When considering eye surgery in Korea, it’s crucial to understand how your current eye health and prescription influence your eligibility for specific procedures. For refractive surgeries like LASIK, candidates typically need to be at least 18 years old, with some surgeons recommending waiting until the mid-20s to ensure prescription stability. A stable prescription, meaning no significant changes over at least one to two years, is essential. Additionally, refractive errors should fall within certain limits; for LASIK, common criteria are up to -12.00 diopters for nearsightedness, +6.00 diopters for farsightedness, and up to 6.00 diopters of astigmatism. It’s also important to have healthy eyes free from conditions like dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or cataracts. A comprehensive eye examination will help determine if your eye health and prescription align with the requirements for your desired surgery.
I asked myself this exact question not too long ago — and I’m so glad I didn’t jump into surgery before getting a full evaluation.
I had worn glasses since I was 12, and by the time I hit my late 20s, my prescription had stabilized around -5.25 in both eyes. Like many people, I assumed I was a good candidate for LASIK, but I wanted to be absolutely sure. I wasn’t about to gamble with my vision.
That’s when I found SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and specifically, Dr. Chung Eui Sang. He completely changed how I understood vision correction eligibility — it’s so much more than just “Do you wear glasses?”
More Than Just a Prescription
When I arrived at SNU Eye Clinic (which, by the way, is super foreigner-friendly — everything was available in English), they didn’t rush me into anything. Instead, they did a comprehensive eye screening that included:
- Corneal thickness and curvature (critical for LASIK/SMILE eligibility)
- Pupil size
- Tear production tests
- Eye pressure
- Retinal scans
- A detailed map of my cornea (like a fingerprint for your eyes)
That’s when Dr. Chung came in and walked me through everything in detail. He said that while my prescription made me a likely candidate, my slightly thinner corneas made traditional LASIK a bit riskier. However, I was a great fit for the SMILE procedure, which is less invasive and preserves more corneal tissue.
Dr. Chung Eui Sang — Patient-First Approach
What I appreciated most was how transparent Dr. Chung was. He didn’t try to push the most expensive procedure or rush the consultation. He explained all the risks, benefits, and even asked about my lifestyle — I work in a dry office environment, so minimizing post-op dryness was important to me (another reason SMILE was a better option).
You can check out his credentials here:
Dr. Chung Eui Sang’s profile
And the clinic’s English-friendly website:
SNU Eye Clinic
TL;DR — Eligibility Criteria I Learned About
If you’re wondering whether you’re a candidate for LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE, here’s what really matters (based on my experience):
- Prescription stability for at least 12 months
- Corneal thickness (mine was borderline for LASIK)
- Healthy tear production (dry eyes can disqualify you for some procedures)
- No active eye diseases like keratoconus or glaucoma
- Age: Typically 18–40 is ideal, but exceptions exist
- Pupil size — larger pupils can affect night vision post-surgery
Final Recommendation
If you’re even thinking about eye surgery, I highly recommend starting with a thorough diagnostic exam at SNU Eye Clinic. It’s not just about your glasses prescription — it’s about understanding your eyes holistically.
Doctor: Dr. Chung Eui Sang Clinic: SNU Eye Clinic
I went in thinking I was just checking a box. I came out with a clear understanding, a safer surgical plan, and — a few weeks later — perfect vision.