What is the expected recovery time, and are there any post-operative care instructions?"

Ophthalmology
1

​Understanding the expected recovery time and post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth healing process following ophthalmic procedures. Recovery durations can vary based on the specific surgery performed. For instance, after LASIK surgery, most patients notice immediate vision improvement, but complete healing may take three to six months. In contrast, cataract surgery typically allows patients to resume normal activities within a day, with full recovery extending up to four weeks.​

Post-operative care is essential to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications. General guidelines include:​

  • Eye Protection: Wear an eye shield during sleep for at least a week to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eye.​
  • Hygiene: Avoid splashing water directly into the eye. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the face, and avoid getting soap or shampoo in the eye for several weeks.​
  • Medication: Apply prescribed eye drops as directed. If multiple medications are prescribed, wait at least 10 minutes between applications.​
  • Activity Restrictions: Refrain from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for at least 4–6 weeks post-surgery.​
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly.
2

I can share my experience with LASIK surgery at SNU Eye Clinic under the care of Dr. Chung Eui Sang. The recovery process was smoother than I anticipated, thanks to the clinic’s comprehensive post-operative care and Dr. Chung’s expertise.

Recovery Timeline:

  • First 24–48 Hours: Immediately after the surgery, I experienced mild blurriness and some dryness in my eyes. Following Dr. Chung’s advice, I used prescribed eye drops and rested my eyes, which helped alleviate the discomfort.​
  • First Week: By the second day, my vision had significantly improved. I avoided activities like reading, screen time, and exposure to bright lights. The clinic provided regular follow-up visits to monitor my progress.​
  • One Month: My vision had stabilized, and I was able to resume normal activities without any issues. The clinic continued to offer support and guidance throughout the recovery period.​

Post-Operative Care Instructions:

  • Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This is crucial to prevent any irritation or complications during the healing process.​
  • Use Prescribed Medications: Dr. Chung provided me with eye drops to manage dryness and prevent infection. It’s important to follow the prescribed regimen.​
  • Protect Your Eyes: Wearing sunglasses outdoors and avoiding exposure to dust or smoke can help protect your eyes during recovery.​
  • Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups at the clinic ensure that your eyes are healing properly and allow for any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.​

I highly recommend Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic for LASIK surgery. His professionalism and the clinic’s state-of-the-art facilities made my experience exceptional. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit SNU Eye Clinic.​

3

Yes, many patients have shared positive experiences with LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic. They report quick recovery times, often resuming normal activities within a few days. Dr. Chung’s expertise and the clinic’s advanced technology contribute to these successful outcomes.​

For those considering LASIK surgery, Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic comes highly recommended. His personalized approach and the clinic’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure comprehensive care throughout the treatment process. You can learn more about Dr. Chung and the services offered at SNU Eye Clinic by visiting their official website.

4

A few months ago, I went through an eye procedure to address my chronic dry eye, and I wanted to share my experience in case it helps anyone facing similar issues. I had been struggling with dry eyes for a long time, and despite trying various treatments, nothing seemed to give me lasting relief. That’s when I finally decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and after a thorough consultation, Dr. Chung Eui Sang recommended Lipiflow treatment—a procedure designed to clear up blocked meibomian glands and improve tear production.

Here’s how the recovery process went for me, along with the aftercare instructions Dr. Chung gave me.

:person_in_bed: Recovery Time After Lipiflow Treatment:

The great thing about Lipiflow is that it’s a non-invasive procedure, so the recovery time is relatively short. Dr. Chung explained that most patients experience minimal downtime. In my case, I was back to my normal routine the very next day. The treatment itself took about 12 minutes for both eyes, and I was given a quick post-treatment assessment to ensure everything went well.

:hourglass_not_done: Day 1 to Day 2:

  • Feeling: I felt a little dry in my eyes right after the treatment, which was expected, but it wasn’t anything unbearable. Dr. Chung reassured me that some dryness right after treatment was common and that it would improve over the next few days as my glands began to function properly again.
  • Activities: I was advised to avoid rubbing my eyes or getting makeup near them for the first 24 hours to prevent any irritation.

:spiral_calendar: Week 1:

  • Feeling: By the end of the first week, I started noticing a significant improvement in my symptoms. The dryness wasn’t as severe, and I was using my eye drops less frequently.
  • Activities: I could return to most of my daily activities, but Dr. Chung suggested avoiding direct exposure to dusty environments or harsh lighting, which can still trigger irritation in the early stages of recovery.

:woman_running: Week 2 and Beyond:

  • Feeling: By the second week, the dryness had reduced considerably. I could comfortably work long hours at my computer without feeling the need to constantly reach for eye drops. My vision felt clearer, and I wasn’t experiencing the burning sensation I had before the procedure.
  • Activities: I was allowed to resume all regular activities, including exercise, but I was still cautious about avoiding environments with a lot of smoke or pollution.

