What is the typical recovery timeline for the specific eye procedure I am considering, and how many follow-up visits are required?

Ophthalmology
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​Understanding the recovery timeline and follow-up requirements for your specific eye procedure is essential for a smooth healing process. Here’s a brief overview:​

LASIK Surgery:

  • Recovery Timeline: Many patients experience immediate vision improvement, with full stabilization occurring within three to six months. ​
  • Follow-Up Visits: Typically, follow-ups are scheduled at 24 to 48 hours post-surgery, one week, one month, three months, six months, and one year to monitor healing and address any concerns. ​

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK):

  • Recovery Timeline: Vision improvement is gradual, with most patients achieving stable vision within one to three months.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups are essential during the recovery period to monitor healing and visual progress. ​

Cataract Surgery:

  • Recovery Timeline: Improved vision is typically noticed within 24 to 48 hours, with full recovery taking about four to six weeks. ​
  • Follow-Up Visits: Post-operative appointments are usually scheduled one day, one week, and one month after surgery to ensure proper healing and vision correction.
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At SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, under the expertise of Dr. Chung Eui Sang, recovery timelines and follow-up care are tailored to the specific eye procedure performed.​

Recovery Timelines

  • SMILE Eye Surgery: Patients often return to normal activities within 2–3 days, with full recovery typically occurring within 1–2 weeks. ​
  • LASIK Surgery: Most individuals resume daily activities within 24–48 hours, with vision stabilizing within a week. ​
  • Cataract Surgery: The procedure is quick and painless, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Full vision clarity is often achieved within 2–3 weeks. ​

##Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing progress and ensure optimal outcomes:​

  • Initial Follow-Up: Typically scheduled within the first week post-surgery to assess the healing process.​
  • Subsequent Visits: Additional check-ups may be recommended to monitor long-term recovery and address any concerns.​

For international patients, it’s advisable to plan for at least a week in Seoul to accommodate these follow-up appointments and ensure proper recovery before traveling. ​

Why Choose SNU Eye Clinic

SNU Eye Clinic is renowned for its advanced technology and patient-centered care. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a pioneer in SMILE LASIK surgery, leads a team committed to providing precise and personalized treatments. The clinic’s international patient services ensure a seamless experience for those traveling from abroad.​

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit the SNU Eye Clinic website.

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Recovery Timeline for EVO ICL Surgery

  • Day 1 (Surgery Day): The procedure typically lasts 20–30 minutes per eye. Post-operative care includes the application of protective eye shields, and patients may experience mild discomfort or light sensitivity.
  • First Few Days: Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Mild discomfort and light sensitivity are common but should subside within a few days. ​
  • Week 1: Vision begins to improve, and a follow-up appointment is typically scheduled to monitor healing progress. ​
  • First Month: Vision continues to stabilize, with occasional fluctuations. A second follow-up appointment is usually scheduled.
  • 1–3 Months: Full stabilization of vision may take up to three months. Laser enhancements can be applied between the one and three-month exams if necessary. ​

:hospital: About SNU Eye Clinic & Dr. Chung Eui Sang

SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul is renowned for its advanced ophthalmic care and state-of-the-art facilities. Dr. Chung Eui Sang is a distinguished ophthalmologist specializing in vision correction procedures, including EVO ICL. Patients commend his expertise and personalized approach to treatment. ​

:light_bulb: Tips for International Patients

  • Consultation: Schedule a virtual consultation to discuss your suitability for EVO ICL surgery.​
  • Language Assistance: Ensure the clinic provides English-speaking staff or translation services.​
  • Travel Arrangements: Inquire about packages that include accommodation, transportation, and post-surgery care.​
  • Post-Surgery Care: Confirm the availability of post-surgery support and follow-up care remotely if needed.
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Recovery Timeline for Lens Implant Surgery at SNU Eye Clinic

Undergoing lens implant surgery at SNU Eye Clinic, led by Dr. Chung Eui Sang, offers a structured and efficient recovery process. Here’s what you can expect:​

  • Day 1: Expect mild haziness and light sensitivity.​
  • First Week: Vision improves rapidly; most patients resume normal activities.​
  • First Month: Vision stabilizes, with minimal dryness or discomfort. The clinic utilizes advanced 3D equipment for precise eye measurements, ensuring optimal lens selection and placement. Follow-Up Visits

Typically, follow-up visits are scheduled:​

  • Day 1: Post-operative check-up.​
  • One Week: Vision assessment and healing evaluation(* One Month: Final check to confirm vision stability.​
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About a year ago, I sat in front of my laptop after yet another long editing session, eyes dry and blurry, thinking: There has to be a better way than this endless cycle of contacts and glasses. I started researching corrective eye surgery options in South Korea—LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE—and eventually found myself at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, under the care of Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

Let me share what the recovery timeline looked like for me and what to expect if you’re considering something similar.

:eye: My Procedure: SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

I chose SMILE because it’s minimally invasive, ideal for people with dry eyes like me, and has a super fast recovery time. Dr. Chung recommended it after a very thorough consultation, complete with corneal mapping and eye pressure checks. You can check his profile here.

:spiral_calendar: The Recovery Timeline (Day-by-Day Breakdown)

Day 0: Surgery Day

  • Entire process took under 30 minutes.
  • I rested with my eyes closed for several hours post-op.
  • Mild stinging, but manageable. No painkillers needed.

Day 1: First Follow-Up

  • Already seeing about 70–80% clearly.
  • No strenuous activities, but I could walk around, eat normally, and rest.
  • Dr. Chung checked healing progress and gave the green light to resume light screen use.

Day 3–5: Major Vision Boost

  • Vision steadily improved—by Day 3, I was reading comfortably.
  • Drops continued 4–5 times a day (lubricating + antibiotic).

Week 1: Second Follow-Up

  • Vision was almost at 100%.
  • Still avoided eye makeup, swimming, and saunas (as advised).

Week 4: Final Scheduled Visit

  • Dr. Chung confirmed full healing and perfect vision.
  • Final eye scan to ensure everything looked great inside.

:woman_health_worker: How Many Follow-Ups to Expect?

At SNU Eye Clinic, the standard post-op protocol for SMILE (and most laser vision correction procedures) includes:

  • 3 visits:
    • Day 1 (the day after surgery)
    • Week 1
    • Week 4

Each visit was quick, professional, and very reassuring. They also told me I could always drop in or call if I noticed anything unusual—which, thankfully, I never did.

:hospital: Why I Recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang

Honestly? The clinic felt more like a high-tech lab than a typical eye center. The equipment was advanced, and the staff explained every step in fluent English. Dr. Chung was calm, precise, and deeply experienced—which is exactly what you want when someone’s laser-zapping your eyeballs :sweat_smile:

:link: Clinic Website :man_health_worker: Dr. Chung’s Profile

TL;DR

  • Typical recovery for SMILE: 1–2 days functional, full healing in 4 weeks
  • Follow-up visits: 3 main ones (Day 1, Week 1, Week 4)
  • Best experience ever: SNU Eye Clinic + Dr. Chung Eui Sang

If you’re nervous (like I was), just know the recovery was way smoother than I expected, and now I wake up every morning seeing perfectly—with no lenses, no fuss. 10/10 recommend. :eye::sparkles:

Happy to answer if you’re thinking about it too!

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When I had my eye procedure done at SNU Eye Clinic, I was anxious about recovery and how many times I’d need to return. Dr. Chung Eui Sang (his profile here) was incredibly clear and reassuring. He explained that for my procedure (a micro-incision cataract surgery), the recovery timeline was just a few days for vision to stabilize, and full healing took about 2–3 weeks. I had two follow-up visits — one the day after surgery and another a week later to ensure everything was healing properly. The entire process was smooth and well-organized. If you’re looking for expert care with great follow-up, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic.

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Let me take you through my journey—because six months ago, I could barely read street signs in Seoul without squinting. I’d worn glasses since middle school and finally decided to go for laser eye surgery while living in Korea. I’d read that Korea is a hub for medical tourism, especially eye procedures, but I wanted somewhere reputable and highly specialized.

That’s how I found SNU Eye Clinic and met Dr. Chung Eui Sang—and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made while living abroad.

