Reached 100,000 SMILE procedures

 

Vision correction surgery has evolved beyond a simple procedure to become a meaningful choice that improves quality of life. Among these, SMILE has grown into a leading vision correction method both domestically and internationally, thanks to its short recovery time and low complication rates.

In fact, more than 8 million procedures have been performed worldwide, with over 1.3 million in Korea alone. Medical institutions that have completed over 100,000 SMILE cases have emerged, further elevating the status and trust in SMILE surgery.

▲ Featuring 240 unique patented technologies built into the VisuMax

1. The Technology Behind SMILE

The widespread adoption of SMILE is largely due to its advanced technology and the reliability of its equipment. At the heart of this innovation is ZEISS, a German precision optics company with over 180 years of history. ZEISS is a global leader in developing various medical optical devices and has made a significant impact in the field of vision correction, particularly through its VisuMax series.

▲ ZEISS’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities

2. What is VisuMax?

The core device that makes SMILE surgery possible is the VisuMax. Since its first release in 2008, it has proven its safety and efficiency through extensive clinical trials and technological validation. In 2023, the enhanced VisuMax 800 was introduced, featuring faster speeds and more precise laser control to improve surgical outcomes. While inheriting the technology of the previous VisuMax 500, this latest model is designed to deliver even more accurate and refined results.

▲ OcuLign® technology that detects even the slightest rotation of the eye

3. The Technology Behind VisuMax

The most notable technologies of the VisuMax 800 can be summarized into two key features.

First is CentraLign®, an eye-center alignment technology. If the centers of the cornea and pupil do not perfectly align during vision correction surgery, it can cause visual distortions post-surgery. To prevent this, CentraLign precisely tracks the pupil center in two dimensions during the procedure, guiding the lenticule to form exactly in the right position. This helps maintain clear vision without glare, even at night.

The second is OcuLign®, a precise rotational correction technology. While standard vision measurements are taken with the patient sitting up, surgery is performed with the patient lying down, which can cause slight eye rotation known as cyclotorsion. If uncorrected, this rotation can lead to errors in astigmatism axis correction. OcuLign accurately detects this rotation, minimizing discrepancies between the surgical plan and actual results. As a result, astigmatism correction becomes more precise, providing clearer vision.

▲ Award of Achievement 100,000 SMILE Cases

The VisuMax 800, which embodies these advanced technologies, operates around an ultra-precise femtosecond laser and incorporates over 240 patented technologies owned by ZEISS. It is approved by the U.S. FDA and has also obtained the European CE certification, making it an internationally verified device in terms of safety and effectiveness.

Among SMILE procedures, the SMILE Pro using VisuMax 800 is especially praised for its quick surgery time and precise cutting technology, which improve recovery speed and patient satisfaction. Patients experience rapid vision restoration immediately after surgery and can return to daily activities quickly, making it highly preferred by many working professionals and students. Moreover, like the original SMILE, it minimizes corneal tissue removal, reducing the risk of dry eye and corneal damage.

4. Bright Eye Clinic Gangnam: Achieving 100,000 SMILE Cases

Numerous ophthalmology clinics in Korea perform SMILE surgeries, and Bright Eye Clinic Gangnam has recorded over 100,000 cases (130,000 as of May 2025), receiving an official award from ZEISS headquarters. This achievement is not just a number but an important indicator of extensive surgical experience, reliability, and consistent results.

Ultimately, when considering SMILE surgery, it’s important not only to check whether the equipment is available but also to evaluate how proficient the clinic is with the VisuMax device, the volume of accumulated surgeries, and whether they clearly explain the differences between SMILE and SMILE Pro. These factors should guide your choice of medical institution.

SMILE is not just about giving you convenient vision; it can be a turning point that transforms a lifetime of visual discomfort. Receiving surgery safely at a place with abundant experience, verified equipment, and advanced technology will help you maintain a brighter and clearer vision for years.