"Suneung Over! Should I Get LASIK or LASEK?"... What Are the Precautions Before and After Surgery?

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The demand for vision correction surgeries such as LASIK and LASEK is expected to increase among students who have taken the College Scholastic Ability Test. However, to achieve satisfactory results from vision correction surgery, there are important things to take care of before and after the surgery. In particular, since the recovery period and pros and cons vary depending on the type of surgery, it is advisable to understand the differences between each type well before undergoing the procedure.

Vision correction surgeries are broadly classified into LASIK, SMILE LASIK, and LASEK, which use lasers, and phakic intraocular lens implantation, which does not use lasers. Both LASIK and LASEK involve reshaping the cornea with a laser to restore vision, but they differ in how much corneal tissue is removed and whether a corneal flap is created. The flap is a kind of corneal lid made by cutting the stroma, the middle layer of the cornea.

In LASIK surgery, a corneal flap is created and lifted, then the laser is applied to the stromal layer, and the flap is replaced. Because there is no nerve exposure, pain is minimal, and rapid vision recovery and return to daily activities can be expected after surgery. However, it is vulnerable to external impacts, and it is difficult to apply if the cornea is too thin or if there is high myopia.

SMILE LASIK does not create a flap; instead, the stromal tissue to be removed is cut inside the eye and extracted through a small incision. This method minimizes corneal damage, resulting in less pain and fewer side effects. However, compared to LASIK and LASEK, it is more expensive, and symptoms such as slight blurriness may occur for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

LASEK does not create a flap but removes only the corneal epithelium before applying the laser to the uppermost stroma. Although corneal nerves are exposed, causing initial pain, it allows preservation of a certain amount of corneal tissue. Since no flap is created, there is no risk of flap displacement or detachment due to external trauma, making it suitable for people with a high risk of injury, such as soldiers and athletes.

For patients with ultra-high myopia or those who cannot undergo laser surgery, phakic intraocular lens implantation, which does not involve corneal reshaping, can be considered. Lens implantation involves making an approximately 3mm incision near the cornea and inserting a special biocompatible lens as a vision correction surgery.

Before deciding on surgery, a thorough eye examination is essential. Generally, eye growth is known to stop before the age of 19, and undergoing vision correction surgery during eye growth makes it difficult to predict the effect, and the prescription may stabilize, causing a perception of vision deterioration. Even after eye growth has stopped, since each person's eye condition varies, detailed preoperative examinations are necessary.

Ophthalmologists assess the cornea’s condition, shape, and thickness and check the degree of myopia and astigmatism through various tests such as vision tests, refraction tests, and intraocular pressure measurements. Additionally, tests such as strabismus examination, visual field test, corneal dystrophy screening, and fundus photography to check retinal status are conducted to prepare for any unexpected situations. Based on the examination results, consultation on the most suitable surgical method can be provided, considering factors such as occupation, hobbies, lifestyle, family history, and presence of diseases.

To minimize postoperative complications and accelerate recovery, personal care is necessary. Regardless of the surgery type, it is advisable to avoid alcohol and smoking for one month and refrain from sauna use and intense exercise. Avoid rubbing the eyes or applying eye makeup that may irritate the eyes, and timely use of prescribed medications and artificial tears helps promote faster recovery.

Hwang Gyu-yeon, head of the LASIK Center at Kim Eye Hospital, advised, "Since vision correction surgery is performed on sensitive eyes, it is important to carefully consider various factors rather than making a hasty decision," adding, "It is also good to keep records of the vision correction surgery you received in case surgery is needed later for age-related eye diseases."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.