Questions to Ask Before ICL Surgery in Busan, Korea

Choosing ICL surgery is a major decision, particularly if you are traveling to Busan, Korea, from another country for vision correction. Unlike LASIK or SMILE Pro, ICL is an intraocular procedure in which a lens is placed inside the eye. That means your consultation should cover more than the expected visual result.

A good ICL consultation should explain whether you are a suitable candidate, what type and size of lens you need, how the surgery will be performed, what risks apply to your eyes, how follow-up will work, and what happens if your vision or eye health changes later.

The FDA recommends that patients considering phakic intraocular lenses discuss candidacy, benefits, risks, alternatives, expectations, responsibilities, and costs with their surgeon before consenting to surgery.

For international patients, there are also practical questions that deserve attention. How long should you stay in Busan? When can you fly? What happens if you experience a problem after returning home? Will the clinic provide your medical records?

Asking the right questions before surgery can help you make a more informed decision and avoid choosing a clinic based only on price or advertising.

Why Asking Questions Before ICL Surgery Matters

ICL Is Different From Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK and SMILE Pro reshape the cornea. ICL works differently by placing a phakic lens inside the eye while the natural crystalline lens remains in place.

Because ICL is intraocular surgery, the evaluation needs to consider internal eye anatomy as well as your glasses prescription.

The FDA recommends an eye examination that can include measurements such as pupil size, anterior chamber depth, and endothelial cell count before phakic-lens implantation.

A Strong Prescription Does Not Automatically Mean You Need ICL

ICL is often discussed for patients with moderate-to-high myopia, but your prescription alone does not determine candidacy.

The surgeon should consider:

• Prescription stability
• Corneal condition
• Anterior chamber depth
• Endothelial cell health
• Eye pressure
• Retinal health
• Natural lens condition
• Pupil size
• Previous eye surgery
• General medical history
• Expectations and lifestyle

The goal should be to determine whether ICL is appropriate for your eyes—not simply whether a clinic offers the procedure.

Questions About ICL Candidacy

1. Am I Actually a Good Candidate for ICL?

This should be your first question.

Ask the ophthalmologist to explain exactly why you qualify—or why you do not.

A suitable candidate generally needs appropriate eye anatomy and ocular health. For EVO ICL, factors such as anterior chamber anatomy and adequate endothelial cell density are important.

Do not be satisfied with an answer such as, "Your prescription is suitable."

Your prescription is only one part of the assessment.

2. What Makes My Eyes Suitable for ICL?

Ask the surgeon to review your measurements with you.

Important measurements may include:

• Anterior chamber depth
• Anterior chamber angle
• Endothelial cell density
• Pupil size
• Corneal measurements
• Eye pressure
• Lens status
• Retinal findings

Understanding these results can make the consultation much more useful.

3. Is My Prescription Stable Enough?

Prescription stability is important before refractive surgery.

Ask:

"Has my prescription been stable long enough for ICL surgery?"

The FDA notes that refractive instability can make someone a poor candidate for phakic lenses.

If your prescription has changed significantly in recent months, the surgeon may recommend waiting rather than proceeding immediately.

Questions About the ICL Lens

4. Which ICL Model Will You Use?

Do not assume that every ICL is identical.

Ask:

• What lens model will I receive?
• Is it EVO ICL?
• Is it EVO Toric ICL if I have astigmatism?
• What is the lens power?
• Why is this lens appropriate for my eyes?

The EVO/EVO+ ICL and EVO TICL are designed to correct myopia, with the toric version also addressing astigmatism.

5. How Was My ICL Lens Size Selected?

Lens sizing is an important part of ICL planning.

Ask the surgeon:

"Which measurements were used to determine my ICL size?"

The clinic should be able to explain how your ocular anatomy was evaluated and why the selected lens size is appropriate.

Avoid choosing a clinic simply because it advertises a particular ICL brand.

The quality of the preoperative assessment and surgical planning matters enormously.

6. Do I Need a Toric ICL for Astigmatism?

If you have significant astigmatism, ask whether a toric ICL is appropriate.

Toric ICLs are designed to address myopia with astigmatism.

Ask:

• How much astigmatism do I have?
• Will the ICL correct most of it?
• How will the lens orientation be determined?
• What happens if the lens rotates?
• Could repositioning be necessary?

