2026-09-17
Chuseok ICL Surgery: Why You Must Get Examined in Advance to Secure Your Preferred Date
Book your Chuseok ICL surgery early. Learn why pre-examinations, lens sizing, vaulting evaluation, and follow-up schedules are essential before the holiday.
From Pre-booking Chuseok Phakic IOL Surgery to Same-Day ICL Preparation
Hello, this is Gangnam Eyereum Eye Clinic.
If you are planning to undergo ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery during the Chuseok holiday, it is crucial to undergo a thorough pre-operative examination beforehand rather than simply picking a surgery date.
This is because the lens power and size tailored to your eyes are determined based on comprehensive examination results. In the presence of astigmatism, the astigmatism axis for a Toric ICL must also be taken into consideration.
Therefore, if you have a specific schedule in mind—such as "I must have surgery during the Chuseok holiday"—we strongly recommend undergoing examinations beforehand to confirm the appropriate lenses and check surgical availability, rather than inquiring right before the holidays.
Why Is a Prior Examination Necessary for Chuseok ICL Surgery?
In short: because the right lens for your eye can only be selected after a detailed examination.
An ICL is not like glasses, where only the prescription power matters. After accurately analyzing the internal ocular structure, the lens power and size are determined. Furthermore, vaulting—the distance between the ICL and the natural crystalline lens—must be carefully monitored after surgery.
For patients with astigmatism, both the astigmatism axis of the Toric ICL and its post-operative rotational stability must be considered. Thus, if you have a specific desired surgery date during the Chuseok holiday, it is best to undergo a precision examination in advance to confirm the appropriate lens for your eye and ensure surgery is possible on your preferred date.
Notice on Chuseok ICL Surgery
Why Does the Surgeon's Experience Matter in ICL Surgery?
In ICL surgery, the lens power and size must be calculated based on comprehensive test results, and the astigmatism axis must be factored in for Toric ICLs.
For this reason, when choosing a clinic for phakic IOL surgery, patients often evaluate not only the facility but also the surgeon's clinical expertise and research history related to ICL.
Dr. David Jin-young Choi, Chief Medical Director of Eyereum Eye Clinic, has performed more than 12,000 ICL surgeries individually as of 2026, and consistently conducts clinical studies on ICL sizing, vaulting, and Toric ICLs.
About Dr. David Jin-young Choi
I Don't Have Much Time Before Chuseok. Is Same-Day ICL Exam & Surgery Possible?
If the results of your comprehensive examination confirm that you are a suitable candidate, both the examination and the ICL surgery can be performed on the same day.
However, this does not mean you can simply walk into the clinic and undergo surgery immediately. Preparations prior to your visit—such as discontinuing contact lenses in advance for accurate measurements—are essential. The final decision regarding same-day surgery eligibility is made following the tests and a consultation with the medical staff.
Checklist for Same-Day ICL Examination & Surgery
• Expected time: approx. 2 to 2.5 hours for examination; approx. 4 to 5 hours until surgery
• Discontinue soft lenses for at least 5 days
• Discontinue hard lenses for at least 7 days
• Refrain from alcohol starting the day before surgery
• Bring the glasses you usually wear
• Avoid using perfume or hairspray on surgery day
• Do not drive yourself after the exam and surgery
• Bring a hat or sunglasses for your journey home
A follow-up appointment is required 1 to 2 days after surgery.
Therefore, if you plan to travel or visit your hometown immediately following your surgery during Chuseok, please let us know during booking so that your post-operative checkups can be scheduled accordingly.
※ Eligibility for same-day surgery is finalized after the precision examination and medical consultation.
Are Regular Follow-Ups Required After ICL Surgery?
Yes. Regular follow-up care is essential after ICL surgery.
Post-operative checkups monitor not only visual acuity, but also vaulting, endothelial cell density, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the condition of the crystalline lens.
In a 10-year follow-up study on V4c ICL co-authored by Dr. David Jin-young Choi of Eyereum Eye Clinic as co-first author, long-term visual acuity was tracked alongside changes in endothelial cells and vaulting.
During the observation period of that study, no cases of cataract development, angle closure, glaucoma, or ICL explantation were observed. It also emphasized that continuous post-operative monitoring is necessary, as endothelial cells and vaulting can change over time.
Read About the 10-Year Follow-up Study on V4c ICL
Chuseok ICL Surgery FAQ
Q. I want to have ICL surgery during Chuseok. When should I get examined?
A. If you have a specific date in mind, it is best to undergo a precision examination well in advance rather than immediately before the holiday, allowing you to confirm lens suitability and schedule availability.
Q. Can I have both the examination and ICL surgery on the same day?
A. If your examination confirms you are eligible for same-day surgery, both can be completed in one day. However, final confirmation depends on the examination results and consultation with your surgeon.
Q. Do I need to remove my contact lenses prior to the examination?
A. Yes. Soft lenses must be discontinued for at least 5 days and hard lenses for at least 7 days before examination.
Q. Can I travel immediately after ICL surgery?
A. Because a post-operative checkup is required 1 to 2 days after surgery, you should consult with us beforehand to align your travel or holiday plans with your follow-up schedule.
Q. What is checked during post-operative ICL checkups?
A. In addition to vision tests, we regularly evaluate lens vaulting, corneal endothelial cell counts, intraocular pressure, and crystalline lens health.
Planning for Chuseok ICL? Prepare in Advance
Patients during the Chuseok holiday often have very specific surgery dates in mind.
ICL surgery requires an essential planning phase: determining the lens power, size, astigmatic correction, and overall ocular anatomy through comprehensive precision testing.
Especially if you have holiday travel or hometown visits planned right after, we advise reserving your appointment by factoring in both the surgery date and post-operative follow-up visits.
Gangnam Eyereum Eye Clinic
Direct underground connection via Gangnam Station Exit 2 (Line 2 & Shinbundang Line)
6th & 7th Floors, Gangnam Center Building, 388 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Inquire About Chuseok ICL Examination & Surgery Schedules
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I get examined if I want ICL surgery during the Chuseok holiday?
It is recommended to undergo precision testing well in advance rather than right before the holiday. Since ICL requires custom lens sizing and power based on your ocular anatomy, pre-testing is necessary to confirm lens availability and surgical dates.
Can I complete both the ICL exam and surgery in a single day?
Yes, same-day surgery is possible depending on your examination results. However, prior preparation like stopping contact lens wear is required, and final approval is determined after in-depth clinical consultation.
Do I have to discontinue wearing contact lenses before the ICL exam?
Yes, you must stop wearing lenses beforehand. For accurate ocular measurement and prescription determination, soft lenses must be removed for at least 5 days and hard lenses for at least 7 days before your visit.
Can I travel or visit family right after ICL surgery?
No, you need a follow-up examination 1 to 2 days after surgery. If you have travel plans, coordinate with your clinic during the reservation process to schedule post-op checkups properly.
What is evaluated during post-operative ICL checkups?
In addition to visual acuity, doctors evaluate lens vaulting, corneal endothelial cell counts, intraocular pressure, and crystalline lens health to ensure long-term safety and stability.