[Click! Health] Increasing LASIK and LASEK Surgeries During Vacation... What to Watch Out For?

(Photo by Kim Eye Hospital)

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] Every winter vacation is a time when demand for vision correction surgeries such as LASIK and LASEK increases among freshmen preparing for new university life after the college entrance exam and current university students. To properly correct vision and reduce side effects, it is important to understand the differences and precautions for each type of correction surgery in advance.

Vision correction surgeries are largely divided based on whether a laser is used. LASIK, SMILE LASIK, and LASEK use lasers, while phakic intraocular lens implantation does not use lasers.

LASIK and LASEK restore vision by reshaping the cornea with a laser, but they differ in how much of the cornea is cut and whether a flap is created. The flap is a kind of corneal lid made by cutting the stroma, the middle layer of the cornea.

In LASIK, a flap is created and lifted, then the laser is applied to the stromal layer, and the flap is replaced as is. Because the nerves are not exposed, there is less pain, and rapid vision recovery and return to daily activities can be expected after surgery. However, it is vulnerable to external impact, and the procedure is difficult if the cornea is too thin or if there is high myopia.

The recently popular SMILE LASIK does not create a flap but cuts the stromal tissue inside the eye and removes it through a small incision. This method minimizes corneal damage, reducing concerns about pain or side effects. However, it is more expensive than LASIK and LASEK, and there may be slight blurriness for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

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

For patients with ultra-high myopia or those for whom laser surgery is not possible, phakic intraocular lens implantation, which does not involve corneal reshaping, can be considered. Lens implantation involves making an approximately 3mm incision near the corneal periphery to insert a special lens for vision correction.

Before deciding on surgery, a detailed eye examination is essential. Generally, eye growth is known to stop before the age of 19. If vision correction surgery is performed while the eye is still growing, the effect is difficult to predict, and the prescription may become fixed, potentially causing a perception of vision deterioration. Even if eye growth has stopped, since each person's eye condition varies, a thorough examination before surgery is necessary.

Before surgery, various tests such as vision tests, refraction tests, and intraocular pressure tests are conducted to assess the cornea's condition, shape, and thickness, as well as to check the degree of myopia and astigmatism. Additionally, tests for strabismus, visual field, corneal dystrophy, and fundus photography to check the retina are performed to prepare for any eventuality. Based on the examination results, consultation on the most suitable surgical method should consider occupation, hobbies, lifestyle, family history, and presence of diseases.

After surgery, efforts are needed to minimize side effects and accelerate recovery. Regardless of the type of surgery, 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, which can irritate the eyes, and timely use of prescribed medications and artificial tears helps promote quick recovery. Since precautions vary slightly depending on the type of surgery, it is important to follow the hospital's instructions carefully.

Hwang Kyu-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. It is also recommended to keep records of the vision correction surgery you received in case surgery is needed later for age-related eye diseases.”