Both correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism; they differ in how the cornea is opened and who they suit.
LASIK recovers quickly; LASEK holds up better against impact. Which suits you is decided after testing corneal thickness and shape, degree of myopia and lifestyle.
Diagnostic · Anterior segment 3D imagingPentacamPentacam analyzes corneal curvature maps, thickness and shape to first rule out corneas that shouldn't be operated on, such as keratoconus.
Surgical · Excimer laserAlcon Wavelight ex500Contoura LASEK on the Alcon Wavelight EX500 reshapes the cornea based on each person's unique corneal shape. It preserves as much remaining cornea as possible, so it can be considered even for high myopia and astigmatism.
If your cornea is too thin for laser, we'll compare ICL, which doesn't reshape the cornea; if you want a quicker recovery, we'll compare 5th-generation SMILE.
Every patient gets a one-on-one treatment plan,
OLIM Eye Clinic Gangnam’s principle of care
and after the exam, we recommend only the surgery you need.
Vision correction requires exposing the corneal stroma. The two differ in how it is exposed and who they suit.
| LASIK | LASEK | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | A flap (cap) is cut in the corneal surface, including the epithelium, then lifted so the laser can be applied to the stroma. | The corneal epithelium is removed, the laser is applied, and a special protective lens is placed over the eye. |
| Advantages | The opened cornea is laid back in place, so there is less pain and recovery is quick. | Only the corneal epithelium is removed, so it holds up better to external impact than LASIK. |
| Recovery time | 1 – 2 days | 2 – 4 days |
| Suited to | Thick corneas Myopia up to moderate Wanting a quick recovery A large difference in vision between the eyes | Thin corneas High or extreme myopia Light-sensitive eyes Frequent physical contact to the eyes or intense sports |
A femtosecond laser for cataract surgery, designed for quick recovery and high corrected vision. It is also used for Black LASIK and laser corneal transplants.
With ‘Contoura LASEK’, ablation follows the shape of your own cornea. It preserves as much residual cornea as possible, making it suitable for high myopia and astigmatism.
Analyzes corneal topography, thickness and shape to detect abnormal corneas such as keratoconus before surgery.
Like fingerprints, corneal shape and contours differ from person to person. Contoura LASEK first maps the corneal topography, then smooths the surface with an excimer laser tailored to that map. It's considered when the cornea shows asymmetry or irregularity.
The VARIO diagnostic system images each eye's unique corneal shape.
22,000 points on the cornea are measured to analyze slope and refraction, creating a unique corneal map.
The map is sent to the networked Wavelight EX500 excimer laser.
The uneven corneal surface is divided by height and smoothed out.
LASIK and LASEK share the same preparation but differ in recovery time. Based on OLIM Eye Clinic's guidance and the US FDA's LASIK patient information.
Stop wearing contact lenses so the cornea returns to its natural shape. Lenses can change corneal shape and affect measurements.
Avoid alcohol and smoking and get plenty of rest. Don't use creams, lotions, makeup or perfume around the eyes.
Come without eye makeup and in comfortable clothes. Driving is difficult after surgery, so come with a companion or use public transport.
This is the recovery period. With LASEK, a protective bandage lens is placed after surgery. Your eyes may sting, feel gritty or water—don't rub them.
To prevent infection, avoid lotions, creams and makeup around the eyes.
Avoid swimming, hot tubs and saunas. Don't do contact sports or strenuous exercise for at least 4 weeks.
Vision may fluctuate slightly before it settles. During this time you may notice glare or discomfort driving at night.
The US FDA advises talking separately with your doctor before laser vision correction such as LASIK or LASEK if any of the following apply.
Below are the risks the US FDA describes to laser vision correction patients. Whether to have surgery is decided through a detailed exam and consultation with our doctors.
Some patients may experience vision loss that's hard to reverse even with glasses, contacts or further surgery.
In dim conditions such as at night or in fog, you may see less clearly than before.
If correction misses the target, you may need glasses again or need to discuss further correction.
Reduced tears can cause discomfort and occasional blurry vision. Treatment such as eye drops may be needed.
If inflammation or infection develops after surgery, intensive eye drops or further treatment may be needed.
From a child’s first Dream Lens to vision correction, eye-area care and presbyopia surgery. An eye clinic you’ll have a reason to return to at every age.
We help manage myopia in growing eyes.
A first step toward seeing without glasses or contacts.
Care for eyes and eye areas worn out by screens.
Presbyopia and cataract, plus the optic nerve and retina.
For anything else, ask us on WhatsApp.
We look at corneal thickness, degree of myopia and lifestyle together. With a thicker cornea and a wish for fast recovery, we consider LASIK; with a thin cornea, high myopia, or frequent contact sports or strenuous exercise, we consider LASEK. The final decision comes after a detailed exam.
LASEK removes the corneal epithelium, applies the laser, then finishes with a protective bandage lens. Unlike LASIK, where the opened cornea is laid back down, recovery takes 2–4 days, longer than LASIK (1–2 days). In return, it holds up better against impact.
Because it maps the corneal topography and smooths the surface to match, it's considered for people whose corneas show asymmetry or irregularity. People troubled by glare, corneal astigmatism or reduced night vision after LASEK can also consult us.
The US FDA's LASIK guidance recommends avoiding eye makeup for 2 weeks, contact sports and strenuous exercise for at least 4 weeks, and swimming and hot tubs for 1–2 months. Recovery speed varies, so follow the instructions you receive at your visit first.
You might. If correction is less or more than targeted, glasses or further correction may be needed, and if you used reading glasses before surgery, you may still need them afterward (US FDA).
Our director reviews your results and explains them in person.
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