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Before and After Comparison of Laser Eye Surgery for Nearsightedness in Korea / Recovery Process

Before-and-after comparison of getting LASIK eye surgery in Korea one year apart! Here’s a direct timeline of my recovery process! Did I become nearsighted again after the surgery?

Jeongyeong Yeo
a month ago
Before and After Comparison of Laser Eye Surgery for Nearsightedness in Korea / Recovery Process

[Spot] Mingmu Ophthalmology 'Online Information Session' Registration (8/8-8/10)



Introduction to Mingmu Ophthalmology

The editor chose 'Myungmoo Eye Clinic,' located in Gangnam, Seoul, which is the largest in Korea and holds the most procedure cases certified by Zeiss in Germany. It has the most comprehensive ophthalmology surgical center in Korea and is one of only four hospitals in the world to hold the '100,000 cases with zero accidents' certification.


韓國近視雷射 恢復期 對比 眼睛比較

Certified as the world's leading provider of presbyopia correction procedures

韓國近視雷射 恢復期 對比 眼睛比較

Zeiss-certified 100,000 Smile cases recorded


Not only do Koreans go, but many Taiwanese also make reservations at Myeongmok Eye Clinic for vision correction through Creatrip. The prices are not only cheaper than in Taiwan, but the discounts offered by Creatrip are also more convenient and affordable than contacting the clinic directly.


In addition, Mingmu Eye Clinic is also the first government-certified foreigner-friendly hospital (KAHF) in Korea, so travelers can visit with peace of mind.


韓國近視雷射 恢復期 對比 眼睛比較

KAHF certification by meeting 140 indicators


You can directly refer to the link below to check the real feedback from over 400 Taiwanese tourists who had surgery at Mingmu Ophthalmology; if you still feel uneasy, Mingmu Ophthalmology also regularly holds in-person information sessions in Taiwan, so remember to check the latest registration times.


[Spot] Mingmu Ophthalmology 'Online Information Session' Registration (8/8-8/10)

[Spot] Gangnam Bright Eye Clinic (Korea's largest eye clinic/vision correction hospital)

[Spot] Mingmu Ophthalmology 'Taipei Free Seminar'



One Week Before Surgery

韓國近視雷射 恢復期 對比 眼睛比較


One week before the surgery, Bright Eyes Ophthalmology informed me not to wear contact lenses anymore to ensure that my eyes would be in their most natural state on the day of the scheduled appointment.


The editor follows instructions closely, but if you really have to wear contact lenses because of work, the editor has consulted the director. Although you can still wear them, try to limit the wearing time as much as possible. After removing them, make sure your eyes get plenty of rest.




Condition on the Day of Surgery

韓國近視雷射 恢復期 對比 眼睛比較

Photo with the Chief Director of Mingmu Eye Clinic on the day of surgery


The content for the day of surgery was previously organized by the editor in the Jiangnan Mingmu Eye Clinic article introduction, and the comprehensive eye examination alone takes at least 2 hours.


Reading many people share their experiences of having surgery at Mingmu Eye Clinic, you can see them mention that the examination items done at Mingmu Eye Clinic are more than those at eye clinics in Taiwan. In terms of ensuring eligibility for surgery, Mingmu Eye Clinic really puts in a lot of effort and would never be careless just to make money.


I did the Smile Pro SMILE surgery (called Smile Pro 2.0 in Taiwan), and the laser for one eye took about 8 seconds—it was over very quickly.


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Within 30 minutes after the procedure, my eyesight recovered to about 40%, with almost no pain. The view wasn’t very clear yet, kind of like being in a steam-filled sauna, but still a bit clearer than what I saw before with about -5.50 diopters of nearsightedness.


After the anesthesia wore off, my eyes started to feel sore and sensitive to light, and I began to tear up. At this point, I put on sunglasses and quickly went home to rest.


Many people ask if this period will be very painful. From my own experience, having a contact lens break in your eye hurts more...


韓國近視雷射 恢復期 對比 眼睛比較


After resting until around midnight that day, my eyes felt much better. There was slight sensitivity to light and no more tearing, but I still had a bit of trouble focusing. Before going to bed, I needed to keep applying antibiotics, eye drops, and artificial tears to make sure the wound stayed moist.




Follow-up Appointment the Day After Surgery

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On the day of the surgery, absolutely do not let the wound get wet. If you want to wash your hair or face, please hold off for now (although the editor still washed their hair after putting on the protective goggles provided by Mingmu Eye Clinic).


I had my follow-up appointment the day after the surgery. When I woke up in the morning, it felt like discovering a whole new world because my vision had almost recovered to 90%. It was amazing to wake up and see everything clearly without having to look for my glasses. If I had to pick a downside, sometimes it's hard to focus immediately and my eyes feel a bit dry.


韓國近視雷射 恢復期 對比 眼睛比較

Postoperative protective goggles provided by Mingmu Ophthalmology


The editor took the bus for a follow-up visit. While walking on the road, there wasn't as much light sensitivity as expected, so sunglasses weren't worn. However, if you're worried about dust or strong sunlight, it's still recommended to wear sunglasses.


During the follow-up visit, the director of Mingmu Ophthalmology said the wound was healing very well, and the vision measured was also 1.0.


I asked if it's okay to take a shower today. The doctor said yes, you can resume normal activities like exercising, smoking, drinking, and so on. However, since everyone’s situation is different, it’s still recommended that you consider your own condition and follow your doctor’s advice.




Third Day After Surgery

I met up with friends for a meal, and it was charcoal-grilled barbecue with some smoke. I didn't feel any discomfort during the meal, but I kept using eye drops and artificial tears throughout.


Because I'm still getting used to focusing, I set the font size on my phone to the largest.




The weekend after surgery

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The editor met up with friends and played all night until dawn. They asked the editor, 'Didn't you just have laser eye surgery? How can you drink like this?' Everyone was surprised.


But with the Smile Pro all-laser procedure performed at Mingmu Ophthalmology, it's said that you can return to normal life the next day, and I carried artificial tears and eye drops with me without any discomfort. However, it's still recommended that everyone’s physical condition is different, so my experience is for reference only.




One Month After Surgery

After putting in the eye drops, I continued using artificial tears, but honestly, I only used them when I remembered, not very diligently.


If we really have to talk about side effects, it's just that sometimes the eyes feel a bit dry, making it hard to focus. But as long as I use artificial tears, it improves immediately, and there’s no inconvenience in daily life—it’s almost unnoticeable. About two weeks after the surgery, I also adjusted my phone’s font size back to what I was used to.




Two Months After Surgery

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Chatting with the director of Mingmu Eye Clinic during a follow-up visit one year later


Because I’m getting more used to focusing, the number of times I use artificial tears is gradually decreasing.


Then one day I suddenly realized that the glare or dryness I used to feel when looking at the computer no longer appeared. At first, I thought it might be temporary, but after observing for a while, I can say it’s completely recovered. Also, since my eyes have been seeing normally, I haven't gone back for any follow-up appointments.




Half a year after surgery

Returned to normal life, not using artificial tears at all.




One year and one month after surgery

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The representative director of Mingmu Ophthalmology said the editor's eyes are very healthy


The editor wanted to compare the condition of their eyes before and after a year, so they visited Bright Eyes Ophthalmology again (a basic consultation fee is required for post-surgery follow-up visits).


Vision is still 1.0, there is no further myopia, and the SPH (spherical refraction) has also improved from -0.50 and -0.25 the day after surgery to now 0.00 in one eye and 0.25 in the other. After consulting with the director, it was explained that these numbers are not fixed and may be related to short-term eye use habits, but based on refraction and other examinations, there are no problems with the eyes.


Until writing this postscript and recalling the past year after having laser eye surgery, I can honestly say that my vision has improved a lot. Also, having the procedure done at the largest eye clinic in Korea only cost half of what it would in Taiwan. There’s really no reason not to do it.



[Spot] Mingmu Ophthalmology 'Online Info Session' Registration (8/8-8/10)



This is the editor's experience one year after surgery. I hope it can provide some reference for those who are considering whether to come to Korea for LASIK.


If possible, we strongly recommend choosing 'Mingmu Eye Clinic,' the largest in Korea and one of only four certified worldwide, as your first choice for surgery. In addition to the experienced chief director, the other directors are also Zeiss-certified and have reached a certain level of experience before they are allowed to perform surgeries, so you don't have to worry about becoming a test subject for inexperienced doctors.


Dear friends, see you next time.


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