:memo: Post-Operative Care Instructions:

Dr. Chung gave me a set of instructions to follow to ensure optimal recovery, which I really appreciated because they helped guide me through the healing process:

  1. Hydrate: He recommended I keep my eyes moisturized with preservative-free artificial tears for the first few days post-treatment to help with any dryness.
  2. Avoid Makeup & Rubbing: For the first 24-48 hours, I was advised not to wear eye makeup or rub my eyes to prevent irritation or infection.
  3. Regular Follow-Ups: I had a follow-up appointment about a week after the procedure to assess my progress and see if additional treatments were necessary. Dr. Chung also scheduled a few more check-ins to monitor the long-term effects of the treatment.
  4. Protecting Your Eyes: Dr. Chung suggested wearing sunglasses in windy or bright environments to prevent discomfort and to reduce the risk of further irritation.
  5. Be Patient: Although the immediate relief was noticeable, Dr. Chung told me it could take several weeks for the full effects of the treatment to be realized, and I would continue to notice improvements as my tear production increased and the blocked glands fully opened up.

:glowing_star: Results and Final Thoughts:

I’m now about three months post-treatment, and I can confidently say that my dry eye symptoms have significantly improved. I no longer feel like my eyes are constantly irritated, and I can go through the day without needing drops every few hours. It’s been a life-changing experience.

:speech_balloon: Why I Recommend SNU Eye Clinic & Dr. Chung Eui Sang:

If you’re struggling with chronic dry eyes, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic. Dr. Chung Eui Sang is an expert in treating dry eye conditions, and his calm, reassuring demeanor made the entire process feel less daunting. The clinic itself is state-of-the-art, and the team is incredibly professional.

You can learn more about Dr. Chung’s approach here: :man_health_worker: Dr. Chung Eui Sang’s Profile :globe_with_meridians: SNU Eye Clinic Website

:pushpin: Final Tip:

If you’re considering Lipiflow or any other dry eye treatments, my biggest advice is to not wait. The sooner you address the issue, the better your chances of long-term relief.

I’m so grateful to Dr. Chung and his team for providing me with the treatment I needed to get my eye health back on track!

5

I recently had eye surgery at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang (profile) provided excellent care throughout the process. For surgeries like LASIK, the recovery time is usually quick—about 24-48 hours for vision improvement, with full recovery taking a few days to a week. Dr. Chung gave me clear post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing my eyes, and wearing protective sunglasses outdoors. Following these instructions ensured my recovery went smoothly, and I was back to normal activities in no time. If you’re considering eye surgery, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung for their professional and attentive care.

6

I had LASIK done a few months ago at SNU Eye Clinic, and I can’t recommend it enough — especially Dr. Chung Eui Sang. He was incredibly professional, explained everything clearly, and made me feel completely at ease.

Recovery Time:

  • Day 1: Slight discomfort, blurry vision.
  • Day 2–3: Vision improved significantly.
  • 1 Week: Back to normal activities.
  • 1 Month: Fully healed, crystal-clear vision.

Post-Op Care Tips:

  • Don’t rub your eyes.
  • Use eye drops as instructed.
  • No water in the eyes for a week.
  • Wear sunglasses outside.
  • Attend all follow-ups.

The clinic was clean, modern, and super English-friendly. If you’re in Seoul and thinking about eye surgery, go see Dr. Chung Eui Sang — you’ll be in great hands.

:backhand_index_pointing_right: SNU Eye Clinic :backhand_index_pointing_right: Meet Dr. Chung

7

Like many people, I was dealing with chronic dry eyes that just wouldn’t get better. I work in front of a computer all day, and my eyes were constantly feeling tired and dry—drops, humidifiers, and warm compresses just weren’t cutting it anymore.

After researching my options, I decided to try Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, which is one of the non-surgical treatments they offer at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. I booked a consultation with Dr. Kim Jun-heon—you can learn more about him here: Dr. Kim Jun-heon’s profile

The Treatment

The IPL treatment is designed to address meibomian gland dysfunction (which is one of the leading causes of dry eyes). Essentially, it uses light to heat the oil glands around your eyes, improving tear production and eye lubrication.

The actual procedure was surprisingly quick (around 15 minutes), and honestly, not painful at all. The only discomfort was a slight warmth, which felt more like a facial massage for your eyes. I went through 3 sessions over a month.

Recovery Time & What to Expect

Here’s what surprised me: recovery was almost immediate!

