I’ve had Type 2 diabetes for over a decade, and for the longest time, I thought my eyes were fine. Sure, I had some blurry vision here and there, but I blamed it on too much screen time. Then, one day, I woke up, and my right eye was way blurrier than usual—like someone had smudged my vision with Vaseline.
I went to a local optometrist who told me, “You need to see a retina specialist ASAP.” Panic mode activated.
Finding the Right Clinic in Korea
I wasn’t about to gamble with my vision, so I started looking for the best eye specialists in Korea. After a ton of research and reading reviews, I found SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang (Check him out here).
My Treatment Plan at SNU Eye Clinic
Dr. Chung was super thorough—he explained everything in detail, which helped calm my nerves. Here’s what the process looked like:
Diagnosis & Testing – They did a retinal scan + fluorescein angiography to check how bad the damage was. Turned out, I had moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with some fluid leakage. Not great, but treatable.
Anti-VEGF Injections – I needed intravitreal injections (yes, a needle in the eye ) to reduce the swelling and prevent further damage. Sounds horrifying, but it was quick and painless. They numbed my eye, and the whole thing took less than 10 minutes.
Laser Treatment (Photocoagulation) – Since I had some leaky blood vessels, I also did a laser treatment to seal them off. It was weird but not painful—just flashes of light.
Recovery & Results
Week 1 – Vision was still blurry for a few days post-injection, but no major pain.
Month 1-2 – Vision significantly improved—the haziness was gone, and I could read + work on my laptop without straining.
6 Months Later – Still getting regular check-ups, but my vision has stabilized, and the swelling is under control. No more progression!
Why I Recommend SNU Eye Clinic
Top Retina Specialist – Dr. Chung knows his stuff and takes time to explain everything. No rushing, no unnecessary procedures.
Cutting-Edge Treatment – They offer the latest anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and even vitrectomy if needed.
Great for International Patients – English-speaking staff, easy appointment booking, and world-class care at a fraction of Western prices.
**Cost Breakdown **
Consultation + Testing – ~300,000 KRW ($230 USD)
Anti-VEGF Injection – ~1.2M - 2M KRW ($900 - $1,500 USD) per shot
Laser Treatment – ~500,000 KRW ($380 USD)
Final Thoughts?
If you’re dealing with diabetic retinopathy in Korea, don’t wait—go see a specialist ASAP. I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic & Dr. Chung Eui Sang. My vision isn’t just saved—it’s actually better than it was before treatment. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to ask—I was freaked out at first too!