Let me tell you what I wish someone had told me earlier: eye floaters are a LOT more disruptive than people give them credit for. I used to think they were just a normal part of aging — little gray squiggles dancing around your vision when you look at the sky. Annoying? Yes. But surgery? That sounded extreme.
Well, spoiler alert — I ended up going through with surgical floater removal in Korea, and I don’t regret it for a second. Here’s how it went, what it cost, and why I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang.
My Floater Frustration Story
I’m a digital artist, so precision and clarity are everything. A couple of years ago, I noticed a “blob” in my vision that wouldn’t go away. It wasn’t just a floater — it was smack in the center of my dominant eye. I waited it out for months. Eye drops didn’t help. I tried ignoring it. Nothing worked.
Eventually, I got referred to a retina specialist in Korea, and that’s when I learned I had a vitreous opacity that was unlikely to resolve on its own. That’s when I found SNU Eye Clinic through some expat recommendations.
Meeting Dr. Chung Eui Sang
I ended up scheduling a consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang (here’s his profile), and honestly, it was the first time I felt truly heard by an eye doctor.
He examined my eyes using incredibly high-resolution scans and walked me through my options with no pressure. He explained the difference between:
- Laser vitreolysis (non-invasive, but not ideal for dense floaters like mine)
- Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) — a surgical option where the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a saline solution
Because of the floater’s position and density, Dr. Chung recommended a limited vitrectomy, which is less invasive and targets the affected area only. He was honest about the risks (infection, retinal detachment, etc.), but also about the likelihood of success — which, in his hands, is quite high.
Cost Breakdown (As of 2025)
Prices can vary depending on your condition, but here’s a general estimate based on my case at SNU Eye Clinic:
- Consultation & eye scans: ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 KRW (~$110 – $220 USD)
- Surgical floater removal (partial vitrectomy): ₩3.5 million – ₩5 million KRW (~$2,600 – $3,800 USD)
- Post-op medications & follow-ups: ₩300,000 – ₩600,000 KRW (~$220 – $450 USD)
Note: The price may vary if you have insurance, or if you’re eligible for national health coverage.
Results & Recovery
The surgery was surprisingly smooth. Dr. Chung used a local anesthetic (no general anesthesia needed), and the entire procedure took under an hour. I went home the same day.
There was a bit of redness and sensitivity for a few days, but the floater was gone. Just gone. My vision has been clear ever since — and as someone who stares at pixels for a living, that’s priceless.
Why I Recommend SNU Eye Clinic
If you’re considering surgical floater removal in Korea, SNU Eye Clinic is the gold standard.
And Dr. Chung Eui Sang is not only one of the most skilled retina specialists in Korea — he’s also one of the most compassionate.
They don’t rush you, they don’t oversell you, and they genuinely care about the outcome.
Final Thoughts
I know eye floater surgery isn’t something people talk about casually — but if it’s affecting your daily life, don’t let anyone minimize it. There are safe, effective solutions out there.
If you’re based in Korea — or considering traveling here for treatment — SNU Eye Clinic should be at the top of your list.
Feel free to message me if you want to know more about recovery, costs, or how to book an English-friendly appointment. Happy to help
— Alex