Table of contents

• Strabismus Surgery: What You Need to Know
• Best Clinics in Korea for Diplopia
• Strabismus Surgery in South Korea for Medical Tourists
• Strabismus Surgery Costs: South Korea vs. The World
• After Strabismus Surgery: What to Expect
• Conclusion
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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Diplopia, better known as double vision or "seeing double," is a visual problem where you perceive two separate images of a single object. This issue differs from blurry vision in that the two images are distinct and separated, not just out of focus. These may appear side by side (horizontal diplopia), stacked (vertical), or both (diagonal/oblique). Double vision can impact everyday activities like reading and driving, making life less safe and convenient. Recognizing symptoms early and getting medical advice quickly is key to managing this condition.

Types of Diplopia: Monocular vs. Binocular

When someone reports double vision, eye care professionals first determine whether it's monocular or binocular, as this is vital for diagnosis.

Monocular Diplopia continues even when one eye is closed. It's almost always an eye (ophthalmological) issue:

• Cataracts (clouded lenses),
• Corneal Surface Abnormalities like uncorrected astigmatism or keratoconus,
• Dry Eye due to insufficient tear production,
• Retinal Abnormalities (for example, from macular degeneration),
• Rarely, Cortical Polyopia from brain lesions.

Binocular Diplopia is present only when both eyes are open and goes away if either eye is closed. This tends to be more concerning, pointing to misalignment between the eyes or issues tied to the brain, nerves, or eye muscles.

This initial sorting offers valuable diagnostic clues. If double vision persists with one eye closed (monocular), the cause is likely within the eye and usually less urgent. If it resolves (binocular), a problem with eye coordination or neurological function may be present, warranting prompt medical attention.

Common Causes and Associated Symptoms

Diplopia stems from various sources, from simple eye complaints to more serious neurological or systemic diseases.

Causes of Binocular Diplopia can include:

• Ocular Misalignment (Strabismus): Eyes point in different directions due to muscle or nerve abnormalities.
• Neurological Conditions: These may affect the nerves and muscles controlling the eyes, such as:
  • Third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerve palsies,
  • Myasthenia gravis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), strokes, brain aneurysms, and thyroid disease,
  • Lesions in nerve pathways coordinating eye movement.
• Mechanical Causes: Physical injuries like orbital fractures or problems in the eye socket that interfere with eye movement.
• Other Causes: Decompensation of hidden eye misalignments, microvascular problems, cancer metastasis, or post-surgical complications.

Symptoms can be accompanied by headaches, nausea, dizziness, and eye pain when moving the eyes. Signs include squinting, covering one eye, abnormal head positions, or looking sideways at objects. Diplopia is a symptom of something deeper and never just an isolated eye problem—seek professional assessment promptly to rule out more serious causes.

Table 1: Common Causes of Diplopia

Type of Diplopia	Main System	Specific Causes/Conditions
Monocular	Eye Structures	Cataracts, Astigmatism, Dry Eye, Keratoconus, Retinal Abnormalities
Monocular	Neurological (Rare)	Cortical Polyopia
Binocular	Eye Alignment	Strabismus
Binocular	Neurological	Cranial Nerve Palsies, Myasthenia Gravis, MS, Strokes, Brain Aneurysms, Lesions
Binocular	Systemic	Diabetes, Thyroid disease, Cancer
Binocular	Mechanical	Orbital fractures, Lesions from trauma
Binocular	Other	Decompensated Heterophoria, Microvascular issues, Post-surgical complications

Strabismus Surgery: What You Need to Know

Strabismus describes eyes that are not properly aligned—turning in, out, up, or down. Strabismus surgery is performed to correct this, with the primary aim of restoring normal alignment rather than just improving appearance.

What is Strabismus and Why Have Surgery?

Restoring normal eye alignment helps the eyes work together, leading to better vision in both eyes, improved depth perception, a larger field of view, and, frequently, eliminating double vision. Early correction, especially in children, can also have big sensory and developmental benefits.

Strabismus surgery offers not only functional but aesthetic and psychological improvements. Straightening the eyes can boost self-esteem, enhance social interactions, and eliminate abnormal head postures caused by trying to compensate for double vision.