These questions are particularly useful if your goal is to reduce dependence on glasses as much as possible.

Questions About Your Eye Health

7. Is My Retina Healthy Enough for ICL Surgery?

This is particularly important for people with high myopia.

ICL can correct refractive error, but it does not reverse the structural changes associated with high myopia.

Ask whether you need:

• Dilated retinal examination
• Retinal imaging
• Evaluation for retinal tears
• Evaluation for retinal degeneration
• Additional retinal treatment before refractive surgery

If the surgeon identifies a retinal problem, ask whether it should be addressed before ICL.

8. Is My Natural Lens Healthy?

The natural crystalline lens remains inside the eye after ICL implantation.

Therefore, ask whether there are any early cataract or lens changes.

This becomes particularly important for patients in their 40s and beyond.

The FDA identifies cataract formation as one of the potential complications associated with phakic intraocular lenses.

9. Is My Endothelial Cell Count Healthy?

The corneal endothelium is a layer of cells on the inside surface of the cornea.

These cells help maintain corneal clarity.

Ask:

"What is my endothelial cell count, and is it healthy for my age?"

This is an important question because endothelial cells do not regenerate normally, and excessive loss can affect corneal clarity.

The FDA specifically includes endothelial-cell evaluation in the preoperative assessment for phakic-lens surgery.

Questions About Alternatives

10. Why Is ICL Better for Me Than LASIK or SMILE Pro?

Do not ask only whether ICL is possible.

Ask why it is preferable.

A good consultation should compare reasonable alternatives based on your eyes.

For example:

QuestionWhy It MattersWhy ICL instead of LASIK?Helps you understand corneal considerationsWhy ICL instead of SMILE Pro?Clarifies the surgeon's reasoningCould I have laser surgery?Shows whether ICL is actually necessaryWhat are the disadvantages of ICL?Encourages balanced decision-makingWhat happens if I choose no surgery?Gives you a realistic baseline

The FDA advises patients to discuss benefits, risks, and alternative options before deciding on phakic-lens surgery.

11. What Happens If I Am Not a Good ICL Candidate?

Ask this before traveling to Busan.

If testing shows that you are not suitable for ICL, what are your alternatives?

Depending on your eyes, alternatives may include:

• SMILE Pro
• LASIK
• PRK/LASEK
• Continued glasses
• Contact lenses
• Another lens-based procedure when medically appropriate

A reputable consultation should not treat ICL as the only possible solution.

Questions About ICL Risks

12. What Are My Personal Risks?

Every surgical procedure has risks, but the important question is how those risks relate to your eyes.

Potential complications of phakic IOL surgery include:

• Increased intraocular pressure
• Cataract
• Corneal endothelial cell loss
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Retinal detachment
• Glare or halos
• Lens repositioning, removal, or replacement
• Vision loss

The FDA specifically warns that phakic-lens surgery can cause serious complications, including vision loss and the need for additional surgery.

Ask the surgeon which complications are most relevant to your particular measurements.

13. Could I Need the ICL Repositioned or Removed?

ICL is designed to remain inside the eye, but additional surgery may sometimes be required.

Ask:

"Under what circumstances would you reposition, exchange, or remove the lens?"

The FDA's patient information specifically recommends discussing whether a phakic lens can be removed and what the risks of removal are.

This is an important long-term question.

14. What Are the Chances of Glare or Halos at Night?

Some patients experience glare or halos after ICL.

Pupil size and the relationship between the pupil and lens optic can influence nighttime visual symptoms. FDA materials identify glare and halos among potential visual symptoms following phakic-lens implantation.

If you frequently drive at night, work in low-light environments, or have demanding visual requirements, mention this during your consultation.

Questions About the Surgery

15. How Is My ICL Surgery Performed?

Ask the surgeon to explain the procedure in simple terms.

You can ask:

• How large is the incision?
• How long does surgery usually take?
• What type of anesthesia or sedation is used?
• Is an iridotomy required?
• Will both eyes be treated on the same day?
• What should I expect immediately afterward?

The FDA notes that the exact surgical process and anesthesia can vary between doctors and facilities.

16. Will Both Eyes Be Treated on the Same Day?

Some clinics may treat both eyes during the same visit, while others may separate the procedures.

Ask the surgeon what approach is recommended for you and why.

