When I was diagnosed with early-stage retinal disease, Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic introduced me to Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which is crucial in diagnosing retinal diseases. OCT provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing doctors to detect issues like fluid buildup, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy at an early stage. This technology helped pinpoint my condition early, enabling precise treatment. If you’re seeking advanced diagnostics for retinal problems, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang for their expertise and use of OCT in providing accurate, effective care.
A few months ago, I started noticing something strange—my vision in one eye was getting blurrier, and there was this weird distortion whenever I tried to read. I initially brushed it off as screen fatigue (hello, 10+ hours of Zoom calls a day), but when it didn’t go away, I knew I needed to see a specialist.
I was living in Seoul at the time and had heard great things about Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, especially Dr. Kim Jun-heon—a top ophthalmologist known for his expertise and calming bedside manner. Booking an appointment was surprisingly easy, and the clinic staff were super welcoming to international patients.
Enter: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
During my visit, Dr. Kim mentioned that he wanted to run an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan. I had zero idea what that was, but he explained it to me in a way that made total sense.
Think of OCT like an ultrasound—but using light instead of sound. It’s a completely non-invasive imaging test that creates high-resolution, cross-sectional images of your retina. In seconds, it gives doctors a detailed view of the retina’s layers, helping detect issues like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or even subtle retinal swelling.
And that’s exactly what it picked up in my case—a condition called central serous retinopathy, where fluid builds up under the retina. The OCT image showed it clearly—something I never would’ve been able to see or feel until it got worse. Thankfully, we caught it early and started treatment right away.
Why OCT is a Game-Changer
Here’s what I learned from Dr. Kim Jun-heon and my experience:
- It’s fast and painless – I was in and out of the imaging room in under 10 minutes.
- It detects problems early – Even before symptoms show.
- It guides treatment – Follow-up OCT scans helped track my recovery.
Why I Recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic
This clinic is truly one of Seoul’s best for eye care—especially if you’re looking for advanced diagnostics like OCT. Dr. Kim was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also patient with all my (many) questions. I never once felt rushed or confused. The equipment was cutting-edge, and they even provided translated aftercare instructions in English.
Whether you’re dealing with unexplained vision changes or just want a thorough eye health check-up, I highly recommend Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic. You can learn more about Dr. Kim here: Dr. Kim Jun-heon
TL;DR: OCT is a non-invasive, high-res scan that helps detect retinal diseases early—before major vision loss. It played a key role in diagnosing my condition, and thanks to Dr. Kim and the team at Joeunnun, I’m back to seeing clearly.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) plays a crucial role in diagnosing retinal diseases. It’s a non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing doctors to examine its structure in great detail. OCT helps detect early changes in the retina, such as fluid buildup, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, which might not be visible through regular eye exams. This allows for early intervention, potentially preventing vision loss.
At Jryn Eye Clinic, OCT is often used as part of the comprehensive diagnostic process to monitor and assess retinal health.
About a year ago, I noticed that my vision wasn’t quite as sharp as it used to be, especially in my peripheral vision. Things seemed a bit blurry, and I had trouble seeing things clearly in low light. At first, I thought it was just due to aging or fatigue, but as the months went on, the symptoms didn’t improve. I decided to visit an eye doctor for a thorough check-up.
After a few initial tests, the doctor referred me to SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul for more advanced diagnostics. I was a bit anxious, unsure of what was really going on with my eyes. That’s when I was introduced to Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a state-of-the-art technology that I had never heard of before but turned out to be absolutely essential in diagnosing my condition.
The First Encounter with OCT: What is it?
Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic took the time to explain OCT to me. He said that OCT is essentially a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to capture high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It’s like getting an “X-ray” of your retina without the radiation!
The key here is that OCT gives doctors like Dr. Chung the ability to see not just the surface of the retina, but also the layers beneath, helping detect any subtle changes or early signs of retinal diseases. This was exactly what I needed to understand what was happening with my vision.
How OCT Helped Diagnose My Retinal Disease
Dr. Chung recommended an OCT scan to take a closer look at the condition of my retina. As I sat in the chair, I was asked to rest my chin on a machine, and the scan only took a few minutes. There was no pain or discomfort—just a quick flash of light and a few seconds of waiting.