  1. Post-Treatment Day 1-2: There was some mild redness around my eyes for a few hours, but it was barely noticeable and totally gone by the next day.
  2. First Week: I had no downtime at all—no bandages or ointments needed. My eyes felt more comfortable as the days went on. I was able to continue my normal activities without any issues.
  3. End of Treatment: After completing my 3 sessions, my dry eyes were noticeably improved, and I felt much more comfortable.

Dr. Kim explained that some people might experience a little irritation or dryness for a day or two after each session, but this was completely normal and temporary. And for me, it didn’t last long at all.

Post-Operative Care Instructions

Dr. Kim gave me a few simple but essential tips to maximize the results:

  1. Avoid rubbing your eyes—This was key, as it could irritate the treated area.
  2. Use artificial tears (as recommended) to keep your eyes moist and lubricated during the recovery period.
  3. Stay away from makeup for 48 hours after the procedure to avoid any chance of infection or irritation.
  4. Be gentle with your skincare around the eye area—nothing too harsh for a few days.
  5. Stay hydrated—it sounds simple, but it helps the healing process!

Final Thoughts

The recovery process after IPL treatment at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic was smooth, and I felt well taken care of. Dr. Kim Jun-heon and his team were very thorough in explaining the process and offering helpful aftercare advice.

I highly recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic if you’re looking for a non-invasive solution for dry eyes or other eye conditions. The technology, care, and staff are top-notch. Plus, the recovery was so easy—I was able to get back to work the very next day!

If you’re curious about booking a consultation, check out their website: Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic

Hope this helps! If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to ask.

8

I checked with Jryn Eye Clinic about the expected recovery time and post-operative care after eye surgeries like LASIK or SMILE LASIK, and here’s what they shared:

  • For LASIK or SMILE LASIK, most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume light activities within 1-2 days. However, full recovery and stabilization of vision typically take 1-3 months.

  • Post-operative care instructions usually include:

    • Avoid rubbing your eyes for a few weeks
    • Use prescribed eye drops to prevent dryness and inflammation
    • Wear protective eyewear (like shields) while sleeping for the first few days
    • Avoid strenuous activities for about a week, and avoid swimming for a few weeks

Jryn Eye Clinic focuses on providing personalized care and thorough follow-up visits to monitor your recovery.

9

Hey everyone

I just had eye surgery at Jryn Eye Clinic, and I wanted to share my recovery experience, as I know how nerve-wracking it can be to navigate the post-op journey. Whether you’re getting LASIK, lens replacement, or something else, here’s what I learned!

My Recovery Timeline:

Day 1 (Surgery day): Honestly, it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it would be! I had a LASIK procedure to correct my vision, and the surgery was quick — about 15 minutes. The worst part was the numbing drops (which felt weird), but everything went smoothly. Right after, my vision was blurry, and my eyes felt a bit scratchy, but I was told that was completely normal. They provided me with some protective glasses to wear and sent me home to rest.

Day 2–3: This is where I really noticed the difference! My vision was still a bit blurry, but I could already see improvement. Dr. Sang Youp Han had emphasized resting my eyes, avoiding screens as much as possible, and making sure to use the prescribed eye drops regularly to prevent dryness. The clinic made sure I had everything I needed for post-op care, including a schedule for follow-up visits.

Week 1: My vision had improved significantly, but I still had to follow the rules! No makeup around my eyes, and I couldn’t rub them at all. I wore my protective glasses at night to avoid accidentally poking my eyes while I slept. I had a check-up with Dr. Heo Joong Gu and was told my eyes were healing well, which was such a relief!

Week 2–4: By the second week, I was pretty much back to normal. I was allowed to return to my regular activities (minus swimming and hot tubs for a while), and I was told to keep using moisturizing drops to keep my eyes comfortable. My vision continued to sharpen, and by the end of the month, I could see clearly without glasses or contacts.

Post-Op Care Instructions I Followed:

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes — This is probably the hardest part! But it’s crucial, especially in the first week.
  • Rest your eyes — No screens for a few days, and if you must, take breaks every 20 minutes.
  • Use prescribed eye drops — To prevent dryness and promote healing. I made sure to use them on schedule.
  • Protect your eyes — Wear the provided shields at night, and avoid bright lights or direct sunlight for the first few weeks.
  • Avoid makeup — At least for the first week, to prevent infection and irritation around the eyes.
  • Regular check-ups — I had follow-up appointments at Jryn Eye Clinic with Dr. Lee Jae Jung to monitor my healing process. They were so attentive, and the reassurance was amazing!

Why I Recommend Jryn Eye Clinic:

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one I had at Jryn Eye Clinic. Their entire team — Dr. Sang Youp Han, Dr. Heo Joong Gu, and Dr. Lee Jae Jung — were incredibly thorough, caring, and professional. They took the time to explain every step of the procedure and recovery process, which really helped me feel confident going into surgery. Plus, they’re great with international patients, so language wasn’t a barrier at all.

