What to Know Before a Vision Correction Consultation: Preparing for and Recovering from LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE

Many people look into vision correction because they want to live without glasses or contact lenses. This guide does not recommend any particular clinic or method. It lists, in order, what is useful to know before an eye consultation in Korea.

What types of vision correction are there?

Vision correction falls broadly into two groups: methods that reshape the cornea with a laser, and methods that place a lens inside the eye. Laser methods include LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE, and are used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Which method suits you depends on your corneal condition, prescription, and daily habits, so it is decided together with your doctor after detailed examinations.

When should you stop wearing contact lenses before a consultation?

Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea, so measurements taken while wearing them may differ from the true condition of your eyes. For this reason, you are asked to stop wearing lenses for a set period before testing.

• Seoul National University Hospital's medical information advises having tests without wearing soft lenses for at least 1 week and hard lenses for at least 2 to 3 weeks beforehand.
• An article advised by an ophthalmology clinic's medical staff, based on SMILE, introduces at least 3 days for soft lenses, 6 to 7 days for toric soft lenses and hard lenses, and at least 1 month for orthokeratology (Dream) lenses.
• Guidance differs somewhat between institutions, so when booking, tell the clinic what type of lenses you wear and follow that clinic's standard.

What to check during tests and consultation

Before surgery, a detailed eye examination and consultation are needed. Ask your doctor directly about the following.

• Which surgical method suits your eyes, and why other methods do not
• The range of vision you can expect after surgery, and individual differences
• Possible side effects and how they are handled
• Conditions and costs if a revision or additional treatment is needed
• Whether you are or plan to be pregnant, the medications you take, existing conditions, and any history of eye disease

Discomforts that can occur after surgery

• Dry eye: Known as a common discomfort after vision correction. It is managed with artificial tears or prescribed eye drops.
• Halos and glare: These may be more noticeable at night and can occur in people with large pupils or high prescriptions. Most cases improve with time, but Seoul National University Hospital's material notes that in about 2%, night glare persists and may make night driving uncomfortable.
• Over-correction, under-correction, or return of nearsightedness: These can occur in some people and are often addressed with a revision procedure, glasses, or lenses.
• Rare complications such as corneal haze: Rare, but severe cases can affect vision, so it is important not to skip follow-up visits after surgery.

How does recovery differ between LASIK and LASEK?

According to Seoul National University Hospital's material, vision often improves from the day after LASIK, while LASEK requires a therapeutic contact lens for 3 to 5 days until the corneal surface heals, so recovery is slower. However, final vision is known not to differ greatly between the two. The procedure is usually described as taking about 20 to 30 minutes. For the recovery process of other methods such as SMILE, ask the clinic for a separate explanation.

What to do on the day of surgery and afterward

• Wash your face and do not wear eye makeup on the day of surgery.
• Avoid heavy drinking and overwork the day before, and get enough sleep.
• Avoid driving after surgery, and it is better to visit with a companion.
• Use the prescribed eye drops as directed, starting on the day of surgery.
• For at least 1 week, do not rub your eyes, keep water out of them, and wear an eye shield when sleeping.
• For 1 week, it is better not to read, use a computer, watch TV, or drive for long periods.
• Strenuous exercise and swimming are advised to be avoided for about a month after surgery.
• Do not miss your scheduled follow-up visits.

If you are having it done while traveling

If your stay is short, check the follow-up schedule first. Ask the clinic how many days the tests, surgery, and first follow-up take, whether you can consult remotely if a problem arises after you return home, and when you can fly. It also helps to check in advance whether supplies such as eye drops and an eye shield are provided.

Summary

Vision correction is a surgery in which the suitable method depends on the condition of your eyes. Follow the contact lens break period before detailed testing, and decide only after your doctor has thoroughly explained the side effects and aftercare. This article is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment.