My Life-Changing LASIK in Korea Review: 4th Generation SMILE LASIK at Eyeonce Eye Clinic
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The Daily Struggles with Glasses & Contacts: Why I Chose LASIK in Korea
Hi, I'm Susmitha, a 33-year-old marketing consultant from Bangalore, India.
In my field, being sharp and focused—visually and mentally—is everything. But for years, I viewed the world through the constant burden of glasses and contact lenses. From foggy lenses during morning commutes, to my contacts drying out during long client meetings or international flights, vision problems were a daily struggle.
The inconvenience wasn’t just physical—it affected my confidence and productivity. That’s when I decided to explore LASIK in Korea.
I started researching vision correction surgery, or LASIK in Korea, to free myself from this inconvenience. While comparing various procedures (LASEK, LASIK, etc.), I learned about SMILE LASIK, which stood out for its minimal incision, less damage to the cornea, and incredibly fast recovery. For someone with an active lifestyle who needs to get back to work quickly, it was the perfect choice.
Why Eyeonce Eye Clinic Was My Top Choice for LASIK in Korea
Korea has many excellent eye clinics, but my choice was Eyeonce Eye Clinic. The reasons were clear.
Cutting-Edge Technology: 4th Gen Clear SMILE LASIK and the "FEMTO LDV Z8"
During my research, I discovered that Eyeonce Eye Clinic uses the latest "FEMTO LDV Z8" machine from Ziemer, Switzerland, for their 4th Generation Clear SMILE LASIK. My interpreter explained that the Z8 uses much lower energy than other lasers, which means less stress on the cornea. For me, this translated to a lower chance of side effects I was worried about, like dry eye or light sensitivity. As my career depends on my vision, using the most precise and gentle technology was a decisive factor.
Over 20,000 Cases of Experience: 1-on-1 Care from Director Dr. Baek Dong-won
All consultations and surgeries here are personally handled 1-on-1 by the head director, Dr. Baek Dong-won. When I looked into his career, I knew I was meeting not just a doctor, but a top expert in the field. His background as a clinical instructor at the renowned Samsung Medical Center and his continuous participation in major academic societies like the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) gave me deep confidence.
The fact that this very doctor, with over 20,000 vision correction surgeries to his name, would be responsible for my eyes from start to finish was the ultimate reassurance.
My LASIK in Korea Journey: A Step-by-Step Clinic Visit
The clinic visit experience was even more systematic than I expected. The entire process, from face washing to surgery and recovery, took place in a private room, which was very comfortable.
Step 1: Arrival and the In-Depth Eye Examination
After arriving at the clinic and checking in, I began a very thorough eye exam with the guidance of my professional interpreter. Honestly, there were more tests than I expected! For a moment I felt a bit overwhelmed by the series of high-tech machines, but the staff and interpreter explained each step patiently. They measured dozens of items like corneal thickness, shape, and intraocular pressure, gathering all the data needed for a safe procedure.
Step 2: Consultation with the Director, Based on My Own Data
Based on the exam results, I had my 1-on-1 consultation with Dr. Baek. He showed me my own eye data on the screen and clearly explained why I was a perfect candidate for 4th Generation Clear SMILE LASIK, and why the Z8 machine was the best option for me. Seeing the actual numbers and shapes from my own eyes made everything click. It was the moment all my doubts disappeared.
Step 3: The Surprisingly Fast and Pain-Free SMILE LASIK Procedure
Once I decided to proceed, everything moved swiftly. After changing into a surgical gown and getting anesthetic eye drops, I waited for about 30 minutes. This waiting period was honestly the most nerve-wracking part. 'Will it really be okay?' I kept thinking.
Finally, I entered the operating room. As soon as I lay down, the doctor checked my eyes one last time and said gently, "Now, just look comfortably at the green light."
Amazingly, once the surgery started, I felt absolutely no pain. I could feel a slight pressure sensation on my eye, but it wasn't uncomfortable at all. The thing I was most afraid of was pain, and the fact that it didn't hurt one bit actually put me completely at ease. The entire process took about 10 minutes, maybe even less. It was over in the blink of an eye.
Right after the surgery, my vision was foggy, and my eyes felt a bit sensitive to light, which the clinic had already told me was completely normal. There was no stinging or aching, just a slightly weird feeling of dryness.
Step 4: The Miracle of the Next Day and Aftercare
The next-day follow-up is mandatory for SMILE LASIK. As I headed to the clinic the next morning, the world was already so much clearer. At the follow-up, the director confirmed the surgery was a great success. My vision was already better than 20/20!
What moved me even more was the care for follow-up appointments. The initial dryness I felt was completely managed by the eye drops they provided, and they assured me that all follow-up care is free for 3 months. I could feel the clinic's philosophy of taking full responsibility for their patients.
Final Thoughts: Facing the World Without a Filter
I no longer see the world through a viewfinder. By facing the world directly with my own eyes, without the filter of glasses or lenses, I've found new inspiration and depth in my photography work.
My LASIK in Korea experience at Eyeonce Eye Clinic was the best decision of my life. If you want to see a new world like I do, don't hesitate to get a consultation.