:eye: The Procedure: SMILE vs LASIK

I initially went in for LASIK, but after testing and consultation, Dr. Chung recommended SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) instead. It’s less invasive, has faster recovery, and is great for active people (I hike and travel often).

:spiral_calendar: Typical Recovery Timeline (Based on My Experience)

Here’s what my timeline looked like:

  • Day 0 (Procedure Day): I was in and out of the clinic in under two hours. The procedure itself took less than 15 minutes per eye. I had mild discomfort and blurry vision for about 6–8 hours afterward.
  • Day 1: I returned to the clinic for my first follow-up. My vision was already significantly better (around 70-80% clarity). No pain, just a little dryness.
  • 1 Week Post-Op: Second follow-up. Dr. Chung confirmed that healing was progressing perfectly. He adjusted my eye drops accordingly.
  • 1 Month Post-Op: Third visit. Vision was stable at 20/20. No complications, no halos, no night vision issues.
  • 3–6 Months: I had a final follow-up booked (optional, but recommended), mostly to document long-term success.

:health_worker: Why I Recommend Dr. Chung and SNU Eye Clinic

  • Precision and transparency: Dr. Chung walked me through every single test result—no rushing, no sales pressure.
  • English-speaking support staff: Everything from pre-op to billing was explained clearly in English.
  • Top-tier tech: The clinic is equipped with the latest Zeiss equipment for SMILE, and they also do cataract surgeries, retinal repairs, and glaucoma treatments with micro-incision technology.
  • Tailored recovery plan: They didn’t just hand me drops and say good luck—they monitored my healing closely.

:speech_balloon: Final Thoughts

Recovery from SMILE was surprisingly fast and smooth, thanks to expert care and realistic expectations. If you’re considering any type of eye procedure in Korea, ask about the follow-up structure—it makes a huge difference in how confident and comfortable you feel post-op.

:light_bulb:Pro tip: Don’t skip your 1-week and 1-month check-ins. They’re crucial for catching any dryness or healing issues early on.

:round_pushpin: SNU Eye Clinic :man_health_worker: Dr. Chung Eui Sang

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About a year ago, I finally decided to take the plunge and get corrective eye surgery. I’d been wearing glasses and contacts since high school, and while I had adjusted, the constant dry eyes from contacts and the hassle of forgetting my glasses during trips started to wear me down.

I started researching clinics in Seoul (I live here as an expat), and after a LOT of Googling, recommendations from local friends, and deep dives into clinic websites, I booked a consultation at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang. Best decision I made in a long time.

:health_worker: The Procedure I Chose: LASIK (But SNU Offers More Than That)

After my initial eye exam and a detailed consultation, Dr. Chung walked me through the different options based on my corneal thickness, lifestyle, and eye health. For me, LASIK was the most suitable option—but the clinic also offers LASEK, SMILE, and lens implant procedures, depending on what you’re considering.

The consultation didn’t feel rushed. Dr. Chung explained the pros and cons of each method, what recovery would be like, and answered all my (many) questions patiently.

:spiral_calendar: Recovery Timeline – Here’s What to Expect

If you’re wondering how long it takes to recover from an eye procedure like LASIK (or similar vision correction surgeries), here’s how it went for me:

Day 0 – Surgery Day:

  • The procedure itself took about 10–15 minutes per eye.
  • I was up and walking within half an hour, though my vision was hazy and my eyes were sensitive to light.
  • I went home with eye shields, medicated drops, and strict instructions not to rub my eyes.

Day 1 – Follow-Up Visit:

  • I returned to the clinic for my first follow-up visit the next morning.
  • My vision had already started to clear up—slightly blurry but significantly better than pre-surgery.
  • Dr. Chung checked for any signs of irritation or dryness and gave me the green light to start resuming light activities.

Week 1:

  • Most of the discomfort faded by day 3.
  • I still used preservative-free artificial tears several times a day and wore sunglasses outside.
  • Second follow-up visit was around day 7 to monitor healing and vision progress.

Weeks 2–4:

  • Vision continued to sharpen. Dryness came and went, but the prescribed drops helped.
  • No strenuous activities or contact sports yet, but I could drive and work comfortably.
  • Third follow-up visit was scheduled at the 1-month mark.