Strabismus Surgery Techniques

This procedure involves finely adjusting one or more of the six muscles that move each eye. Surgeons access these muscles via a small cut in the thin covering of the eye (conjunctiva). The eye itself stays in the socket at all times.

The main surgical techniques are:

• Recession: Moving a muscle attachment backward on the eye to weaken it, letting the eye turn in the opposite direction.
• Resection/Plication: Shortening a muscle to strengthen its pull. Resection involves removing a section, while plication folds and tacks the muscle without removing tissue.
• Adjustable Suture Technique: Especially for adults, surgeons can tie a temporary, adjustable knot—post-surgery alignment can be fine-tuned while the patient is awake, for extra precision.

Understanding these basics helps demystify the procedure and ease patient concerns.

Anesthesia and Recovery

Most children have general anesthesia; adults may have general or local anesthesia with sedation. Surgery takes 1 to 3 hours, based on the number of muscles involved.

Strabismus surgery is usually outpatient, with patients returning home the same day. Common after-effects include red eyes and scratchiness, both resolving within weeks. Almost all patients experience temporary double vision as their brain adapts to improved eye alignment, with symptoms improving over 1–3 weeks. Eye drops or ointments are routinely used after surgery, and several follow-up visits are key for monitoring progress.

Best Clinics in Korea for Diplopia

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for diplopia:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Website	Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic, located at Gangnam Station, is a comprehensive eye center known for highly professional medical experts and advanced technology. The clinic offers a full spectrum of services—SMILE LASIK, LASIK/LASEK, presbyopia and cataract treatment, intraocular lens insertion, dry eye treatment, Dream Lens (orthokeratology), and re-calibration surgery—delivered through a 1:1 personalized model in which the same doctor conducts your exam, performs your surgery, and oversees your recovery. With an in-house diagnostic system, a patented Miracle Formula for precise lens power calculation, and a dedicated International Patient Team, the clinic streamlines care for both local and overseas patients while prioritizing accuracy, safety, and comfort. - Why it stands out for patients with diplopia - 1:1 Personalized Care: Tailored consultations and customized surgical plans, with one accountable surgeon guiding evaluation, treatment, and recovery—crucial for nuanced binocular symptoms like diplopia and for preventing postoperative double vision. - One-Day System: Comprehensive in-house diagnostics help rapidly identify refractive or cataract-related contributors to diplopia; when indicated, diagnosis and surgery can be completed on the same day for swift relief without compromising precision. - Miracle Formula accuracy: Patented lens power calculation helps minimize anisometropia or lens power mismatch, reducing a common source of double vision after cataract or lens procedures. - Ambidextrous surgeons: Equal precision in both eyes supports symmetry in bilateral procedures and minimizes contact with the nasal bridge, enhancing safety, comfort, and stable binocular vision. - Advanced treatment portfolio: Vision correction, presbyopia-cataract care, intraocular lens insertion, and re-calibration surgery address frequent causes of double vision tied to refractive imbalance or lens opacity, while allowing fine-tuning when prior corrections need adjustment. - International Patient Team: Dedicated support ensures consistent quality, clear communication, and coordinated aftercare for patients traveling to Korea. - Convenient access: Gangnam Station location enables efficient, same-day pathways from testing to treatment.	- 1:1 personalized model (same doctor conducts exam, surgery, and recovery) - In-house diagnostic system - Miracle Formula for precise lens power calculation - Dream Lens (orthokeratology) - Re-calibration surgery
BnVIIT Eye Clinic Website	BnVIIT Eye Clinic (B&VIIT Eye Center) is a premier ophthalmology clinic in Gangnam, Korea, with over 30 years of experience and 550,000 successful eye surgeries. Renowned for its cutting-edge A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System and a comprehensive range of vision correction options, the clinic is a leading choice for patients with diplopia related to refractive error, corneal irregularities, or cataracts—offering precise diagnostics, individualized planning, and tailored procedures aimed at restoring clear, single vision. - Depth of experience: 30+ years and 550,000 successful surgeries inspire confidence for complex visual complaints. - Predictive precision: The A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System helps optimize outcomes and reduce residual visual disturbances. - Full spectrum of options: From laser reshaping to premium lens solutions, the clinic can address many refractive and lens-related causes of double vision. - Tailored planning: Customizing options align treatments with each patient’s visual needs and lifestyle.	- SMILE - All-laser LASIK - All-laser LASEK (PRK) - PIOL (Phakic Intraocular Lenses) - Cataract surgery - Ortho-K (Dream Lens) - Tailored treatments and customized planning
Bright Eye Clinic Website	Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam is a leading choice for patients with diplopia because it combines meticulous diagnostics with advanced surgical options that address common ocular causes of double vision, all delivered with world-class technology and expertise. Comprehensive pre-surgery exams precisely evaluate whether refractive irregularities or cataracts are contributing to double vision, and the clinic offers a full range of corrective procedures to optimize visual clarity: SMILE Pro using the VisuMax 800 for ultra-fast, minimally invasive corneal reshaping; SMILE LASIK, LASIK, and LASEK to refine corneal optics with minimal discomfort and quick recovery; and cataract removal with the Lumera 700 microscope followed by individualized premium IOL implantation to restore stable, clear images. Backed by experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, Bright Eye Clinic attracts patients from around the world for exceptional eye care and high-quality outcomes, making it a standout destination in Korea for diplopia related to refractive or lens-based issues.	- Combines meticulous diagnostics with advanced surgical options addressing ocular causes of double vision - Comprehensive pre-surgery exams to evaluate refractive irregularities or cataracts contributing to double vision - SMILE Pro using the VisuMax 800 for ultra-fast, minimally invasive corneal reshaping - SMILE LASIK, LASIK, and LASEK to refine corneal optics with minimal discomfort and quick recovery - Cataract removal with Lumera 700 microscope followed by individualized premium IOL implantation - Backed by experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment - Attracts patients from around the world for exceptional eye care and high-quality outcomes - Standout destination in Korea for diplopia related to refractive or lens-based issues

Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic

Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic, located at Gangnam Station, is a comprehensive eye center known for highly professional medical experts and advanced technology. The clinic offers a full spectrum of services—SMILE LASIK, LASIK/LASEK, presbyopia and cataract treatment, intraocular lens insertion, dry eye treatment, Dream Lens (orthokeratology), and re-calibration surgery—delivered through a 1:1 personalized model in which the same doctor conducts your exam, performs your surgery, and oversees your recovery. With an in-house diagnostic system, a patented Miracle Formula for precise lens power calculation, and a dedicated International Patient Team, the clinic streamlines care for both local and overseas patients while prioritizing accuracy, safety, and comfort.

• Why it stands out for patients with diplopia
  • 1:1 Personalized Care: Tailored consultations and customized surgical plans, with one accountable surgeon guiding evaluation, treatment, and recovery—crucial for nuanced binocular symptoms like diplopia and for preventing postoperative double vision.
  • One-Day System: Comprehensive in-house diagnostics help rapidly identify refractive or cataract-related contributors to diplopia; when indicated, diagnosis and surgery can be completed on the same day for swift relief without compromising precision.
  • Miracle Formula accuracy: Patented lens power calculation helps minimize anisometropia or lens power mismatch, reducing a common source of double vision after cataract or lens procedures.
  • Ambidextrous surgeons: Equal precision in both eyes supports symmetry in bilateral procedures and minimizes contact with the nasal bridge, enhancing safety, comfort, and stable binocular vision.
  • Advanced treatment portfolio: Vision correction, presbyopia-cataract care, intraocular lens insertion, and re-calibration surgery address frequent causes of double vision tied to refractive imbalance or lens opacity, while allowing fine-tuning when prior corrections need adjustment.
  • International Patient Team: Dedicated support ensures consistent quality, clear communication, and coordinated aftercare for patients traveling to Korea.
  • Convenient access: Gangnam Station location enables efficient, same-day pathways from testing to treatment.

