The Evolution of Laser Vision Correction at BGSS Eye Clinic: A Journey of Innovation and Excellence

Laser vision correction has come a long way since its inception, and at BGSS Eye Clinic, we are proud to have played a significant role in shaping its evolution. From the early days of LASEK to the cutting-edge SMILE Pro LASIK, our clinic has been at the forefront of offering the most advanced and effective procedures to help patients achieve clearer vision. Here is a look at how laser vision correction has progressed over the years, with a focus on our contributions to this exciting field.

Summary

• BGSS Eye Clinic has led the progression from first-generation PRK/LASEK to LASIK, VisuMax-enabled Visu-LASIK, flapless ReLEx SMILE, and today’s SMILE Pro LASIK with the VisuMax 800.

• Along the way, BGSS achieved multiple national “firsts,” earned SMILE LASIK Master recognition, and reached major volume milestones, reflecting leadership and expertise.

• Each technological step prioritized faster recovery, greater safety, precision, and personalized treatment.

• BGSS continues to drive innovation in laser vision correction, achieving global milestones with SMILE LASIK/SMILE Pro LASIK and elevating patient outcomes.

The Beginning: PRK – The First Generation of Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction surgery started with the introduction of PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) in the late 1980s. This surgical technique was brought to Korea by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee in 1997. In these first-generation procedures, the outer layer of the cornea is entirely removed before reshaping the corneal tissue using an excimer laser. While effective, this method often requires a longer recovery period because the cornea's outer layer heals more slowly.

Enter LASIK: The Second Generation of Laser Surgery

Unlike PRK, LASIK reshapes the cornea by creating a C-shaped flap on its outer surface, which is then lifted to allow precise reshaping beneath using an excimer laser. This method provided a faster recovery time and became widely popular for its more comfortable recovery process.

BGSS’s Pioneering Role in Laser Refractive Surgeries and the Introduction of VisuMax Technology

At BGSS, we have consistently offered a variety of laser vision correction options to ensure that each patient can find the treatment best suited to their eye characteristics and individual needs. We rapidly grew our laser refractive surgery caseload, performing LASEK, PRK, and LASIK procedures for numerous patients. Then, in 2008, BGSS became the first private eye clinic in Korea to acquire the VisuMax 500 femtosecond laser from ZEISS. This game-changing technology enabled more precise, safer laser vision correction procedures. This marked the beginning of Visu-LASIK, in which the flap is created with the VisuMax laser rather than a traditional surgical blade, improving accuracy and reducing risks.

The Next Step: SMILE LASIK Method and Advancing Laser Technology

In 2010, BGSS became the first clinic in Korea to perform SMILE LASIK. This groundbreaking approach utilized the VisuMax 500 femtosecond laser with the FLEx program to create a flap and design an intrastromal lenticule for extraction, similar to the current SMILE LASIK surgical method. However, unlike the conventional FLEx, this method opens only a small section, further quickening recovery times and enhancing safety.

The Arrival of SMILE LASIK: The Third Generation of Laser Vision Correction

In 2012, a significant breakthrough in Ophthalmology occurred with the introduction of ReLEx SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), a third-generation laser refractive surgery developed by ZEISS. This innovative procedure is flapless and minimally invasive, preserving more corneal tissue and enabling faster recovery. Unlike previous methods, SMILE LASIK uses the VisuMax 500 femtosecond laser’s upgraded program to create a small 2mm side incision, rather than the C-flap, followed by manual extraction of the intrastromal lenticule to reshape the cornea and correct the refractive error.

BGSS Leads the Way: Excellence in ReLEx SMILE LASIK

At BGSS, CEO Dr. Jong-Ho Lee took the initiative to master the SMILE LASIK technique, completing extensive training and earning the Superior Expertise and ReLEx SMILE Award in 2013 for his exceptional procedural skills. As a result, in 2015, BGSS Eye Clinic was designated as the SMILE Master Centre, the first clinic in Korea to receive such recognition. CEO Dr. Jong-Ho Lee was also honored as the SMILE Master in Korea. By 2016, BGSS had performed over 20,000 SMILE LASIK procedures, establishing our clinic as a leader in the field with remarkable clinical outcomes.

Recognition and Milestones

Over the years, BGSS continued to set new records and earn accolades for its commitment to advancing laser vision correction. In 2018, we celebrated the remarkable achievement of contributing to 300,000 SMILE LASIK procedures in Korea and 1.5 million procedures worldwide.

