[Health Column] SMILE LASIK: Why You Must Check the Medical Team's Surgical Experience and Equipment in Addition to Cost

 

hello! Lim Tae-hyung, Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology It is. ✨

 

If you are looking into vision correction surgery because glasses or contact lenses are uncomfortable, don't you often find yourself comparing costs or discount events first?

 

However, rather than deciding on SMILE LASIK based solely on price, Whether a surgery plan tailored to my eyes can be formulated, and whether the medical team has experience and the examination system is well-equipped It is most important to check together.

 

💡 Let's find out why you shouldn't look at cost alone, along with the features of SMILE LASIK. 🔹

 

1️⃣ What kind of surgery is SMILE LASIK?

It is a vision correction surgery that creates and removes a lenticule using a femtosecond laser instead of making an incision on the corneal surface.

 

Instead of making a large incision on the corneal surface or creating a corneal flap, SMILE LASIK femtosecond laser necessary for vision correction inside the cornea Lenticule It is a vision correction surgery that involves creating a [unclear] and then removing it through a small incision.

 

🔬 Compared to conventional LASIK The absence of a corneal flap formation process This is the main difference.

 

💡 The Importance of Pre-operative Detailed Examination
We do not merely check visual acuity; we comprehensively assess corneal thickness and shape, the degree of myopia and astigmatism, and the state of dry eye to determine surgical eligibility and the appropriate correction amount. The process of assessing whether the corneal condition meets the standards significantly impacts the outcome.

 

2️⃣ What are the expected effects and possible symptoms?

Correction of myopia and astigmatism improves daily convenience, but temporary dryness may occur during the recovery process.

 

SMILE LASIK aims to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses by correcting myopia and astigmatism.

 

After surgery, you can look forward to the convenience of living without glasses, although the recovery process varies depending on the individual's eye condition and surgical circumstances. 🌿

 

⚠️ Precautions during the recovery process

The following symptoms may temporarily occur immediately after surgery.

💧 Feeling stiff or dry in the eyes
✨ Light scattering phenomenon
🌫️ Feeling like my vision isn't clear

In most cases, it gradually improves during the recovery process, but there may be differences depending on individual corneal condition and eye health.

 

3️⃣ Who can consider SMILE LASIK?

It can be considered if wearing glasses or contact lenses is uncomfortable, vision is stable, and the corneal condition is suitable.

 

Generally, this can be considered if wearing glasses or contact lenses is uncomfortable, vision has been stable for a certain period, and the corneal condition meets the surgical criteria. 👍

 

🔸 Examples of suitable candidates for SMILE LASIK

· People who experience significant inconvenience in their daily lives due to wearing glasses or contact lenses
· Those with stable vision without changes for a certain period of time
· Those whose corneal conditions meet the surgical criteria based on the results of a detailed examination

⚠️ When to consider other vision correction methods

Other methods may be more suitable in cases where the cornea is excessively thin or has shape abnormalities, or in the presence of severe dry eye syndrome. It is essential to undergo a thorough pre-operative examination to determine if this method is right for you. 🩺

 

4️⃣ Why should you check the medical staff's experience and equipment?

The medical team's expertise, including accurate corneal assessment, surgical planning, and lenticule resection, as well as post-operative care, have a significant impact on the outcome.

 

In SMILE LASIK, the laser equipment plays an important role, but The results are not determined by the equipment alone. 🙅‍♂️

 

The experience of the medical team is also very important in accurately assessing the patient's corneal condition, formulating an appropriate surgical plan, and responding to various situations that may arise during surgery.

 

📌 Why Medical Staff Experience Is Important
Since SMILE LASIK requires the process of creating and removing lenticules inside the cornea, medical staff must tailor it to the patient's eye condition Incision location and correction amount Precisely planning is key. Even when using the latest equipment Regular maintenance and inspection system It is a good idea to check if this is equipped together. ✨

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How long does it take to recover to normal daily life?

 

A. You can regain normal vision starting the day after surgery. Initial vision recovery takes about 2 to 3 days, and it takes approximately 1 to 3 months for vision to fully stabilize. 🗓️

 

Q2. How often do I need to come for follow-up appointments after surgery?

 

A. It is recommended to visit in the following order to have your eye condition thoroughly checked: the day after surgery → 1 week → 1 month → 3 months → 6 months to 1 year. 🏥

 

Q3. When can I drink alcohol and smoke after surgery?

 

A. It is recommended to abstain from alcohol for two weeks and avoid excessive drinking for one month. We advise avoiding smoking as much as possible, as the irritation from cigarette smoke can make your eyes sensitive. 🚫

 

🎯 Conclusion & Summary

🔹 Checkpoints More Important Than Cost Comparison
Whether a thorough examination and sufficient consultation with medical staff have been conducted

 

🔹 Ensuring surgical safety
Maintenance status of surgical equipment + Medical staff's experience with SMILE LASIK surgery and post-operative care system

 

If you are considering SMILE LASIK, rather than choosing based solely on low cost, strictly determine your eligibility for surgery based on the results of a precise examination. Medical staff experience and post-treatment care system We recommend that you make a careful decision after comprehensively comparing the options.

 

👨‍⚕️ The first step to healthy eyes begins with a detailed consultation with an expert. ✨

 

※ This column was written with reference to materials from the Korean Ophthalmological Society, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clear Seoul Ophthalmology Clinic

Director Im Tae-hyung
Graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine
Seoul Asan Medical Center Intern/Ophthalmologist
Seoul National University Ophthalmology Fellow (Cornea, Cataract)
Selected by Expert SMILE Doctor
Selected as Expert CLEAR Doctor

Current Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology
Former Head of Clinical Department at Hangil Eye Hospital (Director of LASIK & Dry Eye Center)
Former Professor at Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Director of Education
Former Academic Director of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
Former Director of Gangnam Nuneunmiso Ophthalmology Clinic
Former Director of Gangnam IOK Ophthalmology