You can check out their website here: Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Website

BnVIIT Eye Clinic

BnVIIT Eye Clinic (B&VIIT Eye Center) is a premier ophthalmology clinic in Gangnam, Korea, with over 30 years of experience and 550,000 successful eye surgeries. Renowned for its cutting-edge A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System and a comprehensive range of vision correction options, the clinic is a leading choice for patients with diplopia related to refractive error, corneal irregularities, or cataracts—offering precise diagnostics, individualized planning, and tailored procedures aimed at restoring clear, single vision.

• Why it stands out for diplopia care

  • Depth of experience: 30+ years and 550,000 successful surgeries inspire confidence for complex visual complaints.
  • Predictive precision: The A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System helps optimize outcomes and reduce residual visual disturbances.
  • Full spectrum of options: From laser reshaping to premium lens solutions, the clinic can address many refractive and lens-related causes of double vision.
  • Tailored planning: Customizing options align treatments with each patient’s visual needs and lifestyle.

• Refractive surgery

  • SMILE: A minimally invasive laser procedure that creates and removes a small, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue through a tiny incision to correct vision.
  • All-laser LASIK: Laser reshaping of the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
  • All-laser LASEK (PRK): Laser reshaping of the corneal surface after removing the thin outer layer; ideal for thinner corneas.

• Implantable lenses

  • PIOL (Phakic Intraocular Lenses): Lenses implanted in front of the natural lens, beneficial for high refractive errors not suitable for laser procedures.

• Cataract surgery

  • Cataracts: Surgical removal of the cloudy lens, typically replaced with an artificial intraocular lens to restore clear vision.

• Orthokeratology

  • Ortho-K (Dream Lens): Overnight contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts.

• Customizing options

  • Tailored treatments and procedures designed to meet each patient’s specific visual needs and lifestyle for optimal results and satisfaction.

Find more about this clinic here: BnVIIT Eye Clinic Website

Bright Eye Clinic

Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam is a leading choice for patients with diplopia because it combines meticulous diagnostics with advanced surgical options that address common ocular causes of double vision, all delivered with world-class technology and expertise. Comprehensive pre-surgery exams precisely evaluate whether refractive irregularities or cataracts are contributing to double vision, and the clinic offers a full range of corrective procedures to optimize visual clarity: SMILE Pro using the VisuMax 800 for ultra-fast, minimally invasive corneal reshaping; SMILE LASIK, LASIK, and LASEK to refine corneal optics with minimal discomfort and quick recovery; and cataract removal with the Lumera 700 microscope followed by individualized premium IOL implantation to restore stable, clear images. Backed by experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, Bright Eye Clinic attracts patients from around the world for exceptional eye care and high-quality outcomes, making it a standout destination in Korea for diplopia related to refractive or lens-based issues.

Find more about this clinic here: Bright Eye Clinic Website

Strabismus Surgery in South Korea for Medical Tourists

South Korea has become a hotspot for high-quality, competitively priced strabismus surgery, making it a top destination for medical tourism. For those considering international care, understanding the process is essential.

Typical Medical Tourism Journey

• Initial Consultation: Potential patients connect with their chosen clinic online, provide their medical history, and get a tailored treatment plan. Medical tourism facilitators like Bookimed help streamline this process.
• Travel Arrangements: After agreeing on a clinic and date, patients secure travel and accommodation. A 7- to 14-day stay is generally recommended, covering both before and after the operation, and a deposit is usually required upfront.
• Arrival and Pre-Op: Patients receive airport transfers (often via the clinic/facilitator), meet their coordinator, and undergo a series of eye exams, vision tests, and consultations with both the ophthalmologist and anesthesiologist.
• Surgery Day: Strabismus surgery is performed, often under general anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours.
• Early Recovery: Patients are monitored, undergo an initial follow-up, and receive guidance on exercises and aftercare.
• Ongoing Recovery: Eye exercises continue, with full recovery usually within weeks, and a final doctor’s visit marks the end of the official process.

Helpful Tips for International Patients

• Needed Documents: Bring all relevant IDs, medical records, evidence of funds and insurance, visa and travel bookings, and a letter from your doctor about your diagnosis.
• Stay Duration: Plan to remain in South Korea for at least 7 (ideally 14) days to complete all assessments, the procedure, and early recovery.
• Support Services: Leading clinics offer language support and personal coordinators, greatly easing communication and logistics.

