Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Correction Surgeries (SMILE/LASIK/LASEK) in Korea

FAQs About Vision Correction Surgeries in Korea

What are the benefits of getting the procedure done in Korea?

LASIK/LASEK surgery in Korea is much more affordable compared to other countries, where these procedures have been around for years. The prices are often half—or even less—than what you’d pay elsewhere. Plus, with the quick recovery time (usually by the next day), you can easily fit the surgery into a short visit to Korea, making it both convenient and cost-effective.

Is LASIK/LASEK surgery in Korea reliable?

It’s important to choose a clinic that is legally certified by the Korean government, has a professional medical license, and is accredited by ZEISS. It’s also recommended to select a clinic with no history of incidents to ensure the safety of your eyes. The clinics recommended by Creatrip are all professional, legal, and highly experienced.

How many days off do I need to take for the surgery in Korea?

For the Smile series of surgeries, a follow-up appointment the next day is usually enough to continue daily activities. For LASIK or LASEK procedures, a follow-up visit the next day is needed to confirm recovery status. However, to ensure the best recovery after the surgery, we recommend to plan for at least a 3-day stay.

Do I need to have an eye examination in my home country before coming to Korea?

Since you’ll be traveling specifically for this procedure, it’s advisable to first have an eye examination at a clinic in your home country to ensure that you’re a suitable candidate for vision correction surgery.

Do you want to learn more about vision correction surgeries? 
Check out our other blogs for more information!

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FAQs (Pre-Surgery)

1. What is the approximate prescription requirement for surgery?

There is no specific prescription requirement. The surgery is determined based on three factors: refractive error, corneal thickness, and corneal shape. Patients of any prescription level must undergo a doctor’s examination to determine eligibility, as the decision is not based solely on prescription.

2. If I also have astigmatism, can I still undergo the surgery?

Yes, all laser eye surgeries include correction for astigmatism. Even if you don't have myopia but have significant astigmatism, it can be corrected individually.

3. If the prescription in both eyes differs greatly, can I have surgery on only one eye?

If there is a significant difference in vision between the two eyes, surgery can be performed on one eye to help balance vision, as long as there is no amblyopia or other complications (the cost remains the same).

4. Can I undergo surgery if I have dry eye syndrome?

Patients with dry eye syndrome can still undergo surgery, but the hospital may recommend treating the dry eye condition first, depending on its severity, before proceeding with the laser surgery.

5. Is laser eye surgery for myopia tax-deductible?

Vision correction is not considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not eligible for tax deductions.

6. Can I undergo surgery if I have cataracts?

It is recommended to treat the cataracts first before considering laser eye surgery.

7. Will the surgery consider age and leave room for future presbyopia?

Myopia and presbyopia aren’t as closely connected as people often think. Mild myopia may seem to improve as presbyopia develops, but they can actually occur together. Even people without myopia may develop presbyopia later in life (clear distance vision but difficulty seeing up close). This change happens naturally with age and isn’t affected by vision correction surgery.

8. Can I undergo surgery if I have congenital amblyopia?

It is recommended to treat amblyopia first.

9. Can the surgery be done for hyperopia or presbyopia?

Yes, it can.

10. Will I get a refund for consultation fee if I can't proceed with the surgery upon arrival?

At Gangnam Bright Eye Clinic, deposits are non-refundable. However, Gangnam Joeunnun Eye Clinic, Apgujeong S&B Eye Clinic, and Gangnam B&VIIT Eye Center do offer deposit refunds for consultation fees. To ensure a smooth consultation process, it’s recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist in your home country before coming to Korea to confirm whether you are a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery and to check for more serious conditions such as retinal tears, retinal detachment, cataracts, or glaucoma.

11. Can foreigners receive medical treatment in Korea?

Yes, with a tourist visa or visa-free entry, foreigners can engage in non-profit, non-employment activities, including medical treatment. The "medical visa" is typically for individuals from countries without visa waiver agreements or with more difficult entry processes. 

12. Can I undergo cosmetic procedures after the surgery?

As long as the cosmetic procedure is not related to the eyes, it can be done. However, for eye-related cosmetic surgeries (such as epicanthoplasty or double eyelid surgery), it is recommended to wait at least 3 to 6 months after the laser procedure.

13. Can minors undergo the surgery?

It is recommended to wait until the progression of myopia stabilizes before undergoing laser surgery. Generally, you need to be an adult to have the procedure done.

FAQs (During Surgery)

1. Will there be an English interpreter accompanying me throughout the process?

Yes, if you make an appointment in advance through Creatrip with any of the eye clinics introduced on this page, an English interpreter will be provided free of charge.

