SNU EYE CLINIC · PATIENT GUIDES
SMILE Recovery in Korea: Daily Activities, Follow-Up Visits and Travel Home
Learn how returning to light daily activities differs from vision stabilizing after SMILE, and about SNU Eye Clinic’s early, one-month and yearly follow-up schedule. Find out what to consider when planning your stay in Korea and follow-up care after you return home.
After SMILE or SMILE Pro, some patients can start light daily activities the next day, but clear vision may take longer to stabilize. SNU Eye Clinic’s current guidance is to have a follow-up within the first week after surgery, another one month after surgery, and regular check-ups after that. If you are visiting from overseas, please factor these follow-up visits into your plans for returning to work and traveling home.
Can I go to work or sightseeing the next day?
If recovery is going well, light activities, sightseeing and returning to work are possible. However, the medical team needs to assess whether you can manage all your work tasks and your full travel itinerary. ZEISS’s guidance on recovery after SMILE Pro also explains that some patients may return to daily activities the next day, while advising them to follow their doctor’s guidance on specific activities.
A short walk or simple office tasks are different from extended screen time, driving at night or sports where your eyes could be hit. While you have light sensitivity, blurred vision or dry eyes, limit the time you spend on activities. Ask when you can resume driving after your vision and any discomfort have been assessed. Arrange transportation home so you do not have to drive on the day of surgery.
When planning your stay in Korea, it is a good idea to set aside the day of surgery for rest. Rather than scheduling long journeys or a packed sightseeing itinerary for the following day, leave enough time to monitor how your eyes feel and visit the clinic if needed.
Does blurred near vision mean my recovery is delayed?
In the early period after surgery, you may find it difficult to focus on close-up text or feel that your vision is blurred. Our SMILE Q&A explains that these changes can improve over several weeks and that recovery varies from person to person.
You may be able to see signs outside clearly but still have trouble reading text on your phone. Being able to return to work and feeling comfortable when reading for a long time or driving do not necessarily happen at the same time. When preparing to return to work, please tell us specifically whether you spend all day looking at a screen, read small print or need to drive at night.
However, if your vision suddenly worsens, you develop severe pain or your symptoms get worse, seek medical attention immediately rather than assuming this is part of the usual recovery process. You may need to be assessed sooner because of your symptoms, even if your scheduled follow-up is still some time away.
How should I schedule follow-up visits at SNU Eye Clinic?
The usual schedule is one follow-up within the first week after surgery, one visit a month after surgery, and then check-ups at yearly intervals. The number and timing of visits may vary depending on your eye condition and recovery after surgery. You can check the current guidance in SNU Eye Clinic’s examination and surgery Q&A (in Korean).
| Timing | What to plan for your visit and daily activities |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Arrange transport home and set aside time to rest |
| Early follow-up | Confirm the actual appointment date for the usual follow-up within the first week after surgery |
| One month later | Plan a visit to check your vision and recovery |
| After that | Attend regular check-ups and seek care if symptoms cause discomfort |
The guidance “within the first week” does not mean that you can visit on any date you choose. If you book your early follow-up when deciding on surgery, it will be easier to plan your stay. If you need additional care, you may also need to adjust your travel plans.
How long should I stay in Korea, and when can I travel home?
It is best to decide how long to stay after scheduling your examination, surgery and any necessary follow-up visits. There is no single minimum number of nights that applies to everyone; your schedule may vary depending on your examination results and recovery after surgery.
If you are booking from overseas, please send us the following information:
- Your arrival date in Korea and planned departure date, and whether your flights can be changed
- The date from which you can stop wearing contact lenses before your examination
- The dates when you are available to attend the early follow-up visit
- Whether you can attend your one-month postoperative check-up after returning home, and your plans for seeing a local ophthalmologist
Our website states that flying after refractive surgery is possible, but whether you can fly and whether you have completed the necessary follow-up visits are separate matters to check. Before booking a flight soon after surgery, confirm your recovery and travel schedule with your medical team. Prepare your eye drops and artificial tears for use during the flight according to your prescription and instructions.
If you tell us how long you will be staying in Korea, we can first check which dates may work for your examination and early follow-up. Please include the procedure you are interested in and your arrival and departure dates in SNU Eye Clinic’s online appointment request (in Korean).