International patients should stay in the Republic of Korea for 5 to 7 days after LASEK surgery. This timeframe allows surgeons to monitor surface healing and remove the mandatory protective bandage contact lenses, which typically occurs between day 3 and day 5 before clearing patients for flight.
- Bandage lens removal: Scheduled 3–5 days post-op once the corneal epithelium has sufficiently regenerated.
- Mandatory checkups: Required on day 1 and again between days 3–5 for safety.
- Flight safety: Most clinics advise waiting 5–7 days to avoid ocular pressure complications.
- Peak sensitivity: Expect light sensitivity and discomfort to peak around day 4 or 5.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many general guides suggest 2 weeks, leading Seoul clinics like Gangnam Grand Eye Clinic often utilize PRP sessions to accelerate surface recovery. This efficiency allows surgeons like Lee Young Seob, who has performed 15,000+ procedures, to safely clear international patients for travel by day 5, provided the bandage lens is removed.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize booking a hotel within walking distance of the clinic. The initial 3 days often involve significant light sensitivity, making even short commutes to follow-up appointments challenging without immediate rest.