Introduction

If you're one of the millions of people who wear glasses or contact lenses every day, you've probably daydreamed at least once about what life would be like without them. Whether it's waking up in the morning and seeing the world clearly, or no longer dealing with foggy lenses during the monsoon season in Seoul, the idea of vision correction feels liberating.

In Korea, where image, convenience, and efficiency are highly valued, this desire for "natural vision" has pushed the popularity of laser eye surgery to new heights. More than just a cosmetic improvement, it’s about optimizing daily life — clearer vision during work, improved focus during study, and better performance during physical activity. In today’s digital-driven environment, vision isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Among the various procedures available, SMILE surgery has emerged as the gold standard for patients seeking a minimally invasive, long-term solution to nearsightedness. At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, where we've been helping patients achieve visual freedom for over 16 years, SMILE is not just a procedure — it’s a transformation.

But one question continues to come up, especially among patients who want the best long-term value:

"Is SMILE surgery a permanent solution for myopia?"

Let's break down what "permanent" really means when it comes to SMILE surgery — and what patients should realistically expect.

What Is SMILE Surgery? A Quiet Revolution in Refractive Care

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It’s the latest generation of laser vision correction developed by ZEISS and now widely practiced in advanced eye clinics around the world, including ours here in Gangnam.

Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, or LASEK, which requires surface ablation, SMILE creates a small, lens-shaped disc (called a lenticule) inside the cornea using a femtosecond laser. This lenticule is then gently removed through a 2-4 mm incision — no flap, no burning smell, no stress.

What many patients love about SMILE is how gentle and quiet the procedure feels. The entire process is completed within minutes, and most people report only mild pressure during the surgery — no pain, no anxiety.

Key Benefits of SMILE:

• Less risk of dry eyes (critical in Korea’s dry winters and screen-heavy lifestyle)

• Quick recovery (many patients return to daily activities the next day)

• Stronger corneal structure (ideal for athletes and active individuals)

• No flap = fewer complications long-term

• Odorless, flapless, and highly accurate

At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, SMILE has become our flagship procedure, especially for younger adults and working professionals who want lasting results with minimal downtime.

So, Is SMILE Permanent?

Let’s get to the heart of it. The answer is yes — SMILE permanently reshapes your cornea to correct nearsightedness (and astigmatism, if applicable). Once the lenticule is removed and your cornea takes on a new shape, the refractive error causing your blurry vision is gone.

That correction is permanent in the sense that your cornea will not "revert" to its previous shape. Unlike wearing contact lenses, where the effect disappears when you remove them, SMILE offers a one-time structural change to your eye.

But here’s the nuance:

The surgery is permanent. But your eyes may still change — due to age, health, or lifestyle factors.

Think of it like orthodontics for your eyes. Braces realign your teeth, but you still need to take care of them to maintain the results. SMILE gives you a clear, permanent correction of your vision — but what happens decades down the line depends on how your eyes continue to age.

Why Your Vision Might Change After SMILE

This part often surprises patients. While SMILE provides a stable and permanent correction of your current myopia, vision isn’t frozen in time. The eye continues to develop and age.

1. Age-Related Vision Changes (Presbyopia)

From your mid-40s onward, everyone starts to experience presbyopia — the gradual loss of near vision. It’s why reading glasses become common in middle age. This isn’t due to myopia, and it’s not reversed by SMILE.

2. Progressive Myopia (Especially in Young Adults)

If your nearsightedness hasn’t stabilized — usually seen in teens or people in their early 20s — you could still experience a gradual increase in your prescription after surgery.

At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, we ensure that a patient’s prescription has remained stable for at least 12 months before recommending SMILE.

3. Cataracts and Long-Term Changes

In later decades of life, conditions like cataracts can alter vision quality again. The good news? SMILE doesn’t complicate future cataract surgery. In fact, the lens replacement surgery done for cataracts takes your previous SMILE correction into account for optimal outcomes.

4. Screen Time and Eye Fatigue

With the digital lifestyle so common in Korea, long hours at a computer or phone can strain the eyes and cause temporary discomfort or visual fluctuations. Again, this isn’t a regression of the surgery, but a lifestyle-related issue.

To maintain your vision, taking care of your overall eye health is just as important as the surgery itself. Regular eye exams, digital eye strain management, and UV protection all contribute to maintaining long-term clarity.

What Do We Mean by "Permanent" Vision Correction?

Imagine this:

You’ve taken a blurry camera lens and calibrated it precisely. That correction is permanent — the lens mechanism is now set. But if the camera itself ages or the lighting changes, you might still need to make small adjustments in the future.

SMILE is like setting your visual lens perfectly. It gives you years, even decades, of crystal-clear distance vision, freeing you from glasses or contact lenses.

And if changes do occur — whether due to age, health, or environment — there are always ways to manage them, whether through reading glasses, enhancements, or additional procedures down the line.

Enhancements and Retreatment: Are They Ever Needed?

While the need for retreatment is rare, it can happen. If a small degree of myopia returns, an enhancement may be recommended. However, because SMILE doesn’t involve a flap, enhancements are usually done with surface-based techniques like PRK.

Good news: At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, our enhancement rate is extremely low thanks to thorough pre-surgical screening and personalized treatment plans. We don’t rush surgery — we customize it.

We also track long-term outcomes closely. Our patients receive follow-up care, even years after their procedure, because your vision is a lifetime journey, not a one-time event.

Why More Koreans Are Choosing SMILE Every Year

In a fast-paced society like Korea — where people value efficiency, minimal downtime, and aesthetic freedom — SMILE hits the sweet spot:

• It's quick and quiet.

• There’s minimal post-op discomfort.

• You get back to work or school almost immediately.

• There’s no visible change to your eye, no flap, and less dry eye.

And let’s be honest: Koreans care about details. Many of our patients are professionals, artists, students, or content creators who rely on their eyes daily. They want precision, comfort, and results — all of which SMILE delivers.

Also, as the demand for cosmetic and lifestyle upgrades continues to rise, so does the awareness of safer, newer alternatives to traditional LASIK. SMILE doesn’t just correct vision — it fits seamlessly into the rhythm of modern Korean life.

Final Thoughts: Is SMILE Right for You?

If you’re seeking a long-term, low-maintenance solution to nearsightedness, and your vision is stable, SMILE could be your permanent upgrade. The surgery itself provides a lasting correction — and while aging and life may still influence your vision later on, you’ll enjoy years of clear sight and freedom from lenses.

At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, we don’t just perform surgeries — we help patients make informed, confident decisions about their vision for life. Every eye is unique, and we believe your treatment should be, too.

Our team is led by Dr. Kim Jun-heon, a veteran ophthalmologist specializing in advanced refractive surgery. With thousands of successful SMILE cases under his care, you’ll be in the hands of someone who understands both the art and science of visual precision.