It’s been almost a month since I’ve had IntraLASIK eye surgery! I couldn’t be happier with the results, recovery process, eye clinic and surgeon. Making the decision wasn’t too hard, except that it is a major surgery that has to do with a very precious organ, my eyes. Nevertheless, I’ve always wanted to undergo this surgery ever since I first heard about it from my friend’s mother who got it done in 2002 and because of my hatred for wearing glasses while playing sports or getting dry eyes from looking at the computer too long. But the other factors like the surgeon, recovery process and the cost made the decision really easy. First of all, the surgeon and the amount of surgeries he has done is an important factor. Dr. Yun (at I Yun Eye Hospital) is a reputable surgeon who has performed more than 40,000 surgeries. He’s had 11 years of experience and graduated from the top university in Korea, Seoul University for his doctorate. Dr. Yun has also made appearances on television programs and has been the cover story for magazines like MBC Doctors. In addition, he has performed LASIK surgery on many of my friends who have prepared me for the surgery and who are a primary source for finding a great doctor – thanks guys!

Second of all, my friends told me that the recovery process was hardly painful. Most of them had their surgery on a Saturday, had Sunday to rest and went to work with no problems on Monday.

Thirdly, it’s so cheap in Korea! This might scare some people but when I asked my doctor why it’s so cheap, he said because LASIK is so competitive in Korea. As you can tell, Koreans (actually Asians in general) have bad eyesight and not because our eyes are smaller – Pulayyas. I’m not sure why, but about 70 percent of my students wear glasses or contacts lenses. There are two kinds of surgeries that my doctor performs, LASIK and IntraLASIK.

LASIK surgery uses a mechanical device known as a microkeratome to cut the cornea and creates a flap for the next step, which is the refractory correction. This process is better for people who have thick corneas. It’s not possible for people whose eyes have a thin cornea. This procedure is a little cheaper, too.

For those with thin corneas, IntraLASIK is the required procedure. It is also called “All-laser LASIK.” The corneal flap is created with a laser instead of a microkeratome. The doctor said this procedure is safer, but it costs a little more. I chose this procedure even though my corneas are thick. I’m willing to pay a little extra money for my eyes. So, instead of paying $5,000 in the States for both eyes, I only paid $1,500 (1.7 million won)!

It’s been a month now and I’m really happy with the results. My eyes are still a little dry at times, but those are normal symptoms. It’s a great feeling to go to bed at night and not take out your contacts or get up in the morning and be able to see everything!

Helpful Links For those interested in LASIK: LASIK, MD – Your Guide to LASIK Eye Surgery For Ulsan residents interested in LASIK: Dr. Yun’s Eye Clinic Center