Laser eye surgery in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is well known for offering world class medical procedures, and especially plastic surgery procedures but also cutting-edge eye surgery, particularly LASIK eye surgery. Global media has labeled Seoul the capital of plastic surgery as there are more than 1500 clinics in the Gangnam area alone, most of them concentrated in a small district of Seoul called, Apgujeong.

It is no secret that South Korea is the most cosmetically enhanced country in the world. Although it may or may not sound flattering, one can be sure to say that Korean plastic surgeons are some of the most experienced surgeons in the world with a growing recognition of Seoul as a destination for exceptional LASIK eye surgery procedures. Read on to learn more about the best LASIK eye surgery clinics in Seoul, South Korea.

 

Medical Procedures in Seoul

 
In addition to its high standard of medical procedures, Seoul has become a thriving hotspot for medical tourism, drawing thousands of visitors each year who affirm that South Korea is the best destination for diverse medical treatments in Asia. This is not only because of its top-notch doctors but also due to the wide range of options for medical services, all at a relatively lower cost compared to other developed countries. As the demand for quality healthcare goes beyond borders, South Korea's robust medical tourism industry continues to flourish, offering a high level of expertise, variety, and affordability for individuals seeking treatments ranging from cosmetic enhancements to specialized procedures like LASIK laser eye surgery or vision correction.

People who've experienced LASIK laser eye surgery often rave about how it's one of the best decisions they've ever made. We, at My Guide Seoul, can attest to this firsthand, as one of our team members underwent a vision correction surgery not too long ago. She was initially leaning towards getting LASIK done due to its speedy recovery. But unfortunately her cornea was too thin, so instead she opted for LASEK, a procedure that took a bit longer to recover from but was more budget-friendly. Since then, she hasn't looked back and hasn't regretted it ever since.

There are three different procedures when it comes to getting eye laser surgery in Korea: LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE. LASIK stands out for its quick recovery period, making it an attractive choice for many. On the other hand, LASEK, despite taking a bit more time to recover, offers a more cost-effective alternative. The newest player in the field is SMILE, a cutting-edge technology praisee being the new go-to option for many seeking laser eye surgery.
 

Eye Surgery Procedures in Korea

 
Below we'll go over all the different eye surgery procedures that are available in Seoul and the rest of Korea.

When you're looking at the cost of eye surgeries in Korea, LASIK is often the more affordable choice, making it budget-friendly for many. On the other hand, the fancier SMILE surgery, considered the latest and greatest, may cost a bit more. LASEK falls in the middle, offering a compromise between the two. So, deciding which one to go for is like figuring out the balance between what you're willing to spend and the cool features each surgery provides. It's a personal choice that considers both your budget and the level of innovation you're after in your eye surgery.
 

1. LASEK

 
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a type of laser eye surgery designed to correct refractive errors and enhance visual clarity. In LASEK, the surgeon gently reshapes the cornea's thin outer layer, known as the epithelium, using an excimer laser. This procedure is particularly suitable for individuals with thin corneas or those ineligible for LASIK. While the initial recovery period may involve discomfort and temporary blurred vision, many patients experience improved eyesight within a few days, making LASEK a viable option for those seeking effective vision correction.

​For anyone considering to undergo LASEK eye surgery in Korea, rest assured that the experience is generally painless, with minimal associated risks. However, it is important to know that there will be temporary discomfort and blurred vision immediately post-surgery, this will also be communicated by the medical consultants at one of the many eye surgery clinics. Your eyes may feel sensitivity during this initial phase so it is essential to be well-prepared.

During the initial three days post-surgery, discomfort is normal, especially not being able to open your eyes easily. This is because your eyes will be quite sensitive light. The best way to manage this discomfort is to stay a couple of days at your hotel or when going outside, to use sunglasses. While the experience is not painful, the limited vision during this period might make you feel scared about the results of the eye surgery, but this is perfectly normal. By the third or fourth day, your eyes will be much better and you will be able to slowly open your eyes again. We highly recommend to have someone with your during these initial 3 days to take care of you and assist you where needed.
 

2. LASIK

 
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular and minimally invasive laser eye surgery aimed at correcting common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During LASIK, a laser is used to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve the way light is focused onto the retina. This outpatient procedure typically results in a quick recovery, often allowing patients to experience improved vision within a day or two. LASIK has become a widely favored option for those seeking long-term freedom from glasses or contact lenses.

 

When we talk about LASIK, we're not just talking about a procedure – it's a global sensation, especially in Seoul. Thousands of business professionals, diplomats, and even some famous faces from around the world have chosen Seoul as their go-to place for LASIK, and guess what? They're all thrilled with the results. It's like Seoul has become the LASIK capital, drawing people from different corners of the globe who are all seeking top-notch eye care.

