All treatmentsSPECIALIST CARE · SOUTH KOREA

Eye treatments in Korea.

Specialist eye assessment, vision correction, and eye-health care.

Typical stay in Korea2 weeks – 1 month (clinics' recommendation)

Downtime1–7 days; full healing ~1 month

Consultation2–3 hours (eye tests, dilation)

Return visitsDay 1, ~1 week, 2–4 weeks

Safe to flyDoctor decides at your follow-up check

Common procedures explained

ProcedureDowntimeStay in Korea

LASIK / LASEK / SMILELaser reshapes the cornea to correct vision.1–5 days (LASEK longer)2 weeks recommended

ICL (implantable lens)Lens placed inside the eye for high prescriptions.2–5 days2 weeks – 1 month

Cataract surgeryCloudy lens replaced with a clear artificial lens.2–7 days2 weeks – 1 month

Retina / glaucoma careSpecialist treatment for eye disease.VariesOften 1 month

What your trip looks like

Before you fly
Stop soft contact lenses ~1 week (hard lenses 2–3 weeks) before tests.
Day 1
Detailed eye tests — your eyes are dilated, so bring sunglasses.
Day 2
Surgery (often one eye at a time for cataract).
Day 3
Next-day check: eye shield removed, eye-drop schedule starts.
Week 1
Check-up. No face-washing, hair-washing on your back only, no rubbing.
Weeks 2–4
Further check(s); drops usually continue for about 1 month. Doctor clears you to fly.
At home
Glasses prescription is often finalised ~2 months after cataract surgery — your home eye doctor can do this.

Common misunderstandings

Myth I can fly home the day after eye surgery.

Fact Korean eye clinics usually recommend staying 2 weeks to 1 month so they can check you several times while the eye heals.

Myth Everyone can have LASIK.

Fact Thin corneas or some eye conditions mean another option, or none, may be safer.

Myth I can wear contacts until the test day.

Fact Lenses change the cornea's shape and can make tests inaccurate.

Myth If I go home early, nobody can check me.

Fact Later checks can often be done by an eye doctor at home — arrange this BEFORE you travel and bring your Korean surgery report.

What to bring

Glasses (no contact lenses)
Sunglasses and a sleep eye-shield is usually provided
Current prescription and past eye records
A companion for surgery day (no driving)
Passport (valid 6+ months) and visa / K-ETA if required
Medication list with doses, and any allergies
Travel insurance details
Comfortable, loose clothing for after treatment

Questions to ask your doctor

How many check-ups do you want me to attend, and on which days?
Can my later checks be done by my eye doctor at home?
When can I wash my face, swim, wear makeup and fly?

Please talk to your physician for exact dates, times and procedures. Every patient’s case is different and every procedure takes a different amount of time, so the figures shown are general planning estimates only. Some patients who cannot stay long in Korea have stitches removed or later check-ups done at home instead — your treating doctor decides what applies to you.

What you can discuss

Vision correction assessment
Cataract and lens consultation
Eye disease and retinal assessment

These are areas for consultation, not a promise of eligibility or treatment availability. A qualified Korean specialist determines what is appropriate for you.

Before your consultation

Your prescription, prior eye procedures, and any eye-health records.

Speak to our team — multilingual support is available. We help communicate your questions and coordinate the records requested by your provider. Please don’t send sensitive medical records through an initial public inquiry; we’ll explain the appropriate sharing process.

Planning your time in Korea

Not everyone is suitable for laser correction. Follow-up appointments and travel clearance depend on your examination.

Recovery, follow-up, and fitness to travel are determined by your clinician. Travel services are arranged separately and should fit your care plan.