Can You Get LASIK During a Short Trip to Korea? (Tourist Guide)

Yes—many visitors do LASIK in Korea during a quick vacation. The key is pre-planning: stop contacts before you fly, book your consultation in advance, and build in a day for rest. This guide shows realistic timelines for short stays, what to expect, and how to fit surgery around sightseeing.

Who Is This Guide For?

• Travelers staying 3–4 days or 7–10 days
• Contact-lens users who can stop lenses before the trip
• Healthy adults with stable prescriptions looking for efficient, English-friendly care in Seoul

Contact Lens Washout (Do This Before You Fly)

• Soft lenses: stop 3–7 days before your consultation
• Toric/extended wear: 1–2 weeks
• RGP/Ortho-K: 2–4+ weeks
  Why it matters: lenses temporarily reshape the cornea; accurate scans require lens-free time.

Fast Itineraries: 3–4 Days vs. 7–10 Days

Option A: Ultra-Short Stay (3–4 Days)

• Day 0 (Arrive Seoul): Rest, hydrate, avoid alcohol
• Day 1 (AM): Consultation + full testing → candidacy decision
• Day 1 (PM or Day 2 AM): LASIK/SMILE/PRK (if eligible)
• Day 2 or 3 (AM): 24-hour post-op check
• Depart: After the check (ideally the afternoon/evening of Day 2 or Day 3)

Good for: LASIK/SMILE candidates with straightforward prescriptions and solid pre-trip washout.
Note: Keep activities light; plan indoor sights and avoid dusty/windy locations.

Option B: Comfortable Window (7–10 Days)

• Day 1: Consultation & dry-eye optimization if needed
• Day 2–3: Surgery
• Day 3–10: Follow-ups (1–2 visits), gentle sightseeing, light work ok
  Good for: Borderline prescriptions, dry-eye management, or PRK/LASEK (slower early recovery).

Which Procedure Fits a Short Trip?

• LASIK: Fastest functional vision; many tourists fly after the next-day check.
• SMILE: Tiny incision, often mild dryness; similar timeline to LASIK.
• PRK/LASEK: No flap, but more discomfort and slower early clarity—better with a 7–10 day window.

Candidacy Items Clinics Check (Fast)

• Corneal thickness & maps (topography/tomography)
• Tear film/dry-eye status
• Pupil size in low light (night-vision risk)
• Prescription stability and range
• General eye health (no active infection/inflammation)

Packing List for a LASIK Trip ✈️

• Passport/ID and glasses (with case)
• List of medications/allergies
• Sunglasses (UV protection)
• Artificial tears if your clinic suggests pre-use
• A hat and a few sterile cotton pads
• Translation app; local data SIM or eSIM

What to Expect on Each Day (Ultra-Short Plan)

Consultation Day (60–180 min)

• Vision tests, corneal scans, dryness check
• Doctor review → recommended procedure (LASIK/SMILE/PRK)
• Pricing, enhancement policy, consent in English

Surgery Day (10–20 min per eye)

• Numbing drops, no general anesthesia
• Mild pressure during laser; vision is hazy after
• Go to hotel, rest, use drops exactly as instructed

Next-Day Check (10–20 min)

• Vision assessment, meds review, activity guidance
• Fit for flight? Most LASIK/SMILE patients are cleared after this visit

Sightseeing Tips After Surgery

• Days 0–2: Museum/café time near hotel; avoid heavy shopping streets and smoke
• Days 3–7: Short indoor attractions (Lotte World Mall, COEX), gentle strolls (Cheonggyecheon)
• Skip: Saunas, swimming pools, intense hikes, contact sports, dusty markets

Cost & Payment Notes (General)

• Packages typically include pre-op testing, surgery, meds, and follow-ups
• Pay by credit card or mobile pay; ask for a tax invoice
• Request written aftercare in English for your home doctor

Flying After LASIK/SMILE

• Many clinics allow flying after the 24-hour check
• Use lubricating drops during flight; avoid rubbing eyes
• Carry your meds in cabin baggage

Red Flags—Don’t Rush If…

• You couldn’t stop contacts for the required washout
• Topography shows irregular cornea/keratoconus risk
• Uncontrolled dry eye or active eye conditions
• The clinic won’t explain alternatives (SMILE/PRK/ICL) or enhancement policy

FAQs

Can I work on my laptop the next day?
Often yes (LASIK/SMILE), but expect dryness and light sensitivity—use the 20-20-20 rule and preserve screen breaks.

Will I feel pain?
Pressure during laser; scratchy, teary feeling for several hours after. PRK/LASEK can be uncomfortable for a few days.

What if I’m not a LASIK candidate at the consult?
You may be offered SMILE, PRK/LASEK, or EVO ICL. If timing is tight, consider postponing or extending your stay.

Do I need a companion?
Helpful but not mandatory. Use taxis/ride-hailing and rest after surgery.

Pre-Trip Checklist (Do This Now)

• Stop contact lenses per type (see washout rules)
• Book consultation + tentative surgery slot on Day 1–2 of your stay
• Arrange hotel near the clinic for easy follow-ups
• Prepare sunglasses, hydrating eye drops (if approved), and a calm itinerary

Bottom Line

You can get LASIK (or SMILE) during a short trip to Korea—provided you stop contacts before arrival, schedule smartly, and keep your itinerary light. If your case is borderline or you’re leaning toward PRK/LASEK, plan 7–10 days in Seoul for comfort and follow-ups.