LASEK Recovery

What is it really like to recover from LASEK surgery? Everyone’s experience is different and everyone’s eyes heal differently. One of the things that was bothering me while searching the internet was the lack of detailed recovery information. I was mostly going by word of mouth and seeing what I could find on YouTube videos. This post is to give a detailed account of what was happening to my eyes the month I was recovering and my experience with the Glory Seoul Eye Clinic. For more information, check out their website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

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Day One

As soon as I was finished surgery, I could see clearly. I bought ibuprofen and took it after because Dr. Kim warned there would be pain. In combination with the anti-inflammatory and pain medication I was prescribed, I was doing okay. Things were pretty blurry when I didn’t put in eyedrops. When I did, everything came into clear focus. My eyes were watering a lot which was normal and I had to put regular eye drops in every 20 minutes. I recommend setting a timer on your phone. I also had antibiotic eyedrops and another set of eyedrops. One had to go in my eye before the other and I had to wait 5 minutes before I could put the second set in. The prescribed eyedrops had to go into my eyes four times a day—morning, noon, dinner, and before bed. I tried to go out at night, but the bright lights were really bothersome and I couldn’t handle it. Whenever I slept or took a nap, I had to wear protective goggles so that I would rub or touch my eyes in my sleep.

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Day Two

This was the roughest day. I knew it would be because after you do an intense work out, you feel the soreness the next day. My eyelids were a bit swollen and I had to use an icepack to help the pain. I continued to use ibuprofen along with the prescribed medication. My eyes were still watering during this time though not as bad as the first day.

Day Four

I could finally tolerate the light and looking at my phone. On the third and fourth days, the swelling and bruising on my eyelids and around my eyes were very visible. During this time, I constantly had it on night mode or at the lowest light setting. I still wasn’t watching anything on the internet and highly relied on audiobooks for entertainment.

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Day Five

I was given strict instructions not to wash my face or shower for 5 days after the surgery but I didn’t listen. I was really careful and if I had to wash my hair, I wore goggles. When I washed my face I was excruciatingly careful not to splash any water in or near my eyes. When you have oily skin and hair, you have to keep yourself clean at all times.

Day Six

My life had pretty much returned to normal. Light wasn’t agonizing for me and I had to get my protective contact lenses removed. I returned back to the Glory Seoul Eye Clinic and Dr. Kim was really kind throughout the entire process. He explained exactly how he was going to remove them and a nurse assisted him perfectly. He then described my next two sets of medicated eyedrops, gave me my prescription and I was on my way.

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Week Two

At this time my vision was 70% clear. There were times were the vision from my left eye was clearer than that of my right. My best guess is because I have an astigmatism in my right eye and that’s why it was taking longer to heal. I could wear face makeup during this time but I didn’t wear eye makeup because I didn’t want to rub my eyes or chance anything. My life was pretty much normal and it was a great excuse to go sunglasses shopping. I went in for a check up again and this time I was given only one medicated eye drop that was for anti-inflammation. 

Week Four

My eyes were completely healed and my vision was perfect. Dr. Kim gave me a checkup and told me I could stop wearing the protective goggles. He looked really pleased to see that I was completely recovered and I felt really excited too. I really look forward to my visits with him because he has a very soothing and calming voice. He answers all my questions and I feel confident going through the recovery process with his guidance. 

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Cost of LASEK

Depending on your eyes and needs the cost can range from 1.3 -2 million won. There is a cost difference between LASKIK and LASEK. After you get the surgery, the check ups are included within this cost. The only thing that comes extra are the eyedrops you need to buy and switch out as you go through recovery. 

How to Get There

Walk out Exit 12 at Gangnam Station. Walk straight and you will see a Daiso on your left. There will also be a Japanese restaurant there. Go into the same building as the restaurant and go to the fifth floor.

Address: Jeil Building 5th floor, 822-4 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon – Thurs 10am – 7pm

Friday 10am – 8pm

Saturday 10am to 4pm

Lunch break 1pm – 2pm

Closed on Sundays and all national holidays

Phone Number: Gangnam 02-569-3690

Even now, two months later, I still have my phone and computer light to the lowest setting. Sometimes walking around in brightly lit areas in Seoul bothers me or if lights turned on quickly in a dark room, I will feel some sensitivity. I do have days where my eyes are really dry and other days I’m okay and barely use eyedrops. I will continue saying this a million times over, but this really was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. My world is now as clear as the photos I take for my blog and Instagram and I still wake up in awe now that my reality has changed.

Gina Bear was sponsored by Glory Seoul Eye Clinic. If you are considering this surgery consult a certified professional physician like Dr. Gu, Dr. Park, or Dr. Kim. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.