For an international patient, this can also affect your travel schedule.

Questions About Recovery

17. When Can I See Clearly After ICL?

Do not assume that everyone has the same recovery timeline.

Ask:

• What should my vision be like the day after surgery?
• When can I return to work?
• When can I exercise?
• When can I wash my face normally?
• When can I use eye makeup?
• When can I swim?
• When can I fly?

The FDA emphasizes that postoperative expectations vary depending on the patient, lens, facility, and surgical circumstances.

18. How Many Follow-Up Visits Do I Need?

Follow-up is not optional simply because your vision feels good.

Ask for the clinic's planned schedule before booking your trip.

You may need examinations to monitor:

• Eye pressure
• Inflammation
• Lens position
• Visual acuity
• Corneal health
• Overall healing

The FDA recommends that patients understand their follow-up responsibilities before surgery.

Questions for International Patients Visiting Busan

19. How Long Should I Stay in Busan After Surgery?

This is one of the most important questions for medical tourists.

Do not book a flight based solely on a clinic's statement that recovery is "fast."

Ask:

"What is the minimum recommended time between surgery and international air travel for my case?"

Also ask whether you need to return to the clinic immediately before departure.

20. What Happens If I Have a Problem After Returning Home?

Before surgery, ask the clinic:

• Who should I contact?
• Is there an emergency number?
• Can I communicate in English?
• Can you send my records to an ophthalmologist in my home country?
• What happens if I need additional treatment?
• Is postoperative care included in the quoted price?

These questions can be especially important when your surgeon is located in another country.

21. Will I Receive My Medical Records?

Ask for copies of:

• Preoperative measurements
• Prescription
• ICL model
• ICL power
• Surgical report
• Postoperative examination results
• Medication instructions

Keep these records permanently.

They may be useful if you see another ophthalmologist years later.

Questions About Contact Lenses Before Surgery

22. When Should I Stop Wearing Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses can temporarily alter measurements of the eye.

The exact time depends on the type of lens you wear.

FDA patient information for EVO ICL notes that patients may need to stop contact-lens wear before examination and surgery, with the patient labeling specifying a period of approximately 2–4 weeks in certain circumstances.

Ask your Busan clinic for specific instructions based on whether you wear:

• Soft lenses
• Toric soft lenses
• Rigid gas-permeable lenses
• Other specialty lenses

Do not decide the timing yourself.

Questions About Presbyopia and Age

23. Will I Still Need Reading Glasses After ICL?

This is particularly important if you are over 40.

ICL corrects refractive error but does not restore the natural lens's ability to accommodate.

Ask how your current age and near vision affect the expected outcome.

A patient can have excellent distance vision after ICL and still need reading glasses.

24. What Happens When I Develop Cataracts Later?

Your natural lens remains in place after ICL.

Ask the surgeon:

"If I develop a cataract years from now, what happens to my ICL?"

The FDA recommends discussing long-term considerations and possible additional surgery with your doctor.

This question is especially relevant for patients considering ICL in their 40s or 50s.

Questions About Cost

25. What Is Included in the ICL Price?

Do not compare Busan clinics based only on the headline price.

Ask whether the quoted amount includes:

• Initial examination
• Advanced diagnostic testing
• ICL lens
• Toric ICL if required
• Surgery
• Medication
• Postoperative examinations
• Additional consultations
• Enhancement or repositioning policies

26. Are There Additional Costs If I Need Another Procedure?

The FDA's patient checklist specifically recommends asking about additional costs if further procedures become necessary because of lens power, astigmatism, or other circumstances.

Get the clinic's policy in writing before surgery.

How to Evaluate an ICL Clinic in Busan

Look Beyond Marketing

When researching an eye clinic in Busan, consider whether it provides:

• Comprehensive preoperative testing
• Clear explanation of ICL candidacy
• Multiple treatment options
• Experienced ophthalmic surgeons
• Transparent pricing
• Detailed informed consent
• Postoperative monitoring
• International patient communication
• Emergency support
• Medical records for patients

The FDA advises patients to take enough time to consider the risks and benefits and not feel pressured into surgery.

Be Careful With Guaranteed Results

No responsible surgeon can guarantee a particular visual outcome for every patient.

