Korea is a global destination for laser vision correction—thanks to high surgeon volume, advanced diagnostic tech, and patient-centric care that welcomes foreigners. This guide explains the most common procedures, how to prepare, what recovery looks like, and where Apgujeong Eye Clinic fits in.

Who This Is For

• Travelers and expats seeking safe, modern laser eye surgery in Seoul
• Patients comparing LASIK vs. LASEK vs. SMILE vs. ICL
• Anyone who wants transparent steps, aftercare tips, and realistic expectations

Treatment Options in Korea

LASIK (Flap-Based Laser)

• Best for: Fast visual recovery, minimal discomfort
• How it works: A thin flap is created, the cornea is reshaped, and the flap is placed back.
• Good to know: Dry eye risk can be higher than surface procedures—your screening will check tear film quality.

LASEK/PRK (Surface Laser)

• Best for: Thinner corneas, contact-sport lifestyles, or if you’re not a LASIK flap candidate
• How it works: Surface epithelium is gently moved, the laser reshapes the cornea, and a protective lens helps healing.
• Good to know: Recovery is slower with a few days of discomfort, but long-term vision matches LASIK for many patients.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

• Best for: Low-to-moderate myopia with potential for fewer dry-eye symptoms
• How it works: A femtosecond laser creates and removes a tiny lens (lenticule) through a small incision—no flap.
• Good to know: Quick return to daily life; screening ensures your corneal shape is suitable.

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

• Best for: High myopia, thin corneas, dry eye, or those not ideal for laser reshaping
• How it works: A soft lens is placed behind the iris to correct vision without altering the cornea.
• Good to know: Reversible in many cases; requires intra-ocular measurements and follow-up.

Why Korea Is Popular for Vision Correction

High-Volume Expertise

Surgeons in Seoul often perform large case numbers, which helps with consistent outcomes and a refined patient workflow.

Advanced Diagnostics

Clinics typically use multi-modality screening—topography, tomography, wavefront analysis, epithelial mapping, tear film testing—to personalize candidacy and settings.

Efficient Patient Journey

Most centers streamline same-day comprehensive screening → counseling → scheduling, with bilingual coordinators and clear aftercare plans for travelers.

Are You a Candidate?

Basic Candidacy Checklist

• Stable prescription (generally for 12–24 months)
• Healthy corneas (shape, thickness, no ectasia risks)
• Adequate tear film and manageable dry eye
• No active eye disease (e.g., keratitis, uncontrolled blepharitis)
• Realistic goals and willingness to follow aftercare

Not everyone is suited to laser reshaping; SMILE or ICL may be safer for certain corneas or prescriptions.

What to Expect: Process & Timeline

Step 1 — Pre-Visit Prep

• Stop contact lenses: soft 5–7 days, toric/rigid 2–4+ weeks (clinic will confirm).
• Bring previous prescriptions and medical history.
• Arrange a friend/ride after surgery day.

Step 2 — Screening Day

• Dilated exam, corneal maps, tear testing, and pupil measurements
• Personalized recommendation (LASIK/LASEK/SMILE/ICL) with risk discussion

Step 3 — Procedure Day

• Typically 15–30 minutes per eye
• Post-op checks within 24–48 hours

Step 4 — Recovery & Aftercare

• LASIK/SMILE: Many patients return to light work in 1–3 days.
• LASEK/PRK: Functional in 4–7+ days, with vision sharpening over weeks.
• Prescribed drops: antibiotics, steroids, lubricants; UV protection is a must.

Side Effects & Safety Notes

Common & Usually Temporary

• Dryness, glare/halos, night-time contrast changes
• Fluctuating clarity during the first weeks

Less Common but Important

• Over/under-correction requiring enhancement
• Infection or inflammation (rare with proper care)
• Ectasia risk minimized by robust screening and conservative planning

About Apgujeong Eye Clinic (Seoul)

Snapshot

Apgujeong Eye Clinic serves local and international patients in Seoul’s Gangnam/Apgujeong area with a focus on individualized screening and modern LASIK, LASEK/PRK, SMILE, and ICL options. The clinic emphasizes thorough pre-op evaluation, conservative eligibility criteria, and detailed aftercare—useful for travelers on tighter schedules.

What Patients Like

• Comprehensive diagnostics: Corneal tomography, wavefront analysis, dry-eye assessment to refine candidacy and settings
• English-friendly care: Coordinators and post-op instructions suitable for expats/visitors
• Clear timelines: Screening, procedure planning, and follow-ups arranged around travel dates when medically appropriate

Typical Patient Journey Here

1. Full screening and candidacy review
2. Procedure selection (LASIK vs. LASEK vs. SMILE vs. ICL) with risks/benefits explained
3. Surgery day with immediate checks
4. Follow-ups: next day or 48 hours, then staged reviews; remote follow-up guidance available for travelers when suitable

Note: Exact candidacy, technique choice, and recovery steps are personalized after in-clinic testing.

Travel & Aftercare Tips for Visitors

Before You Fly In

• Share your planned travel dates so the clinic can advise a safe window for surgery and early follow-ups.
• Treat any blepharitis/dry eye before screening for more accurate measurements.

After Surgery

• Use all drops exactly as prescribed.
• Avoid eye makeup, swimming pools, saunas, and dusty environments for the period your surgeon advises.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.
• Artificial tears help comfort, especially on long flights.

FAQs (Quick Answers)

Can I do surgery in the same week as screening?

Sometimes—only if your measurements are consistent and it’s medically appropriate. Many clinics still recommend a short gap.

Will I need enhancement?

A small percentage do. Clinics will discuss enhancement criteria and timelines once vision stabilizes.

Is SMILE “better” than LASIK?

Neither is universally better; it depends on your cornea, prescription, lifestyle, and dry-eye profile.