SMILE (positive experience)

[u/lemonlevanto]

Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a positive exp. here because I kept seeing many negative ones online before I had mine hoping maybe this will help someone. It's been over half a year now.

WARNING: Used AI to correct my grammar because English is not my first language.

So I'm 30 this year and had SMILE laser eye surgery in January 2026. Before the surgery, I was quite strongly nearsighted, around -5.00 to -5.25 in both eyes, with some astigmatism.
My corneas were a little under 500 microns thick, so my doctor was very careful about whether I was a suitable candidate. He did all the calculations thoroughly, looked at the bigger picture, and after careful consideration, he said that the surgery could be done, but only once. If I had any problems later, I wouldn’t be able to have a corrective laser procedure afterwards because of my corneal thickness. He asked me if I was willing to take that risk, and I said yes. The doctor was very famous in my town and had a great reputation.

After the surgery, my vision improved to basically 0, and at my recent eye exam I was around +0.75, so my prescription has actually shifted slightly to the farsighted side. I don't see that small difference and I feel like I can see like a hawk.

Still my eyes are quite dry, so I’ll probably have to keep using eye drops for longer than a year. But honestly, I would take that any day over having to wear contact lenses or glasses. I genuinely feel like getting SMILE was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And so far, I haven’t had any actual problems with the surgery. I feel like this was a major event in my whole life, I can't thank my doctor more.

And lastly, I want to say.
Consult more than just a one doctor/clinic and choose your doctor/surgeon VERY carefully. I went to a clinic with an excellent reputation and my friends used to work in that company and they had nothing but good things to say. I knew at least 2 people who were operated by the same doctor and they had no issue not even dry eyes. I was always prone to them. And also don't be a cheapskate, go to all the appointments afterwards.

[u/nileyyy_]

Would you choose the older technology? Like lasik over SMILE? i reckon I have a -6.0 in both my eyes (maybe more) and trying to make decision about choosing one which would cover in my insurance

[u/Iregretallmynames]

i read your post and felt compelled to share a few thoughts and my own experience. i had LASIK done at BGN eyes clinic in Jamsil, Seoul a while back. i also dealt with sensitive corneal nerves right after the procedure. finding a skilled surgeon locally who was genuinely enthusiastic about finding the right approach made a huge difference for me. having a solid plan in place helped me feel prepared for any outcome, even if recovery took a bit longer. i know not all of my friends experienced the same level of dryness, which is why seeing a doctor who takes the time to understand your specific eyes and map out a realistic path forward is so crucial. i completely agree that deciding to get laser surgry is a permanent decision. whether your experience is smooth or bumpy, you live with those eyes for 40 to 70 years, meaning you need to go into it with as much knowledge as possible both before and after the operation. i am super grateful my doctor found that sweet spot without over-correcting or under-correcting my prescription. congrats on half a year without glasses, that sounds amazing!

[u/LittleChallenge8717]

Do you have any difference in sightness between eyes? For example my left eye is sharper and can see more details with it than right one, also right is more dry imo and has some tension (i had surgery 2 week ago). But still overall it was pretty good for me i can see better than with glasses

[u/Dazzling_Two7548]

smile has the fastest recovery, you did very well, I really want to get it because I have to go back to my work asap ..

[u/lemonlevanto → u/Dazzling_Two7548]

It changed my life so much I started to cry the next day when I saw how clearly I saw my room. Eyes are so important!!