Three Procedures, One Decision
For correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia, or astigmatism, three modern options dominate:
LASIK (with FemtoLASIK flap)
- Best for mild–moderate myopia (-1 to -8 diopters)
- Quickest visual recovery (next-day return to most activities)
- Flap-related risk in case of trauma to the eye
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
- Best for moderate myopia (-3 to -10 diopters), especially those with dry eye risk
- No flap — better corneal biomechanical preservation
- Slightly slower visual recovery vs LASIK
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
- Best for high myopia (above -8 diopters), thin corneas, or anyone wanting reversibility
- Lens implanted between iris and natural lens — does not modify cornea
- Best long-term visual quality for high refractive errors
Equipment at Top Chinese Eye Centers
Leading partner hospitals operate the latest generation of devices: VisuMax 800 (SMILE), Schwind Amaris 1050RS (LASIK), and STAAR Visian ICL V4c. Equipment generation matters more than country of origin.
Pre-Operative Evaluation
- Detailed refraction (cycloplegic + manifest)
- Corneal topography (Pentacam)
- Pachymetry (corneal thickness)
- Endothelial cell count
- Pupil size measurement
- Tear film evaluation
The 5-Day Trip Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival, evening rest
- Day 2: Pre-op evaluation (3 hours)
- Day 3: Surgery (15–30 min, both eyes), 4-hour observation, return to hotel
- Day 4: 24h follow-up — visual acuity, pressure, slit lamp
- Day 5: Final check, departure
Cost
- FemtoLASIK (both eyes): ¥12,000–18,000 (USD 1,680–2,520)
- SMILE (both eyes): ¥18,000–25,000 (USD 2,520–3,500)
- ICL (both eyes): ¥30,000–48,000 (USD 4,200–6,720)
- Compare US: $4,000–6,000 LASIK, $5,500–8,000 SMILE, $8,000–12,000 ICL
What Affects Outcomes
- Patient selection (corneal thickness, refractive stability ≥1 year)
- Equipment generation (newer = better)
- Surgeon volume (we verify 1,000+ annual cases)
- Post-op compliance (drops, sunglasses)
Recovery
LASIK/SMILE: most patients return to work in 2–3 days, exercise at 1 week, swimming at 2 weeks. ICL: similar but slightly extended (no swimming for 4 weeks).
Limits
Refractive surgery does not prevent presbyopia (the age-related loss of near focus starting in the mid-40s). For patients in that age group, refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a separate conversation — we can refer you to a specialist.
