- 1-2 days (single visit)
- 1-3 days for basic activities, 1 month for full stabilization
- 58%
China versus the U.S.
- China clinical rate
- $2,000 – $3,000
- $2,500
- United States
- $4,000 – $8,000
- $6,000
- You save
- ~58%
- $3,500 per procedure
Prices are approximate ranges. Actual cost depends on hospital, surgeon, materials, and case complexity.
What the procedure involves.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is the latest generation of laser vision correction, offering a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK. China performs more SMILE procedures than any other country, with surgeons who have completed tens of thousands of cases. Leading eye hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu use the Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser system, providing world-class outcomes at significantly lower prices than Western countries.
Step by step.
Comprehensive Eye Examination
A thorough pre-operative assessment including corneal topography, pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement), wavefront analysis, pupil dilation exam, tear film evaluation, and intraocular pressure check. This determines candidacy and the precise correction parameters.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Patients discontinue contact lens use 1-2 weeks before surgery. On the day of surgery, antibiotic eye drops are administered, and the surgeon reviews the treatment plan one final time with the patient.
SMILE Procedure
The Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a thin disc of corneal tissue (lenticule) through a small 2-4mm incision, without creating a flap. The surgeon extracts the lenticule, reshaping the cornea to correct myopia and astigmatism. The entire laser treatment takes approximately 23 seconds per eye.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
The patient rests for 30-60 minutes while initial recovery is monitored. Protective eye shields are provided. Vision improvement is often noticeable within hours. The surgeon prescribes antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Follow-Up Examination
A follow-up visit the next day to check healing, vision acuity, and corneal condition. Additional follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months can be coordinated with a local ophthalmologist in the patient's home country.
- 50-60% cost savings compared to the US
- China's surgeons have the highest SMILE case volumes in the world
- Minimally invasive — no flap creation reduces dry eye risk versus LASIK
- Quick procedure and recovery — most patients see clearly within 24 hours
- Single visit required — no need for a return trip
- Same Zeiss VisuMax technology used in top Western clinics
- Temporary dry eyes and visual fluctuations during the first month
- Not suitable for all prescriptions — high myopia or thin corneas may require alternative procedures
- Follow-up appointments ideally done locally after returning home
- Cannot be easily enhanced if under-correction occurs (unlike LASIK flap procedures)
- Requires stopping contact lens use 1-2 weeks before surgery
Yuki M.·Japanese·SMILE Eye Surgery
5.0 · Nov 2024
SMILE surgery for both eyes — $2,200 total including all pre-op tests. Same Zeiss VisuMax laser system used worldwide. My surgeon had done over 30,000 procedures. 20/15 vision the next day. Combined it with a Beijing trip via the 30-minute bullet train. Incredible value.
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Prices shown are approximate ranges for reference only. Actual costs vary by hospital, complexity, and individual patient needs. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical decisions.