Planning your trip
Planning vision correction surgery in Seoul: a trip checklist
From the first message to the check-up afterwards: the steps, the contact lens rules and the airport route, in the order you will meet them.
Laser vision correction
SMILE vs LASIK vs LASEK in Korea: how the three compare
Three laser options, three different trade-offs. A side-by-side look at method, recovery time and who each one tends to suit, using the clinic's own comparison.
Contents
SMILE, custom LASIK and LASEK all use a laser to reshape how the eye focuses. They differ in how the laser reaches the cornea, and that decides recovery time and what each one trades away.
The comparison below follows the clinic's own table. Your exam still decides which procedure is proposed, so read it as a map, not a recommendation. You can see each procedure in detail on the SMILE LASIK, Custom LASIK and LASEK pages.
The three methods in one table
| SMILE LASIK | Custom LASIK | Laser Fit LASEK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Intrastromal lenticule extraction (flapless) | Stromal ablation (flap) | Subepithelial ablation (layer removal) |
| Advantage | Minimum corneal damage, fast recovery | Relatively fast recovery | Resistant to external impact |
| Trade-off | Price | Weaker against external impact | Slow recovery, pain for a few days |
| Recovery | 1 day | 2–3 days | 5–7 days |
Source: the clinic's own comparison. The clinic does not publish a price list, so ask about pricing when you message the clinic.
How SMILE works without a flap
During SMILE, the laser creates a lenticule inside the cornea. The surgeon removes it through a small incision of 1.5–2 mm, and no flap is lifted. The femtosecond laser is made by ZEISS.
Your eyes are measured in a full exam first, and that data is used to plan the treatment. According to the clinic, SMILE is the least invasive of its three laser options and reduces post-surgery dry eye.
Who might lean toward LASEK
LASEK works on the corneal surface, so there is no flap. The clinic describes it as resistant to external impact, with a longer recovery than the other laser options: 5–7 days, with pain for a few days.
If SMILE or LASIK does not suit your eyes, your doctor may point you to LASEK or to a lens-based option such as ICL.
What decides the choice
A comprehensive exam checks these before any procedure is proposed.
- Corneal thickness and how much tissue can be removed safely.
- Endothelial cell health and astigmatism.
- Your lifestyle, your travel dates and how much recovery time you have in Seoul.
Frequently asked questions
Which laser option has the shortest recovery?
In the clinic's comparison, SMILE LASIK lists 1 day, custom LASIK 2–3 days and LASEK 5–7 days. Your own recovery depends on your eyes and your doctor's plan.
Is SMILE flapless?
Yes. SMILE removes a lenticule through a small incision of 1.5–2 mm and no flap is lifted.
Does the clinic publish prices for these procedures?
No. The clinic does not publish a price list. Message the clinic with your prescription and the procedure you are considering.
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