ReLEx SMILE Surgery in Vietnam

ReLEx SMILE is a form of laser vision correction designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses in suitable patients. Unlike LASIK, the procedure reshapes the cornea through a small incision without creating a larger corneal flap.

For international patients considering SMILE surgery in Vietnam, the decision should begin with a comprehensive eye examination. The technology itself is only one consideration; prescription, corneal characteristics, general eye health, lifestyle and individual expectations all influence whether SMILE is appropriate.

Medical Tourism Vietnam provides independent information to help patients understand their options and explore appropriate eye-care pathways in Vietnam.

What Is ReLEx SMILE?

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a small, precisely shaped piece of tissue—known as a lenticule—within the cornea. The ophthalmic surgeon removes this tissue through a small incision, changing the shape of the cornea and therefore how light is focused onto the retina.

Because the procedure does not require creation of the larger corneal flap associated with LASIK, SMILE is often described as a small-incision or flap-free approach to laser vision correction.

However, this does not mean that SMILE is automatically preferable to LASIK or appropriate for every patient.

What Can SMILE Correct?

SMILE is primarily used to correct certain refractive errors, particularly myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism.

The range of prescriptions that can be treated depends on the technology being used, regulatory approvals, the patient’s individual eye characteristics and the ophthalmologist’s clinical assessment.

Having a particular prescription does not by itself determine suitability.

Who May Be Suitable for SMILE?

Potential candidates generally require stable vision and otherwise healthy eyes.

An ophthalmologist may consider factors including:

• age and prescription stability;
• type and degree of refractive error;
• corneal thickness and shape;
• tear-film quality and dry-eye symptoms;
• previous eye surgery or injury;
• retinal and optic-nerve health;
• medications and relevant medical conditions; and
• the patient’s visual requirements and expectations.

Some patients who enquire about SMILE may ultimately be advised that LASIK, another refractive procedure or continued use of glasses or contact lenses is more appropriate.

Pre-Surgery Eye Assessment

A detailed eye examination is essential before deciding whether to proceed.

Depending on the patient and provider, assessment may include:

• visual acuity and refraction;
• corneal thickness measurements;
• corneal topography or tomography;
• examination of the front and back of the eye;
• intraocular pressure;
• pupil measurements; and
• assessment of tear-film and ocular-surface health.

Patients should provide their specialist with details of previous eye conditions, surgery, medications and relevant medical history.

Contact-lens wearers may also be given individual instructions about when to stop wearing lenses before diagnostic measurements are performed.

What Happens During SMILE Surgery?

SMILE is generally performed as a day procedure using anaesthetic eye drops.

The patient’s eye is positioned beneath the laser system. The femtosecond laser creates the lenticule within the cornea together with a small access incision.

The ophthalmic surgeon then removes the lenticule through this incision, altering the corneal shape to correct the refractive error.

The laser portion of the procedure is relatively brief, although additional time is required for preparation, examination and post-procedure assessment.

Patients should ask their ophthalmologist to explain exactly what will happen during their particular procedure and which technology will be used.

Recovery After ReLEx SMILE

Many patients experience improvement in their vision relatively soon after SMILE, but recovery is individual and vision may fluctuate during the healing period.

Temporary symptoms can include:

• blurred or fluctuating vision;
• light sensitivity;
• irritation or a gritty sensation;
• watering;
• dry-eye symptoms; and
• glare or halos, particularly at night.

Patients are normally given post-operative instructions and may be prescribed eye drops.

Follow-up examinations allow the ophthalmologist to monitor healing and identify problems that may require further attention.

International patients should follow the treating ophthalmologist’s advice about driving, exercise, swimming, screen use, air travel and other activities following treatment.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

SMILE is an established refractive procedure, but all eye surgery carries potential risks.

Possible complications or side effects can include:

• dry-eye symptoms;
• glare or halos;
• difficulty with night vision;
• fluctuating vision;
• under-correction or over-correction;
• residual refractive error;
• inflammation or infection;
• problems associated with removal of the lenticule; and
• uncommon but potentially significant changes affecting the cornea or vision.

Some patients may continue to require glasses for particular activities.

The risks that matter most for an individual patient should be discussed with the treating ophthalmologist before consent to treatment.

