Which Eye Surgery Is Best for High Myopia in Korea?

If you have high myopia (strong nearsightedness) and are considering vision correction in Korea, the most important question isn’t just “Which procedure?” — it’s “Which procedure is safest, most effective, and worth the cost for your eyes?” Korea is a top destination for international patients due to advanced technology, experienced surgeons, and efficient medical travel support.



Here’s a practical, easy-to-read breakdown of the best options for high myopia and how they compare.

1. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) — Best for High Myopia

Why It’s Often the Best Choice
For patients with high myopia (usually stronger than -6.00 D), ICL is frequently the safest and most effective option because:

• No corneal tissue is shaved away
• The natural lens remains mostly undisturbed
• Excellent vision quality, even at high prescriptions
• Often less dry eye than laser procedures
• Reversible if needed (lens can be exchanged/removed)

Typical Price in Korea:
₩7,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 KRW (both eyes)
(~$5,200 – $9,200 USD)

Ideal for:
✔ High nearsightedness
✔ Thin corneas
✔ Patients not eligible for laser surgery

2. SMILE LASIK — Strong Laser Option, But With Limits

Why SMILE Works for Some High Myopia Cases
SMILE can correct moderate to relatively high myopia, but most clinics set an upper limit on the prescription level they treat with laser.

Benefits of SMILE:

• Minimally invasive (no flap)
• Faster recovery
• Lower dry eye risk than traditional LASIK
• Short downtime (often 1–3 days)

However, for very high myopia (e.g., above ~-8.00 D), SMILE may not fully correct vision or may lead to poorer outcomes — that’s where ICL tends to be more predictable.

Typical Price in Korea:
₩2,000,000 – ₩3,500,000 KRW (both eyes)
(~$1,500 – $2,600 USD)

Ideal for:
✔ Mild to moderate myopia up to surgical limits
✔ Patients with sufficient corneal thickness
✔ Patients seeking fast recovery

3. LASIK — Proven, But Not Always Best for High Prescriptions

Traditional LASIK is still widely used, but for high myopia:

• More corneal tissue must be removed
• Risk of dry eye may increase
• Not always recommended when corneas are thin

LASIK remains safe and effective within certain prescription ranges, but may not be ideal for very high myopia compared to ICL.

Typical Price in Korea:
₩1,500,000 – ₩2,500,000 KRW (both eyes)

4. LASEK/PRK — Surface Procedure, Slower Healing

Surface procedures like LASEK can be used when:

• Corneas are too thin for LASIK/SMILE
• Patients want to avoid flap or laser inside corneal tissue

However, LASEK/PRK often has a longer and more uncomfortable recovery, and is generally not the first choice for high myopia due to healing time and stability concerns.

Typical Price in Korea:
₩1,200,000 – ₩2,000,000 KRW

Safety Comparison: SMILE vs ICL for High Myopia

✔ ICL

• Excellent safety for high prescriptions
• Predictable outcomes
• Preserves corneal structure
• Requires intraocular procedure (lens insertion)
• Longer follow-up care

✔ SMILE LASIK

• Safe and minimally invasive
• Fast recovery
• Limited correction range for very high myopia
• Best when corneal thickness is sufficient

Recovery Time: What to Expect

• ICL: Vision often clear in 1–2 days; follow-up visits important
• SMILE LASIK: Most daily activities within 1–3 days
• LASIK: Rapid visual recovery (often next day)
• LASEK/PRK: 1–2 weeks for functional vision

Which Is Worth the Cost?

💡 Choose ICL if:

• Your prescription is high (e.g., stronger than –8.00 D)
• You want long-term stability
• You have thin corneas or dry eye concerns
• Budget allows for premium procedure

💡 Choose SMILE LASIK if:

• Your prescription is moderate to high within surgical limits
• You want minimal downtime
• You have sufficient corneal thickness

💡 Choose LASIK or LASEK if:

• Your eyes don’t meet criteria for SMILE/ICL
• Your budget or recovery timeline fits these options

Final Recommendation for High Myopia Patients

In Korea, ICL is generally considered the best choice for high myopia due to safety, predictability, and visual outcomes — especially when prescriptions are beyond laser limits or corneal thickness is a concern.

SMILE LASIK remains a strong option for many patients, but its effectiveness decreases as myopia becomes very high.

The safest and most cost-effective choice always starts with a thorough pre-operative evaluation by an experienced ophthalmologist.