Clinical Data & Vision Correction Surgery_2

2. Another Turning Point: The Introduction of SMILE PRO in 2023

In October 2023, Zeiss introduced the upgraded VisuMax 800 equipment, replacing the previous VisuMax 500 used for SMILE procedures.

Now, SMILE procedures performed using this new equipment are referred to as SMILE PRO.

SMILE PRO brings several improvements, including:

• Shorter laser exposure times

• Enhanced central accuracy with tracking features

• Precise astigmatism axis correction

These advancements further enhance the stability of the surgery and provide patients with more accurate and safe vision correction outcomes. While SMILE PRO certainly boasts clearer technological improvements and advantages compared to the original SMILE, it was met with the same concerns regarding its safety and effectiveness when SMILE was first introduced in 2007.

Given that SMILE has been around for 10 years, should we regard the relatively new SMILE PRO as a procedure without guaranteed stability and effectiveness?

To answer clearly: No, that is not the case. In fact, SMILE PRO has already undergone extensive clinical trials, making it a fully proven vision correction procedure in its own right.

SMILE PRO: Proven Clinical Trials Before Domestic Introduction

Before SMILE PRO was introduced in Korea in October 2023, it had already proven its safety through over 60,000 surgeries worldwide. Following this validation, more than 40,000 additional surgeries were performed after its domestic introduction, accumulating ample clinical data on SMILE PRO itself.

What’s especially noteworthy is that all SMILE and SMILE PRO surgeries have been performed by the same medical professionals. Since both procedures follow the same principles and techniques, the expertise accumulated from SMILE LASIK surgeries is directly applied to SMILE PRO, ensuring continuity in skill and experience.

Additionally, while the VisuMax 500 equipment is used in 72 clinics across the country, the upgraded VisuMax 800 is available in about 20 clinics. The VisuMax equipment can only be installed in medical institutions that meet Zeiss’s strict standards, which means only hospitals with proven medical expertise and advanced technology are qualified to perform both SMILE LASIK and SMILE PRO surgeries.

As a result, both SMILE and SMILE PRO can be considered validated and safe vision correction procedures, backed by highly experienced medical professionals and globally confirmed effectiveness.

3. Why SMILE Will Continue to Be a Stronger Vision Correction Procedure

Stable Nomogram Formation Enables Vision Recovery and Return to Daily Life After SMILE Surgery

Nomogram, or the personalized surgical data settings used in vision correction, enables the customization of the surgery to suit the unique characteristics of each patient’s eyes. Given that each person has different eye structures, vision conditions, and corneal thickness, the surgical method may be the same, but the settings must be individually tailored.

Thanks to this, we can now expect more precise and safer surgery outcomes tailored to each patient’s specific eye condition.

As more and more clinical data is accumulated, the role of the nomogram will continue to grow in importance.

Now, SMILE is a safer and more precise next-generation vision correction procedure that can be chosen by even more people. When considering vision correction surgery, it’s important to not only look at the availability of the latest technology and equipment but also to ensure that the medical institution carefully analyzes the patient’s individual conditions and develops a customized surgical plan.

If you are looking for a safe and effective vision correction procedure, choose a clinic that offers accurate data analysis and a systematic surgical plan.

Thank you for your time :)