My SMILE PRO Laser Eye Surgery Experience
Steven HSU
8 months ago
A journey of precision, care, and clarity — from start to finish
One of the things that truly impressed me at Myeongmok Eye Clinic was how meticulous and comprehensive the pre-surgery process was. Before the SMILE PRO laser surgery, the clinic performed an incredibly thorough examination of my eyes — not once, not twice, but three times to ensure accuracy and consistency.
The staff checked everything from my vision acuity and corneal thickness to dry eye condition and pupil response under different lighting conditions. Every test was performed using the most advanced technology I’ve seen in any clinic. The entire examination process took about two full hours, and not a single step felt rushed. Instead, I felt that they were being extremely cautious and detail-oriented, which gave me great confidence in the upcoming procedure.
Once all the tests were completed, the staff carefully assessed the results and explained which types of laser eye surgery would be suitable for me. They laid out the pros and cons of each method in detail, allowing me to fully understand my options. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach — they genuinely wanted me to choose the procedure that best matched my eye condition, lifestyle, and expectations. After careful consideration, I decided to go with the SMILE PRO laser surgery.
I then had a one-on-one consultation with the clinic’s head doctor, the director of Myeongmok Eye Clinic. With the help of a professional translator who stayed by my side the entire time, we had an in-depth discussion about my eye health and the procedure. Although I don’t speak Korean, there was absolutely no language barrier thanks to the real-time translation service. The translator made sure I understood every detail and helped relay my questions and concerns clearly to the doctor. I never once felt lost or unsure — instead, I felt fully informed and empowered to make the right decision.
The Day of the Surgery: Calm, Comfort, and Support
On the day of my surgery, I was understandably a little nervous — after all, it’s not every day that someone performs a laser procedure on your eyes! But from the moment I walked into the clinic, I was greeted with warmth, professionalism, and calm reassurance.
A translator was once again by my side the entire time, walking me through each step before we entered the operating room. During the procedure, she stayed beside me, gently reminding me to focus on one spot and not to worry. Her calm voice and comforting presence played a huge role in easing my anxiety and keeping me steady throughout the experience.
Before the surgery started, the staff applied numbing drops to both of my eyes. The effect was quick and I didn’t feel any discomfort at all. I was brought into the surgical room and laid down beneath the SMILE PRO laser machine — a sleek, futuristic device that looked and felt incredibly safe and advanced.
The surgeon and translator guided me through every step. The most important instruction was to keep looking at one fixed point, and thanks to their guidance, I remained calm and focused the entire time. To my surprise, the surgery itself took less than three minutes per eye. It was completely painless — no cutting sensation, no burning smell, and no discomfort — just a vague awareness of light and some pressure.
Once the procedure was over, I was guided to a recovery area where I could rest briefly. The doctor came in to examine my eyes and smiled, saying the surgery was a great success. We even took a commemorative photo together at the front desk — a small but meaningful gesture that made the whole experience feel even more personal and memorable.
Post-Surgery: Quick Recovery, Clear Vision
That same day, I took an Uber back to my hotel to rest. For the first two to three hours, I experienced a smoky, slightly irritated sensation in my eyes — which I had been told was normal. Thankfully, that discomfort gradually faded, and by the evening I was already out exploring the streets of Seoul and enjoying the local cuisine.
The next morning, I returned to the clinic for a follow-up check-up. The doctor confirmed once again that everything looked great and that the surgery had gone perfectly. Because I had chosen SMILE, I was told that it was safe to sweat and exercise — an important detail for anyone with an active lifestyle. However, I was advised not to drink alcohol for a few days to avoid potential inflammation, and to avoid smoking too much as the smoke could irritate the healing eyes. These were helpful reminders that anyone planning to get this procedure should definitely keep in mind.
Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Myeongmok Eye Clinic. From the thorough exams and personalized care to the smooth surgery and fast recovery, every step of the journey exceeded my expectations. I’m incredibly grateful to the staff, doctor, and translator who made the entire process so comfortable, safe, and empowering. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, I highly recommend Myeongmok — it truly changed the way I see the world.
