Recovery guide

Post-LASIK recovery checklist: before, during and after

A good LASIK recovery comes down to a few rules: rest on surgery day, wear the shield at night, use every drop on schedule, never rub, attend the day-one check within 24–48 hours (FDA), avoid swimming for 1–2 months and contact sports for 4 weeks, and keep follow-ups for 6 months.
Reviewed November 2026 · Seoul LASIK Clinic Directory
Post-LASIK recovery checklist: before, during and after

What should I prepare before LASIK?

Prepare your recovery before surgery day, so you do not have to read labels or shop with blurry eyes. This checklist is for international patients having surgery in Seoul, and it works for LASIK, SMILE, LASEK and ICL.

  • Stop contact lenses for the period your clinic specifies; see contact lens break before LASIK.
  • Book accommodation close to the clinic and plan enough nights for your procedure.
  • Arrange transport home after surgery; the FDA says not to drive yourself.
  • Pack sunglasses, preservative-free artificial tears, a soft eye mask, and comfortable clothes without tight necklines.
  • Download your clinic's messaging app and save the international coordinator's number.
  • Check your insurance and get your price, follow-up and enhancement terms in writing.
  • Skip eye makeup, creams and perfume on surgery day.

Travel with a companion if you can. They can guide you back to the hotel, read labels and messages, and help with drops on the first evening. If you travel alone, ask the clinic's international coordinator about taxis and escorts, or book a medical interpreter.

How long should I stay in Seoul?

Long enough for the early checks that your procedure needs.

Procedure Key early checks Suggested minimum stay after surgery
LASIK Day 1 1–3 nights
SMILE / SMILE Pro Day 1 1–3 nights
PRK / LASEK Day 1; bandage lens out around days 3–5 5–7 nights
ICL Pressure within hours; day 1; about 1 week About 7 nights

For a sample plan, see the 3-day LASIK trip itinerary. If you are having SMILE, LASEK or ICL, ask the clinic how many check-ups fall within your stay before you book flights.

What goes in a recovery kit?

A small kit by the bed and in your day bag saves a lot of fumbling in the first days.

Item Why
Clinic drop sheet and all drops Schedule and medicines in one place
Preservative-free artificial tears Dryness, flights, screens
Clear eye shields and tape Night protection
Wraparound sunglasses Light sensitivity, wind, dust
Clean tissues Dab tears from the cheek; never wipe the eye
Phone alarms and a charger Drop reminders
Hand sanitiser Clean hands before every drop
Copies of your records Home follow-up and insurance

After PRK or LASEK, add the painkillers your clinic prescribes. After ICL, keep the clinic's emergency number on your phone's lock screen.

What should I do on surgery day?

  • Bring your passport, booking confirmation and the glasses you normally wear.
  • Wear a button-up top so nothing is pulled over your face afterwards.
  • Eat a light meal and take your usual medicines unless told otherwise.
  • Go straight back to your room and rest or nap; the AAO recommends relaxing after surgery.
  • Start drops exactly as on your clinic's sheet; set phone alarms.
  • Wear the clear shield when sleeping.
  • No alcohol, no screens beyond a quick message, no rubbing.

Expect to spend a few hours at the clinic on surgery day, with final measurements, numbing drops, the procedure and a short rest afterwards. The laser itself usually takes only minutes per eye.

What is the checklist for the first week?

  • Attend the day-one check; the FDA says within 24–48 hours.
  • Use antibiotic and steroid drops on schedule and artificial tears often; see eye drops schedule after surgery.
  • Wear the night shield for as long as your clinic says; see sleeping after LASIK.
  • Shower with eyes closed; keep soap and water out of the eye.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors and avoid dust, smoke and wind.
  • Take regular screen breaks and use tears at each one.
  • Light, non-contact exercise only after 1–3 days (FDA); see exercise after LASIK.
  • Drive only once cleared; see driving after LASIK.
  • Fly once your clinic clears you; see flying after LASIK.
  • Collect your records in English before you leave.

What is the checklist for weeks 2–8?

Milestone LASIK (FDA) Notes for other procedures
Eye makeup, lotions, creams Up to 2 weeks PRK/LASEK often longer
Contact sports At least 4 weeks Flapless SMILE is often cleared sooner
Swimming, hot tubs, saunas 1–2 months See swimming after LASIK
Alcohol No official rule; avoid early See alcohol after LASIK
Contact lenses Never in the operated eye unless your doctor says so The FDA warns against resuming lenses even if vision is blurry

What is the checklist for months 1–6?

  • Attend follow-ups at home; the FDA says at regular intervals for at least 6 months; see follow-up care after returning home.
  • Keep using artificial tears if your eyes feel dry.
  • Note any halos or glare and mention them; see halos and glare after LASIK.
  • Expect vision to stabilise over 3–6 months (FDA); do not judge the final result early.
  • Discuss enhancement only once readings are stable at two visits at least 3 months apart (FDA).
  • File your records safely for future eye care, as the AAO advises.

Which warning signs mean I should call the clinic?

  • Pain that worsens instead of improving
  • Vision getting worse, or new double vision
  • Increasing redness, discharge or light sensitivity
  • A blow to the eye, or a bandage lens that falls out after PRK or LASEK
  • After ICL, severe pain with headache or nausea

The FDA advises contacting your eye doctor immediately about any new, unusual or worsening symptoms. This is general information; your surgeon's instructions come first.

Sources

Key facts

  • First check: within 24–48 hours (FDA)
  • Makeup and creams: wait up to 2 weeks (FDA)
  • Contact sports: at least 4 weeks (FDA)
  • Swimming and hot tubs: 1–2 months (FDA)
  • Follow-up: regular checks for at least 6 months (FDA)
  • Packing list: what to bring to eye surgery in Korea

Independent directory. Prices are typical ranges reported by Seoul clinics and change often. Always confirm a written quote and get a full eye exam before booking. This page is general information, not medical advice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What should I not do after LASIK?

Do not rub your eyes, skip drops, sleep without the shield, swim or use hot tubs for 1–2 months, play contact sports for 4 weeks or wear eye makeup for up to 2 weeks, per FDA guidance.

What do I need to buy before LASIK?

Sunglasses, preservative-free artificial tears and a soft eye mask. Your clinic supplies medicated drops and shields.

How long does LASIK recovery take?

Most people return to normal life in 1–3 days, but vision takes 3–6 months to stabilise fully. Surface procedures take longer at the start.

When is the first check-up after LASIK?

Within 24–48 hours, according to the FDA, usually the morning after surgery.

Is the recovery checklist the same for SMILE and ICL?

The core rules are similar, but SMILE often allows activities sooner, while ICL needs early pressure checks and a longer stay.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.