Rebeauty

2026-07-20

Can I fly or swim after vision correction surgery? / Special Discount Event

Considering vision correction before your vacation? Learn about recovery times for LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE, and when you can fly or swim.

Can I fly or swim after vision correction surgery? / Special Discount Event

Hello.

This is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic! 😊

Now that the monsoon season has ended, a heatwave is upon us,

and many people are heading off on vacation to escape the heat.

For those who wear glasses or contact lenses,

there are many more items to pack compared to those with good eyesight.

Contact lens cases, saline solution...

And if water gets into your eyes while swimming,

it can be very painful and interrupt your fun.

For glasses, you need to bring a case and a cleaning cloth,

and if you wear sunglasses, you even have the hassle of

ordering prescription sunglasses.

That's why many people, especially before vacation,

come to us for vision correction.

However, since there's a general recovery period required for surgery,

many people hesitate before undergoing the procedure.

This is especially true for those planning to fly or go swimming.

Today, we'll look into the general recovery period for vision correction surgery

and discuss swimming and flying after the procedure.

<Types of Vision Correction Surgery>

1. LASIK

2. LASEK

3. SMILE/New SMILE

These are the main types.

LASIK has a shorter recovery period compared to LASEK.

Daily activities can be resumed the very next day,

and full recovery is possible within a week.

Therefore, flying is possible after one week,

and water activities, which carry a risk of infection,

are possible after one month.

LASEK's recovery period varies slightly

depending on whether it's 'Today LASEK' or standard LASEK.

Standard LASEK generally restricts daily activities for about 4-5 days,

whereas with 'Today LASEK' performed at our clinic,

daily life can be resumed immediately after two days.

Flying is possible after one week,

and water activities are possible after one month.

Finally, SMILE and New SMILE boast

the fastest recovery.

Daily activities are generally possible the next day,

and flying is also possible the next day if there are no vision issues.

Water activities are possible after 1 week.

Therefore, if you have plans to fly or go swimming,

undergoing New SMILE surgery is the most advantageous option.

However, when engaging in water activities, there's always a potential risk of infection,

so regardless of the surgery performed, we recommend wearing goggles/swim masks for a while.

When flying, dry eyes may occur, so be sure to bring artificial tears

and instill them frequently.

Also, the recovery period and

the possibility of flying/swimming may vary in duration depending on the surgical outcome,

and the surgery itself may differ in available methods depending on your eye condition and state.

Therefore, we highly recommend undergoing a thorough examination and consultation before proceeding with surgery.

At Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic, we are currently holding a summer event

with various benefits until August 31st,

so please feel free to inquire.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic always strives to do its best from the patient's perspective,

equipped with the latest equipment and a systematic examination system,

providing sincere 1:1 customized consultations and surgeries for each individual.

Furthermore, we always prioritize the patient

and place transparency and safety above all else.

If you have any other questions,

please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Thank you.

💙🤍 𝖦𝖠𝖭𝖦𝖭𝖠𝖬 𝖲𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖤 𝖤𝖸𝖤 𝖢𝖫𝖨𝖭𝖨𝖢💙🤍

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic
4th and 6th floors, Tongyeong Building, 405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I fly after LASIK surgery?

You can usually fly one week after LASIK surgery. LASIK has a shorter recovery period compared to LASEK, so daily activities are possible from the next day, and most recovery is complete within a week.

When can I go swimming after vision correction surgery?

It depends on the type of vision correction surgery. For LASIK and LASEK, swimming is possible after one month due to the risk of infection, while for SMILE/New SMILE, it's possible after one week. For any surgery, wearing goggles when swimming is recommended.

How long is the recovery period for SMILE/New SMILE surgery?

SMILE/New SMILE surgery boasts the fastest recovery. Daily activities are generally possible from the next day, and you can fly from the next day if there are no vision problems. Swimming is possible after 1 week.

When can I resume daily activities after LASEK surgery?

After LASEK surgery, daily activities may be restricted for about 4-5 days for general LASEK. With Today LASEK performed at our clinic, daily activities are possible immediately after two days.

Are there any precautions when flying after vision correction surgery?

Yes, dry eyes can occur during flights, so you must bring artificial tears and apply them frequently. Also, recovery time and eligibility for flying may vary depending on the surgical results.

Which surgery is advantageous if planning vision correction surgery before a vacation?

If you plan to fly or swim, SMILE/New SMILE surgery is the most advantageous. This is because its fast recovery allows flying the next day and swimming after 1 week.

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