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 lived behind thick glasses and later graduated to contacts—until my eyes started getting irritated by even the softest lenses. That’s when I decided to look into laser eye surgery. I thought it was just a matter of walking into a clinic, paying, and getting zapped into perfect vision.

Spoiler: It’s not that simple. And honestly? That’s a good thing.

When I started researching options like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE, I realized every procedure has different requirements, and not everyone qualifies for each one. That’s when I found SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam and booked a consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who came highly recommended for being both incredibly skilled and deeply thorough.

The Evaluation Process: Way More Than Just a “Yes” or “No”

During my initial visit, they didn’t just ask for my prescription—they ran a full suite of tests: corneal thickness mapping, pupil size in different lighting, tear film analysis, retinal scans, and even lifestyle questionnaires. Dr. Chung explained that:

  • LASIK is best if you have thick enough corneas, stable prescription, and no history of dry eye.
  • LASEK is a better option if your corneas are on the thinner side or you’re involved in contact sports (less risk of flap-related injuries).
  • SMILE is great for those with moderate to high myopia and some degree of astigmatism, and it tends to cause less post-op dry eye.

My Case

I had mild to moderate myopia with a bit of astigmatism, and my corneas were thinner than average. That ruled out LASIK. At first, I was disappointed—but Dr. Chung calmly walked me through why LASEK would be safer in my case, and how the recovery would be slightly longer but the outcome just as sharp.

And he was right. The surgery went smoothly, and I now see 20/20 without a single complication. It’s been over a year, and I still wake up every morning stunned that this is my vision.

So, what are the eligibility criteria?

  • Age: Typically over 18 with a stable prescription for at least a year
  • Corneal Thickness: Key for determining which procedure is safe
  • Eye Health: No infections, scars, or chronic dry eye
  • General Health: No autoimmune disorders or uncontrolled diabetes
  • Prescription Range: Varies—each surgery has different upper limits for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism

If you’re unsure which procedure is right for you, I cannot recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang enough. They’re not just performing surgery—they’re doing precision vision matchmaking based on you.

Take it from someone who thought it was a simple fix and ended up learning a lot—the right clinic makes all the difference.

Want a version with more technical details or a shorter format? I’m happy to tailor it!

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LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

Ideal Candidates:

  • Age: At least 18 years old, preferably over 21 to ensure eye stability.​
  • Prescription Stability: Prescription should be stable for at least one year.​
  • Refractive Errors: Suitable for nearsightedness up to -12.00 diopters, farsightedness up to +6.00 diopters, and astigmatism up to 6.00 diopters.​
  • Corneal Thickness: Adequate corneal thickness is necessary for creating a flap.​
  • Eye Health: No active eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts.​
  • General Health: No systemic conditions affecting healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes.​

Considerations:

  • May not be suitable for individuals with thin corneas or large pupils.​

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)

Ideal Candidates:

  • Corneal Health: Suitable for those with thin or irregularly shaped corneas.​
  • Prescription Range: Effective for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism within specific ranges.​
  • Eye Health: No active eye diseases.

Considerations:

  • Longer recovery time compared to LASIK.​
  • May cause more discomfort during the healing process.​

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

Ideal Candidates:

  • Refractive Errors: Primarily for nearsightedness and astigmatism.​
  • Corneal Health: Suitable for those with healthy corneas.​
  • Eye Health: No active eye diseases.​

Considerations:

  • Not suitable for farsightedness correction.​
  • Requires specialized equipment and expertise.​

Why Choose SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul

For personalized evaluation and treatment options tailored to your specific needs, consider consulting with Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic. With expertise in advanced laser eye surgeries, Dr. Chung can assess your eye health and recommend the most appropriate procedure to achieve optimal visual outcomes.

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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 (typically 18+), stable vision for at least a year, your prescription (usually up to -10.00 for myopia), 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.