Dr. Daniel Baik explains LASIK pros and cons based on 16 years of personal experience—dry eye, night vision, risks, and who should reconsider.
Introduction — “I Had It Done, But I Don’t Recommend It to Everyone”
Hello,
I’m Dr. Daniel Baik, an ophthalmologist at Nunehim Eye Center in Seoul.
I underwent LASIK surgery about 16 years ago, and I still maintain 20/20 vision today. One question I often hear from patients is:
“Doctor, if you had LASIK yourself, why don’t you strongly recommend it to everyone?”
My answer is always the same:
Vision correction surgery is an excellent option—but it is not a procedure I recommend unconditionally to every patient.
As both a surgeon and a patient who has undergone the procedure, I’d like to share four honest reasons why.
Reason 1 — It Improves Vision, But Not Eye Health
Procedures such as LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE are designed to reshape the cornea to reduce refractive error.
In simple terms:
- ✔ They help you see clearly without glasses or contact lenses
- ✖ They do not make your eyes “healthier”
Even after surgery, the following can occur:
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
- Need for enhancement (retreatment)
- Gradual return of refractive error over time
Most importantly:
👉 These procedures do not prevent presbyopia
As patients reach their 40s and beyond, near vision typically declines regardless of prior surgery, and reading glasses may still be needed.
Reason 2 — 20/20 Vision Does Not Always Mean “Perfect Vision”
Many people assume that achieving 20/20 vision means their vision will feel perfect in all situations.
However, visual acuity is not the same as visual quality.
Some patients may experience:
- Glare
- Halos
- Starbursts
- Double vision (ghosting)
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
These symptoms are often more noticeable in:
- Night driving
- Low-light environments
- Patients with larger pupils
👉 You may see well on an eye chart, yet still feel discomfort in real-world conditions.
Reason 3 — Dry Eye Can Be a Significant Issue
Dry eye is one of the most common concerns after refractive surgery.
Possible changes include:
- Reduced tear production
- Altered corneal nerve sensation
- Fluctuating vision due to tear film instability
Patients who should be particularly cautious include:
- Frequent contact lens users with discomfort
- Individuals who spend long hours on screens
- Those already using artificial tears regularly
- Patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Those with allergic conjunctivitis
In these cases:
👉 The key question is not just “Can we do the surgery?”
👉 But rather, “Will you be satisfied after the surgery?”
In many situations, I prioritize treating dry eye first before considering surgery.
Reason 4 — Not Every Eye Is a Good Candidate
Not all patients are suitable candidates for LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE.
Extra caution is required in cases such as:
- Unstable refractive error
- Thin corneas
- Suspicion of keratoconus
- Autoimmune conditions
- Diabetes or delayed wound healing
Although rare, potential complications do exist:
- Flap-related issues (in LASIK)
- Infection or inflammation
- Post-LASIK ectasia
- Irreversible vision loss (very rare, but possible)
👉 The safety of the procedure depends more on proper preoperative evaluation than on the surgery itself
A thorough assessment should include:
- Corneal topography
- Corneal thickness
- Pupil size
- Tear film evaluation
- Retinal examination
Despite All This — Why I’m Personally Still Very Satisfied
After hearing all of this, you might wonder:
“Then is it better not to have the surgery at all?”
My personal answer is clear:
👉 I am very satisfied with my decision to undergo LASIK 16 years ago
The benefits I’ve experienced include:
- Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
- Clear vision immediately upon waking
- Greater convenience in daily life, sports, and clinical practice
- Stable vision maintained over many years
Final Thoughts — It’s About the Right Choice for You
Vision correction surgery is:
- Life-changing for some patients
- Unnecessary or less suitable for others
The key is not whether the surgery is “good” or “bad,” but whether it is the right choice for you.
The decision should always involve:
- Careful and thorough examination
- Objective assessment of candidacy
- Clear understanding of risks and benefits
- Consideration of lifestyle and expectations
A Message from Dr. Daniel Baik
Rather than simply telling patients to “go ahead with surgery,”
my role is to help you determine:
👉 Whether this is truly the best option for your eyes and your life
That is what I believe responsible ophthalmic care should be.
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