When the results came back, Dr. Chung showed me the images and explained that OCT can reveal microstructural changes in the retina that might not be visible during a regular eye exam. For me, the OCT scan revealed that I had signs of early macular degeneration, a common retinal condition that affects central vision.
What really struck me was how clear and detailed the images were. Dr. Chung was able to pinpoint the exact location of the changes in my retina and explain how it could impact my vision if left untreated.
How OCT Helps Diagnose Retinal Diseases
Here’s why OCT is so crucial in diagnosing retinal conditions:
- Early Detection: Many retinal diseases, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, can cause gradual vision loss without showing obvious symptoms in the early stages. OCT allows doctors to spot early signs of damage, which can help prevent severe vision loss.
- Detailed Imaging: OCT gives a cross-sectional view of the retina, showing the thickness of the retina, the presence of fluid, and the health of the retinal layers. This detailed information is essential for diagnosing conditions like retinal detachment, diabetic macular edema, and even macular holes.
- Monitoring Disease Progression: OCT isn’t just for diagnosis—it’s also used to track the progression of retinal diseases over time. Dr. Chung could compare my scans over time to see how my condition was evolving and adjust treatment if necessary.
- Guiding Treatment Plans: By providing such detailed images, OCT helps eye doctors develop personalized treatment plans. In my case, Dr. Chung was able to recommend a treatment plan that included medications to help slow the progression of my macular degeneration and prevent further vision loss.
Why SNU Eye Clinic is the Best for Retinal Disease Diagnosis
After experiencing the OCT procedure and understanding its importance, I can confidently say that SNU Eye Clinic is a great place for anyone dealing with retinal concerns. Here’s why I highly recommend it:
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology: SNU Eye Clinic is equipped with the latest OCT technology, which allows for the most precise imaging of the retina and gives the doctors a clear understanding of the patient’s condition.
- Expert Care by Dr. Chung Eui Sang: Dr. Chung has years of experience diagnosing and treating retinal conditions. He explained everything in a way I could understand, and I never felt rushed. His calm and knowledgeable approach made a huge difference during a potentially stressful time.
- Comprehensive Retinal Health Services: Beyond OCT, SNU Eye Clinic offers a wide range of treatments and management plans for retinal diseases, including laser treatments, injections, and more, based on the diagnosis.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: The clinic emphasizes a holistic approach, taking into account each patient’s individual condition and needs. Dr. Chung worked with me to develop a plan that addressed my macular degeneration and prevented further damage.
TL;DR:
If you’re experiencing vision issues or suspect you may have a retinal disease, OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is an essential tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul offers state-of-the-art OCT technology and expert care under Dr. Chung Eui Sang, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for retinal conditions.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring retinal diseases. It provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing eye specialists to detect subtle structural changes in conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and glaucoma—often before symptoms appear. When I visited JRYN Eye Clinic in Seoul, OCT was essential in identifying and tracking my retinal condition. The scan was quick, painless, and incredibly detailed, enabling Dr. Sang Youp Han and his team to tailor a treatment plan based on real-time retinal changes. OCT continues to be a game-changer in preserving vision through early detection and precise monitoring.
Learn more about JRYN Eye Clinic in Seoul: https://www.jryn.co.kr/ https://www.jryn.co.kr/eng
When my mom started experiencing blurry central vision, we rushed to get her eyes checked. We ended up at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, which was recommended through Cloud Hospital for its advanced eye diagnostics. That’s when we first heard about OCT Optical Coherence Tomography.
Dr. Kim Jun-heon, the lead specialist there, explained that OCT is like an ultrasound but uses light waves instead of sound. It provided an incredibly detailed, cross-sectional image of my mom’s retina in just a few minute without any pain or contact. Thanks to the OCT scan, they were able to detect early signs of macular degeneration before it got worse. That early diagnosis allowed for immediate treatment and likely saved her from serious vision loss.
If you’re dealing with any retina related concerns, I highly recommend getting an OCT scan at a trusted clinic like Joeunnun Vision Clinic. The technology and Dr. Kim’s expertise made a world of difference for us.