Choosing Mingmu Eye Clinic for myopia laser surgery is your best choice
momo
14 hours ago
Before leaving, I had already had a myopia laser evaluation in Taiwan. The doctor said my corneal thickness was sufficient, so I could choose any surgical method. I hadn’t decided whether to have it done in Taiwan yet, mainly because of price and the type of procedure. Later, I saw a promotion for a Korean eye clinic on Creatrip, and since I already planned a trip to Seoul Station, I started researching online and reading other people’s post-op experiences. After going through several rounds, I felt this clinic’s reviews were consistently good, the equipment was new, and translators were often mentioned as professional and attentive, so I made a firm decision to book.
I was a bit nervous on the day I arrived, since it was my first time having a medical procedure abroad. The clinic was clean and bright, and the overall flow was well organized.
The reception staff first checked my ID and appointment time, then the translator accompanied me the whole time, which made the process go smoothly. Because I’m a foreigner, there was a translator with me at every step, from filling out forms and examinations to the consultation. Her translation was very timely, and whenever I didn’t understand something or missed a key point, she would patiently explain it again so I could fully understand what the doctor was saying, which made me feel quite reassured.
The morning was scheduled with a full preoperative checkup, which took almost two hours, including corneal thickness, dry eye test, night vision, and corneal topography. After reviewing the exam results, the doctor carefully explained the types of surgery suitable for me and the differences between them, and I ultimately chose to have SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction). He also honestly told me that it’s normal to have halos and some dryness in the early postoperative period. Overall there was no pressure selling or coercion, the clinic presented information objectively and let me decide.
When I decided to have the SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) procedure that afternoon, the clinic gave plenty of time to rest, so I could have lunch first and then return to check in at the operating room. Before entering the operating room they checked my intraocular pressure and corneal condition again, and only started once everything was confirmed. The procedure itself was quicker than I expected, finished within about 15 minutes from entry to completion. Aside from some pressure during the process, there was no significant pain. The surgeon also explained each upcoming step during the procedure, and the translator kept translating and soothing me so I wouldn’t get too nervous.
You can open your eyes right after surgery, but your vision will be a bit hazy, like a lens that wasn’t wiped clean. After resting in the recovery area for an hour, the translator will explain the post-op medication routine, the order for using the eye drops, and behaviors to avoid, such as rubbing your eyes, applying makeup, or taking baths. That day I only felt some pressure and dryness in my eyes, there was no stinging or uncontrollable tearing.
(Successfully ditched my glasses!)
After returning to the hotel in the evening, I applied the eye drops on schedule as instructed, and before bed I put on the eye shield, and I basically fell asleep easily.
The next morning I went back for a follow-up, and the doctor rechecked my vision, which had already returned to 1.0! Although there was still a bit of haze and things were slightly blurry when looking at my phone up close, I could see distant objects clearly while walking, so it didn’t affect my daily activities at all.
My overall recovery went much more smoothly than I expected. The clinic kindly reminded me to keep using artificial tears frequently for the next few days, and to avoid strong light exposure. Since my trip wasn’t over, I was still able to stroll around, dine, and take photos around Seoul Station without any inconvenience.
Looking back on the whole experience, from booking, exams, surgery to follow-up visits, it felt tight but not rushed. The clinic’s procedures were very practiced, and having a translator present made communication completely effortless. The price was a bit cheaper than in Taiwan, but what satisfied me most was the surgical result and the speed of recovery. Now, a few weeks later, the dryness has almost completely gone, and there’s no glaring discomfort when looking at a computer or phone, so my quality of life has improved a lot.
Compared with having it done in Taiwan, it might be a bit more convenient there, but if you already have an international trip planned, I think getting SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) in Korea is also a great option. The overall experience met my expectations, it was even smoother than I expected, and it gave me new confidence in overseas medical services.