Be cautious if marketing focuses entirely on:

• "Perfect vision"
• "Zero risk"
• "No complications"
• "Guaranteed 20/20"
• Extremely low prices
• Pressure to book surgery immediately

A trustworthy consultation should explain limitations as clearly as benefits.

A Simple ICL Consultation Checklist

Save These Questions Before Your Appointment

If you are visiting a Busan eye clinic, you can save this checklist on your phone:

1. Am I a good candidate for ICL?
2. Why is ICL recommended for my eyes?
3. Could I have SMILE Pro or LASIK instead?
4. Is my prescription stable?
5. What is my anterior chamber depth?
6. Is my endothelial cell count healthy?
7. Is my retina healthy?
8. Is my natural lens healthy?
9. Which ICL model will I receive?
10. How was my lens size selected?
11. Do I need a toric ICL?
12. What are my personal risks?
13. What are the chances of glare or halos?
14. Could the lens need repositioning or removal?
15. Will both eyes be treated together?
16. How quickly should my vision recover?
17. How many follow-up visits do I need?
18. When can I fly home?
19. What happens if I have a complication after returning home?
20. What is included in the total cost?

This list closely reflects the types of questions the FDA recommends patients discuss before phakic-lens surgery.

Conclusion

Choosing ICL surgery in Busan, Korea, should involve much more than asking about the price or the latest lens technology.

The most important question is whether ICL is appropriate for your individual eyes.

Before surgery, ask about your prescription stability, anterior chamber depth, endothelial cell count, retinal health, natural lens condition, lens size, potential complications, alternatives, recovery, and long-term follow-up.

If you are an international patient, also ask about how long you should remain in Busan, when you can safely travel, how postoperative care will work, and what happens if you develop a problem after returning home.

ICL can be an effective vision-correction option for appropriately selected patients, but it is still intraocular surgery and carries potential risks. The FDA specifically recommends understanding the benefits, risks, alternatives, responsibilities, and costs before giving informed consent.

A good consultation should leave you with more than a recommendation. You should understand why the procedure is being recommended, what alternatives exist, what the limitations are, and how your eye health will be monitored over time.

For patients considering ICL in Busan, asking the right questions is one of the simplest ways to make the decision more informed and better prepared.

FAQs About ICL Surgery in Busan, Korea

1. What should I ask before ICL surgery in Busan?

Ask whether you are a suitable candidate, why ICL is recommended, what your eye measurements show, which lens you will receive, what risks apply to you, what alternatives exist, how recovery will work, and what follow-up is required.

2. What tests are needed before ICL surgery?

Testing can include refraction, anterior chamber measurements, endothelial cell evaluation, pupil assessment, eye-pressure measurement, and a comprehensive eye-health examination. The exact tests depend on the lens and clinic.

3. How do I know if I am a good candidate for ICL?

Candidacy depends on more than your prescription. Stable refraction, appropriate eye anatomy, healthy endothelial cells, and overall ocular health are among the important considerations.

4. Should I ask about LASIK or SMILE Pro before choosing ICL?

Yes. Ask why ICL is recommended instead of laser vision correction and whether your cornea is suitable for alternatives. Understanding your options can help you avoid making a decision based on one procedure alone.

5. Can ICL be removed later?

ICL can be removed or exchanged when medically necessary, but removal is another intraocular procedure with its own risks. The FDA specifically recommends discussing the possibility and risks of removal with your surgeon.

6. Can I still need glasses after ICL?

Yes. Some patients may still need glasses for residual refractive error, specific activities, or near vision. Presbyopia can also cause reading-glass dependence as patients age.

7. What are the main risks of ICL surgery?

Potential complications include increased eye pressure, cataract, endothelial cell loss, inflammation, infection, retinal detachment, glare or halos, and the possibility of additional surgery.

8. How long should international patients stay in Busan after ICL?

The appropriate stay varies according to the patient's healing and the surgeon's follow-up plan. Ask the clinic for its recommended schedule before booking flights.

9. What should I do if I develop an eye problem after returning home?

Before leaving Korea, obtain your surgical records and ask the clinic for emergency contact information and instructions for communicating with an ophthalmologist in your home country.

10. Is the cheapest ICL clinic in Busan the best option?

Not necessarily. Compare diagnostic testing, surgeon experience, lens selection, postoperative care, communication, emergency support, and what is included in the total cost—not just the advertised surgery price.