What are the specific eligibility criteria for laser eye surgeries such as LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE, and how do they apply to my prescription and eye health?

Ophthalmology
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​When considering laser eye surgeries like LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE in South Korea, it’s essential to understand the specific eligibility criteria to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. These criteria ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.​

Age and Prescription Stability: Candidates should be at least 18 years old, with some surgeons recommending a minimum age of 21 to ensure the eyes have matured fully. A stable prescription for at least one year is essential; significant fluctuations in vision can affect the outcome of the surgery. ​

Refractive Error Range: LASIK can correct up to -12.00 diopters of nearsightedness, +6.00 diopters of farsightedness, and 6.00 diopters of astigmatism. LASEK and SMILE have similar ranges, but candidates with higher refractive errors may need to explore alternative options like phakic intraocular lenses (ICL) or refractive lens exchange (RLE).

Corneal Health: A sufficient corneal thickness is vital for LASIK surgery. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea; thus, patients typically need a minimum corneal thickness of 500 micrometers to be considered.

Eye Health: Candidates should not have active eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye syndrome. A healthy retina and optic nerve are necessary. Individuals with retinopathy, macular degeneration, or significant optic nerve damage are not suitable candidates. ​

Overall Health Considerations: Certain systemic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), and medications that affect healing can disqualify a candidate. It’s essential to discuss your medical history and any medications with your ophthalmologist. ​

Pupil Size: Large pupils might increase the risk of post-surgery side effects, such as halos or glare at night. An evaluation of pupil size in various lighting conditions is part of the candidacy assessment. ​

Pregnancy and Nursing: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to vision instability. It’s advisable to wait until after this period before considering laser eye surgery. ​

Understanding these criteria and discussing them with a qualified ophthalmologist in South Korea can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your vision needs.

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For most of my adult life, I relied on glasses and contacts, but irritation from lenses pushed me to explore laser eye surgery. I quickly learned that procedures like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE aren’t one-size-fits-all they each have specific requirements. That’s when I found Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam.

During my consultation, Dr. Chung ran comprehensive tests, including corneal mapping, retinal scans, and tear film analysis, to determine the safest option for me. Because my corneas were thinner than average, LASEK was recommended, and the surgery went smoothly. Now, over a year later, I see 20/20 without complications. If you’re considering laser eye surgery, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung they provide expert, personalized care that truly makes a difference.

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If you’re considering vision correction, it’s important to know which procedure suits your eyes best. LASIK is great for stable prescriptions and adequate corneal thickness, while LASEK works well for thin or irregular corneas, though recovery can be longer. SMILE is ideal for nearsightedness and astigmatism, but not for farsightedness.

For personalized guidance, I highly recommend consulting Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. With expertise in all advanced laser eye surgeries, he can evaluate your eye health and recommend the best procedure for optimal results.

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When I decided to get laser eye surgery, I wasn’t sure if I was eligible for LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE so I went to Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. He explained that eligibility depends on several factors: your age , stable vision for at least a year, your prescription , corneal thickness, and overall eye health. For example, LASIK requires a thicker cornea, while LASEK is better for people like me with thinner corneas or dry eyes. SMILE is a great option for moderate myopia with mild astigmatism. Dr. Chung’s evaluation was incredibly thorough and tailored, and thanks to his guidance, I had a smooth and successful LASEK procedure. If you’re unsure which option suits you, I highly recommend booking a consultation at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang his expertise truly made the difference in my journey to 20/20 vision.

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At SNU Eye Clinic, my neighbor went for a LASIK consultation and found that eligibility really depends on a few factors like age, corneal thickness, stable vision for at least a year, and not having any major eye conditions. The team, especially Dr. Chung Eui Sang, was very thorough in evaluating her eye health and prescription before recommending a procedure.

She appreciated how they explained the difference between LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE based on her specific eye shape and lifestyle. It helped her feel confident in choosing SMILE for a faster recovery and fewer side effects. The process felt safe, personalized, and well-guided throughout.

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From my personal experience taking my dad to Jryn Eye Clinic, the eligibility for LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE was carefully assessed based on his age, corneal thickness, eye pressure, and stable prescription history. Since he had mild dry eyes and thinner corneas, Dr. Sang Youp Han recommended LASEK instead of LASIK for better long-term results. The care was incredibly thorough, and the doctors took time to explain every step. You can explore their profiles here: Dr. Han, Dr. Heo, and Dr. Lee.