Now, let's dive a bit deeper into LASIK. It's not your everyday eye surgery; it's the upgraded, second-generation version of laser eye treatment. This advancement represents a significant leap in the field, making it even more effective and reliable.
 

3. SMILE

 
SMILE surgery is one of the newest laser eye surgery methods in the world, third generation vision correction. It has only been around since 2017. Even though it is a very new technology, the procedure has already been performed tens of thousands of times in Korea alone. 
 
People really like SMILE because it's a surgery that's not too invasive, which means they only make a small 4mm cut in the cornea. This is way smaller compared to LASIK, which needs a bigger cut, or LASEK, where they take the cornea out. Since SMILE doesn't make big cuts, it doesn't hurt much, and you can usually get better in just 1-2 days. SMILE is considered the best laser eye surgery right now, but it does cost more than the older types. Also, not everyone can get SMILE – if your cornea is super thin or thick, you might not be able to. But for those who can and can afford it, SMILE is a great choice for clear vision.

 

Best Eye Clinics in Seoul, South Korea

 
In the following section, we'll highlight some of the best eye clinics in Seoul, along with their contact information. Many of these clinics offer complimentary eye examinations and consultations, giving you the flexibility to explore multiple options before making a decision to enhance your vision.
 

1. BGN Eye Clinic

 
BGN Eye Clinic, located in the prestigious Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul, is renowned for its exceptional eye care services and advanced surgical treatments. Here are the reasons why it stands out as one of the best facilities for eye surgery:
 

1. Expertise and Experience: The clinic is supported by a robust team of 28 experienced doctors, over 300 dedicated optometrists, and numerous skilled staff members. Since its establishment in 2000, BGN Eye Clinic has successfully performed over 500,000 vision correction surgeries, showcasing a wide range of expertise in the field. 
2. Advanced Technology and Facilities: The clinic boasts cutting-edge medical equipment such as VISUMAX 800 and 500, and Schwind Amaris Red, ensuring precision and effectiveness in surgeries. It uses sophisticated diagnostic tools including Daytona, Pentacam, and Verion which aid in providing comprehensive assessments for optimal patient care. 
3. Comprehensive Treatment Options: Offers a variety of vision correction procedures, including SMILE PRO, SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, and ICL. Expertise in cataract and presbyopia surgery with the availability of IOL

 
Below is an overview of the primary treatments available to patients:
 

• SMILE PRO: A laser vision correction procedure known for its precision and minimal invasiveness. Uses a femtosecond laser to create a small, lens-shaped bit of tissue within the cornea, which is then removed.
• ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): A type of refractive implant suitable for patients with thin corneas or high myopia, and/or astigmatism who may not be ideal candidates for corneneal reshaping procedures.
• Presbyopia and Cataract Surgeries: Cataract involves the clouding of the eye’s natural lens which affects vision quality, often developing in individuals over 40 but can vary widely.

 
These advanced procedures, combined with the top-tier expertise and technology at BGN Eye Clinic, make it a leading choice for patients seeking high-quality, personalized eye care and surgery. Whether handling common refractive errors or more complex cataract and presbyopia cases, BGN Eye Clinic offers solutions that enhance patients' vision and overall quality of life.
   

2. B&VIIT Eye Center

 
Renowned as Seoul's premier eye clinic, B&VIIT Eye center stands out with an impressive track record of over 500,000 completed procedures. Their commitment to cutting-edge technology is evident through the recent incorporation of state-of-the-art AI, ensuring precise assessments of the eye.

Additionally, B&VIIT has been a choice for celebrities, including movie stars and singers, seeking vision correction. Bastian, a German student and a friend of ours, experienced the simplicity and effectiveness of the SMILE surgery during his visit to B&VIIT, leaving him amazed by the outstanding results.

 

3. Glory Seoul Eye Clinic

 
Glory Seoul Eye Clinic, located just next to Gangnam station, is a distinguished destination for advanced eye care. Boasting cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, the clinic has gained reputation for its exceptional services. With a focus on personalized care, Glory Seoul Eye Clinic has successfully performed a multitude of eye procedures, providing optimal solutions for vision enhancement. Recognized for its innovation and patient-centered approach, the clinic continues to attract individuals seeking top-tier eye care in Seoul.

A close friend of ours opted for LASIK at Glory Seoul Eye Clinic and had a highly positive experience with both the clinic and the procedure. Glory has treated thousands of international patients, making them one of the most popular eye clinics in Seoul. Offering competitive prices, the clinic, under the guidance of Dr. Kim, is known for effective communication in English, further enhancing its appeal it a wide range of international patients.