[SMILE, LASIK, LASEK] Essential Pre-Operative Eye Exams Part 1: Basic Screening for Vision Correction

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2026.10.20

[SMILE, LASIK, LASEK] Essential Pre-Operative Eye Exams Part 1: Basic Screening for Vision Correction

Your eyes are for life. Discover why precision exams are just as crucial as the surgery itself.

Hello! This is BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower.

Today, in the first of a two-part series, we will guide you through the mandatory screening process required before vision correction surgeries like SMILE, LASIK, and LASEK. Confirming whether your eyes are suitable for surgery is an essential step, making these preliminary exams as important as the procedure itself. You might be surprised to learn that there are far more types of tests than you might expect.

Recently, many clients visiting for consultations remark, "Wow, do we really need this many tests?" or "I feel like I've already done six of them..." Whenever I hear this, I remind them that since you use your eyes for a lifetime, the comprehensive evaluation can be even more critical than the surgery itself. Because there are so many tests involved, we will cover the first phase in Part 1 today.


Why Are There So Many Exams Before LASIK and SMILE?

Pre-operative exams for vision correction are not just about checking your prescription. They represent a comprehensive diagnostic stage that meticulously evaluates your entire eye, from the front surface to the back of the retina. The reason is simple: confirming that the surgery can be performed safely on your eyes is our absolute top priority.


The Step-by-Step Exam Process

Here is an introduction to the core tests included in Part 1 of the comprehensive optometry screening our clients undergo at the clinic.

1. Refractive Power Measurement (ARK)

The Auto Refractometer and Keratometer (ARK) simultaneously measures refractive errors such as myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia along with corneal curvature. This provides the most fundamental and essential data for determining if your prescription falls within the operable range and how to set your target vision post-surgery.

2. Intraocular Pressure Test (NCT)

The Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT) measures the pressure inside your eye to screen for glaucoma risks or other potential ocular diseases. If the intraocular pressure is too high, it may indicate a risk of glaucoma; if it is too low, the eye may fail to maintain its proper structural shape.

Simply put, just as blood pressure is an indicator of overall physical health, intraocular pressure is a key indicator of eye health.

3. Central Retina Examination (Fundus)

Using a retinal camera, this test checks the condition of the optic disc and macula to evaluate any abnormalities in the structures responsible for central vision. The optic disc is crucial for diagnosing glaucoma, while the macula is vital for detecting age-related or disease-induced changes. This exam is essential for the early diagnosis of conditions affecting central vision, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

4. Corneal Thickness and Topography (Pentacam)

This anterior segment analysis equipment, based on a Scheimpflug camera, precisely maps corneal thickness, curvature, and overall shape, as well as anterior chamber depth and pupil size. It is the most critical test for determining your eligibility for LASIK or LASEK, as having thin or asymmetrical corneas may restrict surgical options. Furthermore, anterior chamber depth and pupil size are mandatory data points when planning for Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery. The results generate a 3D corneal map, which is directly referenced when establishing your surgical plan.


Well! Even just looking at this list, many of you might already be thinking, "Wow, there really are a lot of tests." But this is not the end. There are various other precision exams, which we will explain step by step in Part 2.

At our clinic, we only proceed with surgery after thoroughly reviewing whether your eyes are suitable and which method is best for you through these comprehensive exams. This reflects how deeply we value your eyes, meticulously preparing each step for the safest and most optimal results.

If you are considering vision correction surgery, we highly recommend undergoing these essential pre-operative tests to carefully assess your eye condition before making a final decision. See you in Part 2!

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