How Safe Is Getting LASIK in Korea? Tips for Foreign Patients

Safety Overview of LASIK in Korea

• Korea has advanced ophthalmology services with modern laser technology and high volume of refractive surgeries.
• According to one source, LASIK surgeries in Korea report an efficacy rate of about 95 %.
• A Korean study found that over a 3-year follow-up, LASIK in a Korean population was “effective and safe with high refractive predictability” though some regression can occur.
• Many clinics serving international patients claim success rates over 99 % for modern procedures like SMILE/SMILE-type treatments.
• While these data are very encouraging, like any surgery, LASIK has risks and outcomes depend heavily on patient selection, surgeon/clinic quality, and after-care.

H2: What Foreign Patients Should Check Before Booking

Here’s a checklist you can use:

✅ Clinic & Surgeon Credentials

• Confirm the ophthalmologist performing your surgery is board-certified and experienced in refractive surgery.
• Ask how many LASIK/SMILE procedures they’ve done.
• Check that the clinic uses modern laser equipment (e.g., femtosecond laser, wavefront-guided systems).
• Ensure the clinic is compliant with Korean medical-tourism regulations and has international patient services (translation, patient coordination).

✅ Pre-operative Assessment

• Ensure you receive a comprehensive eye exam: corneal thickness, topography, tear film/test for dry eye, pupil size, general eye health. Korea standards show many clinics perform these.
• Confirm that you are a good candidate: thin corneas, keratoconus, severe dry eye or other eye disease may disqualify you or suggest an alternative procedure (e.g., surface ablation, ICL).
• Discuss your lifestyle (sports, travel, screen time, night driving) and how that affects suitability.

✅ Procedure Details & After-care

• Ask which type of procedure will be done (LASIK, SMILE, PRK) and why.
• Confirm what’s included in your cost: pre-op tests, surgery, post-op visits, medications, enhancements if needed.
• Check how follow-ups are managed — especially if you’ll be returning home soon after surgery: how many visits in Korea, how to manage if something comes up later!
• Ensure you understand what risks you accept: dry eye symptoms, halos, under or over-correction, need for enhancement. Even in Korea this is stressed.

✅ Logistics for International Patients

• Confirm English (or your language) speaking staff/coordinator.
• Plan your stay: you may need to stay in Korea for at least 1-2 nights (sometimes more) for follow-up.
• Bring your current glasses/contact prescription and any previous eye-history records.
• Ensure you have contact details of clinic and emergency support in case you face issues after returning home.
• Ask about what happens if you need enhancement later: is that included? Will you return to Korea or can you have it locally?

Risks & What to Ask Your Surgeon

⚠️ Common Risks

• Dry eyes or worsened dryness after surgery (temporary or less commonly longer)
• Glare, halos, star-burst effects especially at night
• Under- or over-correction, meaning you may still need glasses or further treatment
• Flap-related complications (in LASIK) — less relevant in SMILE but still possible
• Regression: some shift in vision over time, especially in higher myopia. The Korean 3-year study mentioned regression.

🧐 Questions to Ask

• What is your clinic’s enhancement (re-treatment) rate?
• What percentage of your patients achieve 20/20 or better vision?
• How many patients had serious complications in the last year?
• What will my recovery timeline look like? Any special restrictions?
• If I travel back home soon after surgery and something happens, how is that handled?
• Are there follow-up visits included in the price? Are post-op drops included?

Tips to Improve Your Safety & Outcome ✅

• Stop wearing contact lenses for the time recommended by the clinic before your assessment, so measurements are accurate.
• Avoid risky behaviours post-op: do not rub your eyes, avoid dusty or smoky environments initially, avoid swimming/diving until cleared.
• Use all prescribed medications/eye-drops exactly as instructed.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect healing eyes from UV and wind.
• Follow up as scheduled: even if you feel fine, the follow-up catch things early.
• Maintain good general eye health: manage screen time, take breaks, ensure you’re hydrated. Good habits help longevity.
• Stay realistic: Even the best clinics do not guarantee “perfect vision for life”. Age-related changes (presbyopia) may still happen later.

H2: Final Take – Is LASIK in Korea Safe for Foreign Patients?

Yes — in well-selected patients, at reputable clinics, LASIK (and similar procedures) in Korea can be very safe and effective. The data show high success rates (95 %+ efficacy in many cases) and Korea offers advanced equipment and experienced surgeons.
However — the key is you must do your homework. The “safe” outcome relies more on patient selection, clinic quality, and after-care than just the country. As a foreign patient you should take extra care regarding language, logistics, follow-up, and making sure what you're paying includes all essentials.
If you check all the boxes and travel with good planning, it can be a strong option. If you skip the research and go purely on price, you may expose yourself to risks.