall precision and success of the procedure.

▲ Example image of a nomogram conducting surgical planning and simulation based on its own data.



2. Ophthalmic Examination System
Conducting precise examinations with high-quality equipment is emphasized in all eye clinics. However, determining which vision correction surgery to perform and the degree of refractive correction requires a variety of data to make an objective decision. This is done through a process called nomogram. Even with the same SMILE LASIK or SMILE Pro, tailoring the surgery to the patient’s specific needs can significantly improve satisfaction. At Bright Eye Clinic, we utilize data from 700,000 vision correction cases and 110,000 SMILE LASIK cases to enhance the accuracy and success of each surgery.



There is a lot of interest in SMILE Pro, but I understand that some people may feel anxious and uncertain due to it being the most recent procedure. However, as mentioned earlier, SMILE Pro uses the same surgical method as SMILE LASIK, and it can apply the same data and expertise accumulated from numerous cases worldwide, domestically, and within the clinic itself. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about this aspect.

What is most important is not just seeking out the newest equipment or surgical methods, but rather choosing the vision correction procedure that is best suited for your eyes. We hope that through precise examinations and consultations with expert medical professionals, you can make a well-informed decision. 



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