ReLEx SMILE vs Femtosecond LASIK

SMILE and Femtosecond LASIK both aim to correct refractive error by changing the shape of the cornea, but they use different techniques.

With Femtosecond LASIK, a laser creates a thin corneal flap. The flap is lifted while an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue and is then repositioned.

With SMILE, the femtosecond laser creates a lenticule within the cornea. The surgeon removes this through a small incision without creating a LASIK-style flap.

Neither procedure should automatically be considered “better.”

The appropriate choice depends on factors such as refractive error, corneal characteristics, eye health, lifestyle and the ophthalmologist’s assessment.

Explore: Femtosecond LASIK in Vietnam

Other Vision-Correction Options

SMILE and LASIK are not the only ways of managing refractive error.

Depending on the patient’s eyes and visual requirements, alternatives may include other laser procedures, lens-based treatment, glasses or contact lenses.

A good refractive-surgery assessment should therefore determine which option is most appropriate rather than simply confirm whether a patient can undergo the procedure they originally requested.

Travelling to Vietnam for SMILE Surgery

International patients should plan for the entire treatment pathway rather than simply booking a procedure and return flight.

Before confirming travel arrangements, ask the provider:

• How long should I be in Vietnam before treatment?
• What examinations are required before surgery?
• How long should I remain in Vietnam afterwards?
• When will my first follow-up examination occur?
• When can I safely fly?
• What activities should I temporarily avoid?
• What symptoms require urgent assessment?
• What happens if I experience a problem after returning home?
• Will I receive copies of my examination and treatment records?

Patients should also arrange appropriate transport after the procedure because their vision may initially be blurred or uncomfortable.

Questions to Ask Your Eye Surgeon

Before proceeding, consider asking:

• Why do you recommend SMILE for my eyes?
• Am I also suitable for Femtosecond LASIK?
• What are the realistic outcomes for my prescription?
• What risks are particularly relevant to me?
• Which laser system will be used?
• How frequently do you perform SMILE?
• What follow-up is included?
• How are complications managed?
• How long should I remain in Vietnam?
• What continuing eye care will I need after returning home?

Patients should have an opportunity to understand both the benefits and limitations of treatment before making a decision.

Eye Surgery & Vision Care in Vietnam

SMILE is one part of a much broader ophthalmology pathway.

Medical Tourism Vietnam’s Eye Surgery & Vision Care guide provides information about vision correction, cataract surgery, retinal conditions, glaucoma, corneal care, paediatric ophthalmology and considerations for international patients seeking eye treatment in Vietnam.

Explore: Eye Surgery & Vision Care in Vietnam

Further Reading

For broader reporting and features on healthcare, Vietnam and developments across Asia, visit our associated independent publication, Hanoi Trading Post.

At present, Hanoi Trading Post does not have a dedicated article on SMILE or laser eye surgery. We therefore do not link this guide to an unrelated medical article simply for cross-promotion.

Visit Hanoi Trading Post

Considering SMILE Surgery in Vietnam?

Medical Tourism Vietnam can help international patients explore eye-care options in Vietnam and make preliminary contact with appropriate healthcare providers.

Where suitable, we can assist patients in understanding the information a provider may require and facilitate preliminary communication regarding potential treatment pathways.

Enquire: Contact Medical Tourism Vietnam

There is no obligation to proceed. Final medical suitability, treatment recommendations and quotations are determined by the treating healthcare provider following individual assessment.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a recommendation for a particular procedure or healthcare provider.

Suitability for ReLEx SMILE or other refractive surgery can only be determined following individual assessment by an appropriately qualified eye-care professional. Risks, recovery times and outcomes vary between patients.

Patients should seek professional medical advice before making decisions about treatment or international travel for healthcare.

About the Author

George Adams is the Founder and Editor of Medical Tourism Vietnam. Drawing on many years of experience living and working in Vietnam and across Asia, he develops patient-focused information designed to help international visitors better understand healthcare and medical-travel options in the region.

Editorial Policy

Medical Tourism Vietnam aims to provide clear, balanced and patient-focused information about healthcare and medical travel. Provider inclusion does not constitute a guarantee of treatment suitability or outcome. Medical decisions remain between the patient and appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.

Last Reviewed: 8 September 2026