If you’re considering eye surgery in Seoul, I highly recommend giving them a visit. The clinic has a top-notch facility, and their personalized care made all the difference in my recovery.

Here are the links to the clinic and doctor profiles if anyone wants more info:

I hope this helps anyone who’s planning to get eye surgery! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about recovery or need more details about the process.

10

About a year ago, I finally decided to take the plunge and correct my vision surgically. After years of dealing with glasses fogging up and contact lenses irritating my eyes, I started seriously researching LASIK. But I had so many questions — and one of the biggest was: “What’s the recovery actually like?”

That’s when I found SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul and set up a consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who came highly recommended for his expertise in both LASIK and SMILE procedures. From the very first consultation, it was clear I was in excellent hands. Dr. Chung took the time to not only evaluate my eyes with advanced diagnostic tech but also to walk me through the entire recovery process — day by day.

Here’s what my recovery timeline looked like:

:four_o_clock: First 24 hours: Right after the procedure (I chose SMILE), my vision was a bit hazy — like looking through a lightly frosted window. I was told this was completely normal. I went home, kept my eyes closed most of the day, used the prescribed eye drops religiously, and wore protective goggles while sleeping to avoid accidental rubbing.

:tear_off_calendar: Day 2 to 7: By the next morning, my vision had already improved dramatically. I could see well enough to navigate and even work on a computer (with breaks). There was still a bit of dryness, but thanks to SMILE’s minimally invasive nature, it was nothing compared to what my friend experienced with traditional LASIK elsewhere. I continued using eye drops and avoided makeup, heavy screens, and dusty environments.

:spiral_calendar: Week 2 onward: I was back to my regular routine — working out (minus swimming), reading, and going about life normally. I still followed up with Dr. Chung, who was meticulous about checking corneal healing and ensuring I wasn’t experiencing any post-op complications.

:light_bulb: Post-operative care tips from SNU Eye Clinic included:

  • Strict adherence to the eye drop schedule (antibiotic + anti-inflammatory).
  • No eye rubbing for at least a month.
  • Sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV and wind.
  • Avoiding water directly hitting the eyes during showers.
  • Regular follow-ups, especially the first month.

Honestly, what made SNU Eye Clinic stand out wasn’t just the cutting-edge equipment or the smooth surgery itself — it was the personalized care. Dr. Chung and his team made sure I understood every phase of healing and adjusted follow-ups to fit my lifestyle.

If you’re considering LASIK, SMILE, or any vision correction procedure in Korea, I can’t recommend Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic enough. The clinic blends advanced surgical techniques with incredibly thoughtful, patient-centered care. You can check them out here: https://www.snuseoulglobal.com

Best decision I ever made. Seeing clearly — and healing comfortably — was worth every step.

11

I asked a hundred times myself when my dad had to undergo eye surgery last year. He’d been putting off cataract surgery for a while, but when his vision started getting noticeably worse, we knew it was time.

We live in Seoul, and after tons of research (and reading what felt like every expat blog out there), we booked an appointment at SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam. A lot of people recommended them, and their international patient service made everything so easy. Dr. Chung Eui Sang was the specialist we saw, and let me just say—he was amazing. Calm, thorough, and incredibly patient with my dad’s endless questions (and mine too, if we’re being honest).

Here’s their info if you’re looking: SNU Eye Clinic Dr. Chung Eui Sang

Now, to answer your question from what we experienced:

Recovery Time:

  • Initial recovery: 24–48 hours. Most patients can see improvement as early as the next day.
  • Functional recovery: About 1 week. My dad was back to his normal routine (reading, walking outside, etc.) within a few days.
  • Full visual recovery: 4–6 weeks. It takes some time for the eye to fully heal and for vision to stabilize, especially if a multifocal lens is used.

Post-Op Care Instructions:

Dr. Chung and the team gave us a really clear care plan:

  • Eye drops: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops several times a day for a few weeks.
  • Avoid rubbing the eye: Sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly hard to remember!
  • No water in the eye for 7 days: That meant careful showers and no swimming.
  • No heavy lifting or strenuous activity: For at least a week.
  • Follow-up visits: First was the day after surgery, then a week later, and again at the one-month mark.

One thing I really appreciated was how they checked in regularly, even via phone. They genuinely cared about how he was doing, and made sure no detail slipped through the cracks.

Now? My dad’s vision is better than it’s been in decades—he actually threw out his reading glasses.

So yes, recovery is pretty quick if you follow the instructions and trust the process. And having the right clinic and surgeon makes all the difference.

If you’re considering eye surgery in Seoul, especially as a foreigner, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic. And if you can, request Dr. Chung—you’ll be in the best hands.