Ophthalmology in Bundang

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Medically trained doctors who care for patients who have eye and vision conditions are called ophthalmologists and are the only practitioners diagnosed and trained to treat all eye and vision problems. Their practice is very diverse, dealing with a wide range of issues and clinical conditions. Some of the most common conditions that they treat and manage include:

• Minor and major eye injuries
• Infectious eye disease
• Dry eyes
• Proptosis (bulged eyes)
• Glaucoma 
• Cataracts 
• Corneal pathology 
• Retinal problems, such as bleeding and detachment or tears of the retina
• Squints 
• Eye-related neurological problems
• Excessive tearing
• Intraocular inflammation
• Chronic eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

An ophthalmologist can offer a wide range of medical services, including surgical eye procedures. Some of the most common procedures that ophthalmologists perform are as follows:

• Eye examinations.
• Specialized tests, such as ultrasonography of the eyes and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Refractive surgery to correct vision, such as LASIK.
• Cataract surgery.
• Glaucoma surgery.
• Cancer treatment.
• Reconstructive surgery to repair birth abnormalities or trauma, such as crossed eyes.
• Neoplasm removal.
• Corneal transplants.
• Repairing torn or detached retinas.
• Strabismus surgery.
• Oculoplastic surgery (plastic surgery around the eye).
• Prescribing and fitting glasses and contact lenses.

How Long Should I Stay in Bundang?

Your length of stay depends on the type of treatment you undergo. In general, you may need to stay in Bundang for at least a week or to let your eyes recover and to attend follow-up checkups, where your ophthalmologist checks your condition and make sure that your eyes are healing properly. If everything is fine, they will allow you to leave for home. However, for some surgery, such as retinal detachment surgery, you should avoid flying until your eyes have fully healed. Therefore, it is best that you wait 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes even longer, before you travel home.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery you underwent, your age, and overall health. It is generally recommended to rest your eyes for a few days. With LASIK, you may be able to return to work after a day. After a corneal transplant, you should wait for 2 to 3 weeks until you go back to work. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ophthalmologist will give you instructions to care for your eye after the procedure. It is crucial that you follow all of them to have a quick recovery and obtain optimum results. To keep the result or to prevent complications, you will need to make some lifestyle changes, such as avoid smoking and staying active. You also need to attend regular checkups, typically once a year, with your local eye doctor or your ophthalmologist in Bundang.

What's the Success Rate?

Thanks to the continuous advancement of ophthalmology, eye treatments, and surgeries are now highly successful and safe. For instance, the latest research of LASIK showed that it has a 99% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better, whereas the success rate of corneal transplant is as high as 90%. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and side effects of eye treatments and surgeries, such as dry eyes, temporary visual problems, overcorrections, under correction, astigmatism, regression, and, very rarely, vision loss.

Are there Alternatives?

For some eye problems, you may be able to go to an optometrist as an alternative. However, if your conditions need to be treated through surgery, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Ophthalmology in and around Bundang

About Bundang

Bundang was Korea’s first artificial city and was constructed in the early nineties. Its development had a dual purpose of fostering the middle class and expanding housing supply. Bundang is one of the top locations that international medical tourists choose when they wish to undergo any medical treatment in South Korea. Just like Soul, hospitals, and clinics in this city are equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals. The doctors who treat foreign patients are of unquestionable quality since doctors in the country go through a long training process to get their medical degree and until they are granted a medical license. Furthermore, the medical costs are quite affordable, allowing foreign patients to have treatments without breaking the bank,

Popular Parts of Bundang

The most popular part of Bundang is Central Park. It is a beautiful park with a stunning old Korean house, which is the last remaining house from the traditional village that once existed in the city during the Joseon era. Tancehon, the small river that runs through Bundang’s heart, is also popular. It is a good place to stroll around or cycle. Another popular area is Yuldong Park, where people can do bungee jumping. Those who love art should visit the Seongnam Art Center, which holds a lot of musicals and pop music concerts, as well as classical music in its opera house. 

Transport in Bundang

Since there is no international airport in Bundang, international visitors will arrive at Incheon International Airport, which serves flights to many cities around the world. From Incheon Airport, visitors can take the subway, bus, or taxi to get to Bundang. Inside the city, the most convenient mode of transport is the Bundang Subway Line. Buses are also available and are relatively affordable. Taxis are everywhere and are the most flexible option to get around, but some will only take you to certain areas.

Visas in Bundang

South Korea allows holders of passports issued by 112 countries, including the US, Russia, and all EU countries, to visit without a Korean visa for 30, 60, and 180 days. Citizens of other countries need to apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival to the country.

Weather in Bundang

Bundang experiences four seasons. June to August is the summer, which is typically hot, rainy, and humid. Autumn starts from September to late November and it has pleasant weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. The winter, from late November to March, can be freezing. Spring will bring warmer weather and more rainfall.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD converts to approx. 1,1254 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted in many restaurants, shops, and hotels. Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in some places. However, it is okay to tip porters and guides. 
3. Local Language:  The official language is Korean and the formal script is Hangul. English is common within tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Almost half of the population are not religious or follow indigenous religions. Christianity and Buddhism are two of the largest minor religions.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha among others.