Graham Higson
"Having not previously been to any other clinics of this kind, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first went to Dream Eye Center for my consultation. The clinic is really easy to get to, in the main shopping area of Myeong-dong. Inside, the place is clean and the staff are very helpful and friendly. Their English is very good, and they are quite able to explain to you what's going on and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
For your first consultation, they perform a number of tests on your eyes, and are very thorough and professional about it. After that they will advise you honestly about the likelihood of any problems that may occur. Obviously, everyones eyes are different, so for some people the risks will be higher than others. After that you can make a decision as to the type of surgery you want, and book an appointment.
On the day of the operation, the staff remained as helpful as ever. You are given a sequence of eyedrops to numb your eyes, so you don't feel anything during the operation. You can still, however, see. This might be a little disconcerting at first, but the whole procedure for both eyes probably took no more than 5 minutes in my case, so it's just a question of patience. It's definitely worth that 5 minutes. Once the flap in your eye is made and opened, everything goes a bit blurry, and you are told to look at a blinking red light. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to hold my eyes perfectly still for the 30-seconds that the laser was on, and something would go wrong, but the laser is computer-guided, so it can actually track your pupil as your eye moves about. As I said, you don't feel anything. The flap is then replaced and you can notice even at that point that your vision is clearer than it was before. The same thing is repeated for the other eye, and then the operation is finished. You will initially get the same dizziness you may have felt when you get a pair of glasses with a new prescription, but this soon wears off.
After the operation a protective contact lens is put over each pupil (which stays in for 1 night) and you rest with your eyes closed in a dark room for half an hour. After that, I was taken to a hotel near the clinic and checked in. There is some discomfort, and you should be very careful that you don't rub or touch your eyes. However, within an hour of the operation finishing your vision becomes really clear, and it actually is amazing to be able to see clearly.
You will have check-ups the following day, week, month, three months and six months, to ensure your eyes are healing properly. The correction of any complications that develop during the first six months are covered by your initial payment, so there is no extra fee.
As far as side-effects from the surgery go, I find the main problem to be the 'halo' around lights, and low quality night vision. This is not a permanent thing, and will gradually clear up over the next 3-6 months. As long as you're very careful with your eyes for the first month after the operation, the flap should heal smoothly. After a month you can resume swimming and any other contact sports.
In all, I'd say I would heartily recommend the Dream Eye Center to anyone considering lasik/lasek eye correction. The clinic itself is clean and well-equipped with the latest technology, the optometrists and surgeons are polite, professional and have very good English skills and the whole experience is both planned and carried out as well as you could want. If in doubt, at least go for a free consultation and see the place for yourself."
