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 PRK to the cutting-edge ZEISS SMILE Pro, 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.

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

Laser vision correction surgery began with the introduction of PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy), in the late 1980s. In these first-generation procedures, the outer layer of the cornea is completely removed, followed by the reshaping of the corneal tissue using an excimer laser. While effective, this method often requires a longer recovery period due to the time the cornea’s outer layer takes to heal.

Enter LASIK: The Second Generation of Laser Surgery

In 1997, CEO Dr. Jong-Ho Lee introduced LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) to Korea. Unlike PRK, LASIK reshapes the cornea by creating a C-shaped flap on the outer surface of the cornea, which is then lifted to allow for precise reshaping underneath using an excimer laser as well. 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 could find the treatment best suited to their eye characteristics and individual needs. We rapidly grew in laser refractive surgical cases, performing LASEK, PRK, and LASIK procedures for countless patients. Then, in 2008, BGSS became the first private eye clinic in Korea to acquire the VisuMax 500 femtosecond laser from ZEISS, a game-changing technology that allowed for more precise and safer laser vision correction procedures. This marked the beginning of Visu-LASIK, where the flap is created with the VisuMax laser instead of a traditional surgical blade, improving accuracy and reducing risks.

The Next Step: SMILE Method and Advancing Laser Technology

In 2010, BGSS was the first clinic in Korea to perform the SMILE surgical technique, a groundbreaking approach that 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 ZEISS SMILE surgical method. However, instead of opening the large flap like the conventional FLEx, this method only opens a small section, further quickening recovery times and enhancing safety.

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

In 2012, a major breakthrough occurred in the field of Ophthalmology with the introduction of ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), a third-generation laser refractive surgery developed by ZEISS. This innovative procedure is flapless and minimally invasive, preserving more of the corneal tissues and leading to quicker recovery times. Unlike previous methods, ZEISS SMILE 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

At BGSS, CEO Dr. Jong-Ho Lee took the initiative to master the SMILE technique, completing extensive training and earning the Superior Expertise and ReLEx SMILE Award in 2013 for his exceptional skills in the procedure. 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 procedures, establishing our clinic as a leader in the field with remarkable clinical outcomes.

Recognitions 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 ZEISS SMILE procedures in Korea and 1.5 million procedures worldwide.

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

A Global Leader in ZEISS SMILE Pro

In 2023, BGSS achieved a significant stepping stone by acquiring the VISUMAX 800 and began offering ZEISS SMILE Pro to our patients. This next-generation technology builds upon the success of the ZEISS SMILE procedure, delivering even more precision and personalized treatment options. By combining advanced laser technology with the expertise of our surgeons, ZEISS SMILE Pro offers faster recovery, improved safety, and highly customized outcomes for each individual patient. BGSS is proud to be at the forefront of offering 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 ZEISS SMILE and ZEISS SMILE Pro surgeries performed worldwide. We are honored to continue to lead the way in offering the latest and most advanced laser vision correction procedures, ensuring our patients have access to the best technology and care available.

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 ZEISS SMILE Pro, 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!

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