Strabismus Surgery Costs: South Korea vs. The World

For medical tourists, cost is a major consideration. Prices for strabismus surgery vary widely, depending on case complexity, the clinic, and the surgeon’s experience.

Typical South Korean Pricing

• The Korea Clinic Guide suggests $1,500–$3,500 USD; vision correction procedures are $2,064–$3,440.
• Bookimed cites prices "from $900", or "from $5,000" for surgery, with Seoul averages around $3,600 USD.

Main cost factors are surgeon/clinic reputation, complexity (how many muscles are moved), and extra options like adjustable sutures. South Korea’s large volume of procedures also allows for competitive rates.

What’s Usually Included (and What’s Not)

Included:

• Pre-surgical exams and consultations,
• The procedure and anesthesia,
• Immediate aftercare and follow-up,
• Some support services (transfers, translation).

Not Included:

• International flights,
• Accommodation, unless bundled in a premium package,
• Daily living costs,
• Costs from unforeseen complications or later surgeries,
• Upfront deposit for booking.

Ask for a detailed, personalized quote from your clinic to know the exact breakdown.

Table 2: Strabismus Surgery Cost Comparison

Country	Cost Range (USD)	Notes
South Korea	$1,500–$5,000 (avg ~$3,600)	High tech, strong support
India	$462–$2,000	Affordable, often includes extras
Turkey	$1,000–$5,000 (avg ~$2,615)	Many all-inclusive packages
Thailand	$1,919–$4,000	Affordable, but extras may cost more
USA	$5,000–$10,000	Highest price bracket
Singapore	$2,900–$5,800	Premium, advanced care
Mexico	$3,000–$5,000	Popular North American option
Australia	$6,000–$9,000	Comparable to other Western nations
Others	$713–$5,296	Widely varying by country

Note: Most prices exclude flights and hotels unless stated otherwise.

After Strabismus Surgery: What to Expect

Knowing what the recovery phase looks like helps patients set realistic expectations and get the most from their surgical outcome.

Vision and Diplopia Improvement

Resolving diplopia is a core goal for most patients. The surgery usually restores depth perception, eye teaming, and expands the visual field, often leading to a sharp reduction in double vision over time.

Temporary Double Vision and Brain Adaptation

Right after surgery, it’s very normal to have persistent double vision—sometimes described as intense or "terrible." This happens as the brain recalibrates to the new eye alignment. For most people, this improves over several weeks, with complete resolution for many by 2–3 months.

The brain’s adjustment phase may be longer for those whose brains had previously ignored input from a weaker eye. Even if some intermittent diplopia continues, the positive impact on daily function and self-perception is usually profound.

A study found:

• Constant double vision was rare (1–2% at 6 weeks or 1 year),
• Any diplopia in any gaze was seen in 19% at 6 weeks and 16% at 1 year,
• Most improvement occurs within 2.5–3 months.

Table 3: Post-Operative Diplopia Prevalence

Type	Gaze	6 Weeks	1 Year	Time to Improve
Constant	Straight-ahead	1%	2%	Up to 3 months
Any	Any	19%	16%	Up to 3 months
Any	Straight-ahead	17%	14%	Up to 3 months
Any	Reading	10%	8%	Up to 3 months

Success Rates and Quality of Life

Roughly 80% of patients achieve desired alignment with one operation; the rate goes up with a second procedure if needed. Definitions of a "successful" surgery include both eye alignment and improvements in quality of life—not just technical results. Many patients are satisfied with the outcome, even if some double vision occasionally returns.

Challenges and Reoperation

Some patients, especially with large misalignments before surgery, may need more than one operation (up to 20% of cases). Persistent double vision is rare, but possible, especially in complex cases.

Conclusion

Diplopia is an important symptom that requires timely evaluation, especially if it's binocular. Distinction between monocular and binocular forms helps guide diagnosis and urgency. Strabismus surgery restores both function and appearance, with high satisfaction rates, and South Korea stands out as a leading destination for such procedures, balancing cost, quality, and patient support. Recovery often involves temporary double vision, but most patients find marked improvements in vision and quality of life. Early intervention and open discussion of expectations are crucial to the best outcomes.

References

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