2. How much spare time should I have on the day of the surgery? 

Including detailed examinations, the procedure, postoperative care instructions, and same-day recovery, it is recommended to spare about 4 to 5 hours (the pre-surgery examination takes about 1.5 to 2 hours).

3. Approximately how long does the surgery take?

It varies for each individual, but the procedure is usually completed within 5 to 15 minutes.

4. Is SMILE laser surgery the best option?

The best type of surgery depends on each person’s eye condition. However, SMILE laser surgery is currently one of the least invasive options, causing minimal damage to the eye with a shorter recovery time (you can return to normal activities the next day).

5. What is SMILE Pro laser surgery?

SMILE Pro is an upgraded version of the original SMILE procedure (with the equipment upgraded from model 500 to 800). It offers a shorter surgery time, more precise laser targeting, and better correction for astigmatism, with a recovery time similar to the original SMILE procedure.

6. Do all eye clinics offer SMILE laser surgery?

Not necessarily. To perform SMILE laser surgery, the clinic or doctor must be Zeiss-certified, have a flawless track record, and meet a certain level of experience. SMILE is a patented name, so if you see other clinics referring to it as "Smile LASIK", they are not using Zeiss-certified equipment. If they insist it is part of the SMILE series, it is illegal. But don’t worry as all the clinics recommended by Creatrip are Zeiss-certified and authorized to perform SMILE laser surgery.

FAQs (Post-Surgery)

1. Do I need to return for a follow-up the next day? How many days should I plan to stay in Korea?

To ensure proper healing, it's recommended to stay in Korea for at least 3 days after the surgery.

2. Will my vision be completely blurry after the surgery and gradually improve? How long does it take?

After surgery, due to dilation and anesthesia, your vision may be hazy for 30 minutes to an hour. You'll need to rest with your eyes closed in the recovery room at the clinic. After about 3 to 4 hours, the haze will gradually fade, and your vision should return to near normal (around 0.8). However, you may still experience sensitivity to light and tearing, so it’s recommended to go home and rest for the day.

3. What should I do if there’s a problem?

The success rate of laser eye surgery for myopia is over 99%. The clinics introduced on this page are all Zeiss-certified and have no accident records.

4. What potential side effects might occur?

The risks vary depending on each individual, and the doctor will assess them during the consultation. Generally, you might experience eye discomfort for 4 hours to 2-3 days, but this should gradually improve within a week. Light exercise can typically be resumed after 1 week, while more intense activities like martial arts, ball sports, and swimming can be done after 3 weeks. For SMILE laser surgery, you can return to daily activities the day after the procedure.

5. How do I do follow-up check-ups in my home country after the surgery?

You can request an English medical record from the clinic in Korea and then visit any general ophthalmologist in your home country for follow-up check-ups.

6. If I continue using the computer for long periods, will my eyesight become bad again?

Yes, it’s possible. It’s important to maintain good eye care habits after the laser surgery.

7. When can I wear photochromic lenses?

It’s not recommended to wear them within 6 months after LASIK surgery or within 1 month after SMILE surgery. If you really need to wear them, try to limit the time and use eye drops frequently.

8. Is laser eye surgery for myopia covered by insurance?

Generally, vision correction surgeries are not covered by medical insurance. However, treatments for conditions like dry eye syndrome (e.g., M22-IPL) or cataracts may be eligible for insurance benefits. It's best to check with your insurance provider.

9. Will taking a flight after laser surgery affect eye pressure or recovery?

No, it won’t affect eye pressure or recovery, but it’s recommended to allow about 3 days of recovery time in Korea before flying.

10. Will there be complications or an increased risk of glaucoma after the surgery?

The surgery will not increase the risk of presbyopia, cataracts, or glaucoma.

11. How should I take care of my eyes after the surgery?

During the first week after surgery, your eyes may feel dry. It’s recommended to use eye drops and follow your doctor's instructions for rest. Also, do not to rub your eyes.

12. Can I smoke or drink alcohol after the surgery?

You can return to normal activities the day after SMILE surgery, but it’s recommended to limit smoking and drinking to avoid inflammation caused by cigarette smoke or alcohol.

13. Can I exercise after the surgery?

Light weight training is usually fine, but avoid activities where your eyes might get hit or sweat could get in them. It’s best to wait a week before doing any intense sports or anything that causes heavy sweating.

Do you want to learn more about vision correction surgeries? 
Check out our other blogs for more information!

Difference Between LASEK, LASIK, SMILE & SMILE PRO

Full Guide to Laser Eye Surgery

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