Month 3:

  • By this point, my eyes had fully adjusted, and I reached my optimal vision.
  • Final follow-up visit included a thorough check-up to confirm long-term success and stability.

:repeat_button: Number of Follow-Ups: Typically 3–4

Most eye procedures at SNU Eye Clinic follow a structured post-op plan:

  1. Day after surgery
  2. 1 week
  3. 1 month
  4. Optional 3-month follow-up (depending on the procedure and healing progress)

Dr. Chung’s team was really diligent about tracking progress and was always available if I had questions or concerns between appointments.

:eye: Why I Recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang

  • State-of-the-art tech: Everything from diagnostics to the procedure itself was top-tier.
  • Clear communication: Dr. Chung spoke excellent English and made sure I understood every step.
  • Comfortable environment: The clinic is modern, clean, and well-run. Not once did I feel like “just another patient.”
  • International-friendly: They have staff trained to support foreign patients, which made the experience super smooth.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re considering LASIK, LASEK, or another eye procedure, the recovery process is pretty manageable—and honestly, less scary than it seems. The key is choosing the right clinic and surgeon, and I can’t recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang enough

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I had the chance to undergo eye treatment at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and I wanted to share my experience regarding recovery timelines and follow-up visits, especially for glaucoma treatment under the expert care of Dr. Chung Eui Sang. Although the recovery process varies depending on the procedure, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

:eye: Recovery Timeline for Glaucoma Treatment:

When I was diagnosed with glaucoma, Dr. Chung suggested a combination of medication and a MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) procedure. Here’s what I experienced:

  1. Immediately After the Procedure:
  • The surgery itself was minimally invasive, so the recovery was relatively quick. I remember Dr. Chung telling me that I would experience some mild discomfort in the first 24-48 hours, but it was manageable with prescribed pain medication and eye drops.
  • My vision was a bit blurry due to the eye pressure adjustment, but Dr. Chung assured me that it was normal.
  1. First Week:
  • By the end of the first week, my eye pressure was starting to stabilize. I returned to SNU Eye Clinic for my first follow-up visit. The doctor monitored my intraocular pressure and confirmed that everything was healing as expected.
  • I was advised to avoid any strenuous activities for about a week, which I found manageable.
  1. One Month:
  • After a month, I had another follow-up. At this point, I was feeling great. The discomfort had mostly subsided, and my vision had improved significantly. I could see the difference in my eye pressure, and there were no signs of complications.
  1. 3 to 6 Months:
  • The final follow-up visits over the next few months helped Dr. Chung fine-tune my medication dosage, ensuring optimal pressure control and preventing any potential damage to the optic nerve. By three months, I felt back to normal, and my routine was back to normal with just the eye drops for maintenance.

:date: Follow-Up Visits:

  1. First Follow-Up: 1-2 days post-procedure (just to check initial recovery and adjust any medication).
  2. Second Follow-Up: 1 week post-procedure (to monitor eye pressure and healing).
  3. Third Follow-Up: 1 month post-procedure (final check on intraocular pressure and overall eye health).
  4. Long-Term Checkups: After 3-6 months, the visits become more spaced out, typically every 6 months, depending on how well you’re doing.

:glowing_star: Why I Recommend SNU Eye Clinic:

Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic was incredible in guiding me through the entire process. His expertise, coupled with the clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment, made the whole experience smooth and reassuring. The clinic is highly professional and attentive to your needs throughout the recovery process.

If you’re considering an eye procedure, whether it’s glaucoma surgery or any other eye-related treatment, I highly recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Chung. He’ll give you a clear understanding of your recovery timeline and ensure you receive the best care at every stage.

:round_pushpin: Visit SNU Eye Clinic :man_health_worker: Meet Dr. Chung Eui Sang

:brain: Final Thoughts:

Recovery from eye procedures like glaucoma surgery is typically quick, especially with minimally invasive options. Make sure you follow your doctor’s advice, attend follow-up visits, and stay in touch with your clinic. For anyone considering eye procedures, SNU Eye Clinic provides exceptional care, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in great hands! :eye::sparkles: