LASEK EYE SURGERY · GANGNAM, SEOUL
LASEK Eye Surgery in Seoul.
Built for thin corneas.
LASEK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap — an excellent alternative to LASIK for thin corneas, contact sports and active lifestyles.
QUICK ANSWER
What is LASEK eye surgery?
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) is flap-free laser vision correction. The surgeon gently moves the thin epithelial layer, reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser, then replaces the epithelium to heal naturally. It treats myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and preserves more corneal tissue than LASIK.
- Surgery time
- 15–20 min per eye
- Vision improves
- 1–2 weeks
- Final stability
- 1–3 months
- Corneal flap
- None
- Treats
- Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism
KEY BENEFITS
Why patients choose LASEK
No corneal flap
Eliminates flap-related complications.
Ideal for thin corneas
Suitable for many patients who are not LASIK candidates.
Lower dry-eye risk
Preserves more corneal nerves.
Safer for athletes
Less risk of trauma-induced flap problems.
Permanent correction
Long-lasting, natural vision.
CANDIDACY
Am I a candidate for LASEK?
LASEK is an excellent option if you:
- Have thin corneas and are not suitable for LASIK
- Play contact sports or high-impact activities
- Experience chronic dry eye
- Have stable vision for at least one year
- Do not have glaucoma or keratoconus
Not the right fit? Compare options
Every eye is different. These alternatives may suit you better:
Want faster recovery? See SMILE → Fastest visual recovery? See LASIK → Very high myopia? Consider ICL → Compare with PRK →STEP BY STEP
Your LASEK journey in three steps
- 01
Pre-surgery consultation
- Comprehensive eye assessment
- Corneal thickness measurement and suitability check
- Personalised vision correction plan
- 02
LASEK surgery (15–20 min per eye)
- Numbing eye drops for pain-free treatment
- Gentle removal of the epithelial layer
- Excimer laser reshapes the cornea; epithelium replaced
- 03
Recovery & aftercare
- Initial discomfort 3–5 days, managed with eye drops
- Improved vision within 1–2 weeks
- Final vision stabilises over 1–3 months
COMPARISON
LASEK vs LASIK vs SMILE
| Feature | LASEK | LASIK | SMILE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap | No | Yes | No (keyhole) |
| Thin corneas | Yes | No | Depends on exam |
| Visual recovery | 1–2 weeks | About 24 hours | About 24 hours |
| Dry eye risk | Lower | Higher | Lower |
| Contact sports | Ideal | Flap-related risks | Ideal |
LASEK trades a slower recovery for more corneal tissue preserved — often the safest laser option for thin corneas.
WHY GANGNAM SMILE EYE CLINIC
LASEK experts in Gangnam
Experienced eye surgeons
Ophthalmologists specialising in laser vision correction.
Advanced excimer lasers
Customised corneal reshaping for accurate outcomes.
Comprehensive evaluations
A detailed exam to choose the best plan for your eyes.
Comfortable recovery support
Post-operative care that minimises discomfort.
YOUR SURGEONS
Dr. Yeom Dong Ju, MD, Ph.D. — Chief Ophthalmologist
Over 20 years in ophthalmology and more than 10,000 LASIK procedures. Ph.D. in Medicine; M.D., Inje University College of Medicine; residency at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital. He leads a team of board-certified ophthalmologists — Dr. Jeong Sang Jun, Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung and Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo — trusted by Korean national archers An San and Kim Woo-jin.
Dr. Jeong Sang Jun
Dr. Yoon Hyo Sung
Dr. Yang Hyoung-mo
COST
How much does LASEK cost in Seoul?
The cost of LASEK in Gangnam varies with your eye condition. We provide transparent pricing and flexible payment options — contact us for a personalised quote.
Get a personalised quote
Send your current prescription on WhatsApp. Our English-speaking team replies with candidacy guidance and a quote.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
LASEK questions, answered
How is LASEK different from LASIK? +
LASEK does not create a corneal flap. The epithelium is moved, the cornea reshaped and the epithelium replaced, which suits thinner corneas but means a slower recovery.
How long is LASEK recovery? +
Expect discomfort for 3–5 days, improved vision within 1–2 weeks and final stabilisation over 1–3 months.
Is LASEK good for thin corneas? +
Yes. LASEK preserves more tissue and is often recommended when corneas are too thin for LASIK.
How long does LASEK surgery take? +
About 15–20 minutes per eye.
Who should not have LASEK? +
People with unstable vision, glaucoma or keratoconus. A full examination confirms suitability.
Last updated October 2026 · Information is general and does not replace an eye examination.
RELATED TREATMENTS
Explore other options at our Gangnam clinic
FREE CONSULTATION
Thin corneas? Let us check your options.
English-speaking team · 1 minute from Gangnam Station Exit 10 · Reply on WhatsApp.
405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Gangnam Stn Exit 10 · 1-min walk
Sat 09:30–16:30 · Lunch 13:00–14:00
2nd & 4th Fri: evening appointments
Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
