2-Day LASEK (TransPRK) in Seoul
Blade-free, flap-free surface vision correction — the safest laser eye surgery for active lifestyles and sensitive corneas. Offered in English at Nunehim Eye Center, Seoul.
📍 Yeongdeungpo · Gwanak · Guro · Gasan | 🇺🇸 English-Speaking Staff | 🩺 Dr. Daniel Baik, Ophthalmologist
⚡ Quick Answer: What Is 2-Day LASEK (TransPRK)?
2-Day LASEK is the Korean name for TransPRK — a fully touchless, blade-free laser vision correction procedure that removes the epithelium and reshapes the cornea in a single laser step. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap cut and no blade used. Recovery is faster than traditional LASEK (most patients see clearly within 2 days), making it ideal for athletes, people with thin corneas, dry eye concerns, or anyone wanting the safest possible laser surgery. At Nunehim Eye Center, Dr. Daniel Baik specializes exclusively in TransPRK/2-Day LASEK.
Q. What exactly is TransPRK, and how is it different from LASIK or SMILE?
TransPRK (Transepithelial PRK) is a surface ablation procedure — the laser works entirely on the surface of the eye without creating any incision, flap, or blade contact. The laser first removes the thin epithelial layer, then immediately reshapes the underlying cornea to correct your prescription. This happens in one seamless laser step, completely touchless.
In Korea, this procedure is marketed as “2-Day LASEK” because most patients achieve functional vision within 1–2 days — significantly faster than conventional LASEK (which required alcohol and a blunt spatula to remove the epithelium). At Nunehim Eye Center, this is the primary vision correction procedure offered.
| Feature | TransPRK (2-Day LASEK) | Conventional LASEK | LASIK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade / flap | ✅ None | ✅ None | ❌ Microkeratome flap |
| Epithelium removal | Laser (touchless) | Alcohol + spatula | Flap creation |
| Corneal thickness needed | Thin OK ✅ | Thin OK ✅ | Thicker required |
| Dry eye risk | Low ✅ | Low ✅ | Higher ❌ |
| Contact sport safety | Excellent ✅ | Good | Flap dislocation risk |
| Visual recovery | 1–2 days | 3–5 days | Next day |
| Offered at Nunehim | ✅ Primary procedure | — | ❌ Not offered |
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for 2-Day LASEK (TransPRK)?
TransPRK is particularly well-suited for patients who are not ideal LASIK candidates:
- Thin corneas — no flap required, so less corneal tissue is consumed
- Dry eye tendency — surface ablation preserves more corneal nerves than LASIK
- Active lifestyle / contact sports — no flap means no risk of flap dislocation from impact
- Military / police / martial arts practitioners — approved for high-impact activities post-recovery
- High prescription — works for myopia up to approximately -10D (depending on corneal thickness)
- Previous eye surgery — surface approach is often safer for previously operated eyes
Q. What happens during the TransPRK procedure?
The entire procedure takes about 10–15 minutes per eye. First, numbing eye drops are applied — no injections needed. The SCHWIND AMARIS or equivalent excimer laser then removes the epithelium and reshapes the cornea in a single, automated step. A soft bandage contact lens is placed afterward to protect the eye during healing. There is no blade, no flap, and no sutures.
Day 1: Blurry vision, mild discomfort (managed with drops). Day 2: Most patients notice significant improvement. Day 3–5: Bandage lens removed; prescription stabilizes over 1–3 months.
Q. What is the recovery timeline after 2-Day LASEK?
🗓 Days 1–2
Mild discomfort, tearing. Bandage lens in place. Most patients rest at home. Eye drops every 2 hours.
🗓 Days 3–7
Bandage lens removed around day 4–5. Vision noticeably clearer. Return to desk work possible. Light sensitivity may persist.
🗓 Weeks 2–12
Vision gradually sharpens. Steroid drops tapered. Final prescription stabilizes around 1–3 months post-op.
From Dr. Daniel Baik, Ophthalmologist
I chose to specialize exclusively in TransPRK because it offers the broadest safety profile of any laser vision correction method. With no blade and no flap, the structural integrity of the cornea is fully preserved. For most of my patients — including athletes, people with dry eyes, and those with thinner corneas — 2-Day LASEK is the right answer. The recovery is fast, the results are durable, and the risk profile is excellent.
— Dr. Daniel Baik, Ophthalmologist & Director, Nunehim Eye Center
📍 Yeongdeungpo, Seoul | 🗣 Korean & English consultations available
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is TransPRK painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort (a foreign-body sensation) for the first 1–2 days, which is managed effectively with prescribed analgesic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. The procedure itself is painless due to numbing drops.
Q. How long does the full procedure take?
The laser treatment itself takes under 60 seconds per eye. Including preparation and post-op instruction, plan for about 2 hours total at the clinic on the day of surgery.
Q. Can I get TransPRK if I have astigmatism?
Yes. TransPRK treats myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism simultaneously. Dr. Daniel Baik will review your corneal topography and wavefront data to design a precise treatment plan.
Q. Is 2-Day LASEK available for both eyes on the same day?
Yes, at Nunehim Eye Center both eyes are typically treated on the same day. Dr. Baik will confirm suitability during your pre-operative consultation.
Q. How long do the results last?
For the vast majority of patients, the results are permanent. The cornea retains its new shape for life. Prescription changes after age 40 (presbyopia) are separate and not related to the surgery.
Q. Does Nunehim Eye Center offer consultations in English?
Yes. Dr. Daniel Baik conducts consultations in both Korean and English. The clinic also has English-speaking staff to assist with scheduling and paperwork.
Q. How do I book a consultation at Nunehim Eye Center in Seoul?
Contact Nunehim Eye Center (눈에힘안과) by phone or through their website at nunehim.com. The clinic is located in Yeongdeungpo-gu and is accessible from Gwanak, Guro, Gasan, and surrounding areas.
Ready to See Clearly — Without Glasses?
Book your 2-Day LASEK (TransPRK) consultation at Nunehim Eye Center in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. English consultations available with Dr. Daniel Baik.
🌐 nunehim.com | 📍 Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
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