2026-07-20
Which Vision Correction Surgery is Suitable for Athletes?
Discover why LASEK is the ideal vision correction surgery for athletes, offering stability and strength against external impacts, unlike LASIK.


The rain that started last night hasn't stopped yet,
making it a rather gloomy Monday.
How are you all doing during these turbulent times?
Seeing a friend who plays sports complain about the inconvenience of glasses,
today I'd like to tell you about LASEK, which is suitable for athletes' vision correction surgery.

Poor eyesight brings more than just one or two inconveniences!
For active people in their 20s,
glasses can become a cumbersome burden,
and due to high activity, minor scratches on the lenses
mean they periodically need to get their eyes checked and
get new glasses.
Even in daily life, poor eyesight causes a lot of discomfort,
so for athletes who have chosen sports as their career path,
there's no greater disadvantage than poor vision, right?

Why is LASEK suitable for athletes' vision correction surgery?
Before I tell you the reason,
let's first look at the differences between LASIK and LASEK.
First, LASIK involves making a corneal flap by incising about 10-12mm.
After lifting the created corneal flap,
a laser is applied to the corneal stroma to correct vision,
and then the corneal flap is closed again to finish the procedure.
That's LASIK surgery.
So, how is LASEK performed?
Instead of creating a separate corneal flap, a laser is used to
remove only the corneal epithelium,
then a laser is applied to the corneal stroma, and a protective lens
is placed to finish the procedure. That's LASEK surgery.

Compared to LASEK, LASIK has a shorter recovery period
and almost no pain, but
it is vulnerable to external impact, and until the corneal flap settles,
vigorous exercise or movement should be avoided.
Also, because an incision of about 10-12mm is made,
the incidence of dry eyes after LASIK surgery
is more frequent than with LASEK.
LASEK involves pain and a longer recovery period, but
it is a vision correction surgery with stability.
It is strong against external impacts, and even people with poor vision
can undergo LASEK surgery, which makes it
suitable for athletes.
Smile Eye Clinic is promoting LASEK surgery, which is suitable for athletes' vision correction,
as a special event for this summer vacation,
to help those who have experienced discomfort due to glasses.

We've taken the time to learn about the definition of LASEK, suitable for athletes' vision correction surgery,
and also the definition of LASIK.
To achieve agility, accuracy, and other aspects necessary for good athletic performance,
the importance of vision is often more pronounced for athletes than for the general public.
This summer 2020, I hope athletes undergo vision correction surgery
and achieve great results for our country :)



Frequently Asked Questions
Why is LASEK more suitable than LASIK for athletes?
Yes, LASEK is more suitable for athletes with high activity levels because it offers superior stability and is more resistant to external impact compared to LASIK. LASIK creates a corneal flap, which can make it vulnerable to external impact.
What is the biggest difference between LASIK and LASEK?
The biggest difference is whether a corneal flap is created. LASIK involves making a 10-12mm incision to create and lift a corneal flap before applying the laser, whereas LASEK only removes the corneal epithelium before laser application.
What is the recovery period after LASIK surgery?
LASIK generally has a shorter recovery period and less pain compared to LASEK. However, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise or movements until the corneal flap has settled.
Is there pain after LASEK surgery?
Yes, LASEK tends to involve more pain and a longer recovery period compared to LASIK. However, despite these drawbacks, its high stability makes it suitable for athletes.
Can dry eyes occur more frequently after LASIK surgery?
Yes, because LASIK involves a 10-12mm incision, the incidence of dry eyes is reportedly more frequent after LASIK than after LASEK surgery.
Does Smile Eye Clinic offer vision correction surgery events for athletes?
Yes, Smile Eye Clinic is holding a LASEK surgery event, which is suitable for athletes' vision correction, as a summer vacation special. We aim to help those who have experienced discomfort with glasses.