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2026-07-20

Gangnam Station Eye Clinic: Differences Between SMILE LASIK Types

Explore the different generations of SMILE LASIK, including 4th-gen standard SMILE and 5th-gen SMILE Pro and Smart LASIK. Learn about their features, recovery, and what to consider when choosing an eye clinic near Gangnam Station.

Gangnam Station Eye Clinic: Differences Between SMILE LASIK Types

Hello, this is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic 😊💙

If you're considering vision correction surgery, you've probably heard of SMILE LASIK, which many people choose these days.

Especially among those looking for an eye clinic near Gangnam Station, SMILE LASIK is gaining attention for its fast recovery and minimal pain.

However, did you know that there isn't just one type of SMILE LASIK?

Today, we'll explore the differences between the various types of SMILE LASIK and provide key points to check when choosing an eye clinic near Gangnam Station!


What is SMILE LASIK?

SMILE LASIK is a 4th-generation laser vision correction surgery that differs from traditional LASIK and LASEK.

Because the corneal incision is minimal, it results in less pain and dryness, and faster recovery.

It is particularly preferred by those who engage in strenuous sports or professions that require extensive eye use.

However, this ‘SMILE LASIK’ surgery is also divided into generations based on technological advancements.

Let's summarize the differences between the 4th-generation standard SMILE, which was released first, and the more advanced 5th-generation SMILE LASIK.


Differences Between SMILE LASIK Types

SMILE surgery fundamentally involves making a minimal corneal incision to remove the lenticule (surgical disc).

While this basic principle remains the same, the surgical experience can vary, and generations are divided based on the equipment used, precision, recovery capability, and level of technological detail, as follows:

4th-Generation Standard SMILE

Equipment: ZEISS VisuMax 500

Laser Speed: Approximately 500kHz

Laser Irradiation Time: Approximately 20 seconds or more per eye

Incision Range: Approximately 2-4mm

Features:

  • Faster recovery due to smaller incision than traditional LASIK/LASEK
  • Relatively less pain and glare
  • Applicable to most common myopia and astigmatism
5th-Generation SMILE LASIK

The relatively recent 5th-generation SMILE is a technology that addresses the shortcomings of existing SMILE, upgrading surgical precision and recovery speed.

5th-Generation SMILE Pro

Equipment: ZEISS VisuMax 800

Laser Speed: Approximately 2MHz

Laser Irradiation Time: Approximately 13 seconds per eye

Features:

  • Automated alignment system minimizes decentration and human error
  • Eye movement compensation during surgery
  • Faster surgery
  • Improved quality of vision
  • Approximately twice the cost of existing SMILE LASIK
5th-Generation Smart LASIK

While it is also a 5th-generation SMILE LASIK like SMILE Pro, it differs in equipment and surgical design.

Equipment: Schwind ATOS

Laser Speed: Approximately 4MHz

Laser Irradiation Time: Within approximately 20 seconds

*Due to a denser laser beam array compared to SMILE Pro, the laser irradiation time may be longer, but the shorter interval between each pulse allows for more precise lenticule formation.

Features:

  • Real-time 7D pupil tracking function
  • Automatic centration
  • Low energy & precision laser
  • No unnecessary side cuts
  • Similar cost to 4th-generation SMILE LASIK
Comparison Table of SMILE LASIK Types

Category

4th-Gen Standard SMILE

5th-Gen SMILE Pro

5th-Gen Smart LASIK

Centration Method

Manual marking (operator-dependent)

Semi-automatic operation

Automatic visual axis correction + 7D eye tracking

Surgery Time

Approx. 15-20 minutes

Approx. 5 minutes

Approx. 5 minutes

Recovery Speed

Normal

Fast

Fast and stable

Side Cut

Present

Present

Absent (least ablation)

Cost (discounted)

Early to mid-2 million KRW

4 million KRW range

Early to mid-2 million KRW

Even with the same name, ‘SMILE LASIK’, patient satisfaction after surgery can vary significantly depending on which generation of technology is used and how precisely the surgery is designed for your eyes.

Now, beyond simple vision correction, factors like night vision, glare, and long-term eye structural stability must be considered.

In this regard, Smart LASIK can be called the optimal surgery, as it minimizes glare through low-energy and precision lasers, and enhances eye structural stability by avoiding unnecessary side cuts.

As technology improves, it's now crucial to find a method that perfectly suits your eyes, rather than just a simple correction.

While the number of hospitals around Gangnam Station performing SMILE LASIK, Smart LASIK, and SMILE Pro is increasing, remember that not many offer personalized design, so we recommend consulting with an eye clinic.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic always puts the patient first, prioritizing transparency and safety.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the eye clinic at any time.

💙🤍 𝖦𝖠𝖭𝖦𝖭𝖠𝖬 𝖲𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖤 𝖤𝖸𝖤 𝖢𝖫𝖨𝖭𝖨𝖢💙🤍

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘


Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic
4th and 6th Floors, Tongyeong Building, 405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
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