CEO Dr. Jong-Ho Lee and Dr. Je-Myung Lee were certified as Best Skilled SMILE Surgeons in 2020, underscoring our clinic as Korea's most experienced SMILE LASIK center. In 2022, BGSS received the prestigious Multi-Centre Award for performing 100,000 SMILE LASIK surgeries, solidifying our position as a pioneer in the industry. Additionally, the Korea SMILE Forum acknowledged our contributions to reaching 1 million SMILE LASIK surgeries in Korea.

A Global Leader in SMILE Pro LASIK

In 2023, BGSS took a significant step by acquiring the VisuMax 800 and began offering SMILE Pro LASIK to our patients. This next-generation technology builds on the success of the SMILE LASIK procedure, delivering greater precision and personalized treatment options. By combining advanced laser technology with our surgeons' expertise, SMILE Pro LASIK offers faster recovery, greater safety, and highly customized outcomes for each patient. BGSS is proud to be at the forefront of providing this advanced treatment, ensuring that our patients benefit from the latest innovations in laser vision correction.

This year, BGSS has contributed to the 10 million SMILE LASIK and SMILE Pro LASIK surgeries performed worldwide. We are honored to continue leading the way in offering the latest, most advanced laser vision correction procedures, ensuring our patients have access to the best available technology and care.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these milestones, Seoul | Busan BGSS Eye Clinic remains dedicated to innovation, patient care, and advancing the field of laser vision correction. With SMILE Pro LASIK, we are excited to offer the next generation of personalized vision correction that is safer, quicker, and more precise than ever before.

At BGSS, we are proud of our legacy of excellence in laser vision correction and look forward to continuing to serve patients with the highest level of care and expertise for years to come. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to helping you achieve a clearer vision and a brighter future!

Q&A

Question: How has laser vision correction evolved at BGSS Eye Clinic?

Short answer: BGSS progressed from first-generation PRK/LASEK in 1997 to second-generation LASIK with a flap for quicker recovery. In 2008, it became Korea's first private clinic to use the ZEISS VisuMax 500 femtosecond laser for Visu-LASIK, and in 2010, it performed the SMILE LASIK technique. The flapless ReLEx SMILE method was introduced in 2012, and in 2023, BGSS launched SMILE Pro LASIK with VisuMax 800 to enable faster recovery, enhanced safety, and personalized outcomes.

Question: What sets SMILE LASIK and SMILE Pro LASIK apart from earlier methods like PRK and LASIK?

Short answer: PRK/LASEK removes the cornea’s surface layer and requires longer healing; LASIK creates and lifts a flap for reshaping, enabling faster recovery. SMILE LASIK is flapless and minimally invasive, using a small side incision (about 2 mm) to extract a lenticule, preserving more corneal tissue and enabling quicker recovery. SMILE Pro LASIK builds on SMILE LASIK with the VisuMax 800, delivering even greater precision, safety, speed, and personalized treatment.

Question: What is “Visu-LASIK,” and why did BGSS adopt ZEISS VisuMax technology?

Short answer: Visu-LASIK uses the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap rather than a surgical blade. BGSS adopted it in 2008 to improve accuracy and reduce risks. This platform also enabled the transition from the small-incision SMILE LASIK technique to SMILE Pro LASIK, consistently enhancing precision, safety, and recovery.

Question: Which milestones demonstrate BGSS’s leadership in SMILE LASIK/SMILE Pro LASIK?

Short answer: Key milestones include: introducing LASEK to Korea (1997); first private clinic with VisuMax 500 (2008); first SMILE LASIK procedure (2010); awards for expertise (2013, 2020); 20,000+ SMILE LASIK procedures (2016); 300,000 cases in Korea, 1.5 million worldwide (2018); recognition for 1 million SMILE LASIK in Korea (2022); launching SMILE Pro LASIK (2023); contributing to 10 million SMILE LASIK procedures globally (2024).

Question: How does BGSS personalize care and select the appropriate procedure for each patient?

Short answer: BGSS offers a full spectrum of laser options, allowing treatments to be matched to each patient’s eye characteristics and goals. Each technology step the clinic has adopted emphasizes faster recovery, greater safety, precision, and personalization, ensuring patients receive the most suitable and advanced care available.

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