Thickness comes first
If your cornea is thin, a LASEK-type procedure that keeps the most residual cornea is recommended over LASIK.
Laser eye surgery
in Seoul
Three ways to reach the cornea
Laser eye surgery in Seoul usually comes down to LASIK or LASEK, and the deciding factor is your cornea, not your preference.
Sky Eye Clinic offers both, plus New SMILE LASIK, which works without a flap. Here is how these three kinds of laser eye surgery in Korea differ, and how to start from abroad.
Compare
Laser eye surgery in Seoul, compared
Every laser method reshapes the cornea so light focuses on the retina. The difference is how the surgeon reaches the tissue underneath.
| Method | How the cornea is reached | First days |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK | A flap about 160 micrometers thick is lifted, then replaced | Discomfort for about half a day |
| LASEK | Only the surface epithelium, about 50 micrometers, is removed; no flap | Discomfort up to 3 to 4 days; blurring for 5 to 7 days |
| New SMILE LASIK | A 2mm micro-incision; no flap | Face washing, basic makeup and light exercise from the next day |
Your Cornea
What steers the choice
When laser is difficult
If laser surgery does not suit your eyes, an ICL lens implant, which leaves the cornea uncut, may be discussed.
Your schedule
LASIK settles fastest. LASEK asks for a few slower days. Plan your trip around the recovery your surgeon expects.
Lasers
The equipment behind each
LASIK
Performed with the Amaris Red SPT laser and Co-Wave customization.
LASEK
Offered as standard LASEK, Amaris Red LASEK and 2Day all-laser LASEK, where the laser also removes the epithelium.
Anesthesia
Numbing eye drops only. All systems are on the equipment page.
Results differ from person to person, and no result can be promised. Your surgeon may advise against a procedure once your eyes have been examined.
Sky Eye Clinic
Before You Fly
Practical steps from abroad
Plan for these
- Exams, surgery and consultations are by appointment only. Same-day booking is not available.
- Interpreters in English, Japanese and Chinese are on site.
- Take out soft lenses 5 days before the exam, hard and toric lenses 10 days, ortho-k lenses at least 4 weeks.
- Overseas and Korean patients pay the same. See laser eye surgery prices in Korea; your doctor confirms the final procedure and fee after your free exam. For international patients, the clinic lists fees at 49% off the regular rate, the same fee Korean patients pay, and adds a free MRI precision exam (worth KRW 100,000) and free autologous serum eye drops (worth KRW 200,000).
- Read the pre and post-op guide, the first visit guide and directions.
FAQ
Common questions
LASIK or LASEK: what is the real difference?
LASIK lifts a thin flap before the laser. LASEK removes only the surface cells and then covers the eye with a protective lens. LASEK recovers more slowly but suits thinner corneas.
Who can have laser eye surgery?
For LASIK, adults aged 18 or older whose prescription has been stable for a year and whom a doctor has approved after a full examination. Your surgeon picks the method.
What happens if my cornea is too thin for LASIK?
A LASEK-type surgery that keeps the most residual cornea is recommended. An ICL, which does not cut the cornea, is another possibility.
How is the price set?
Fees are listed in Korean won on the pricing page, with no overseas surcharge. The final fee is confirmed after your exam.
Is there interpreting support?
Yes. Interpreters in English, Japanese and Chinese work at the clinic, and you can message the team in your language before you travel.
