LASIK: In Seoul

LASIK has no doubt come a long way since it's conception.  Believe it or not using a microkeratome, or the tool to cut a flap in the cornea, has been utilized since 1950.  Moving forward into the recent past, people used to have to wear bandages after the surgery, it carried more risks, and was incredibly more expensive than today.  Now with new technologies such as wavefront, micro-LASIK, LASEK, and permanent contact lenses it's seems to be a good time to say goodbye to glasses and contacts...at least until I need readers in old age.

That's why I recently opted for LASIK surgery at the Dream Eye Center in Seoul, South Korea.  Besides it being a truly professional place that speaks English it's also a fraction of the price than in America.  Sorry USA, but keep working on that health care system.

For those of you who are unaware or interested in the LASIK procedure then here's the gist:

LASIK:
    The good - Fast recovery, little discomfort, and a simple three step process (make a flap, reshape the cornea with a laser, and put the flap back).
    The bad - Possible long term effects (i.e. dry eyes, night halos, etc...)
    Micro-LASIK - cuts a thinner flap and leaves more of the cornea untouched.

LASEK:

    The good - For people who are not as applicable for LASIK (strange shape of an eye, people that do contact sports, etc...) and with less long term risks. With new tech it can have much less pain than previous LASEK.  

    The bad - Usually has more pain and a much longer recovery time than LASIK.

    Micro-LASEK - uses mitomycin to reduce haze

WAVEFRONT: It more precisely measures the imperfections in your eye by using waves to create "perfect eyesight".

(ICL) Implantable Contact Lens: Just what it sounds like.  They insert a sterile contact lens into your cornea.  Safer for your cornea, but currently costs more.

Below is a video of my surgery from the viewpoint of a friend outside the operating room.