Introduction

For international patients planning eye surgery in Korea, bringing the right medical records can make the consultation and preoperative evaluation more efficient. Whether you are traveling to Busan or another Korean city for LASIK, SMILE, SMILE Pro, ICL, cataract surgery, or another ophthalmic procedure, your previous eye-health information can help the ophthalmologist understand your medical history.

A new eye clinic may need to know about previous diagnoses, prescriptions, contact lens use, eye surgeries, medications, and other health conditions before recommending treatment. Some patients may also need additional examinations in Korea because older records may not provide enough information for surgery planning.

Medical records are especially important for international patients because the Korean ophthalmologist may not have access to your previous healthcare records.

This guide explains which medical records to bring before eye surgery in Korea, which documents are most useful, and how to prepare your information before traveling.

Why Medical Records Matter Before Eye Surgery

Your Previous Eye History Helps the Surgeon

Before recommending surgery, an ophthalmologist needs to understand your current eye condition and previous treatment history.

Previous records may help show:

• Your previous glasses prescription
• Changes in vision over time
• Previous eye diseases
• Previous eye surgery
• Contact lens history
• Corneal measurements
• Eye pressure
• Retinal findings
• Previous diagnostic imaging

These details can provide useful background during your preoperative assessment.

Records Do Not Replace a New Examination

Even if you bring comprehensive medical records, the Korean eye clinic will usually need to perform its own examination before surgery.

Your eyes may have changed since your last examination, and different procedures require specific measurements.

Therefore, think of previous records as supporting information, not a substitute for the clinic's current evaluation.

Which Medical Records Should You Bring?

1. Previous Eye Examination Reports

Bring recent eye examination results whenever possible.

These may include:

• Visual acuity
• Refraction
• Eye pressure
• Slit-lamp findings
• Corneal measurements
• Retinal findings
• Optic nerve evaluation

Recent information can help the ophthalmologist understand how your vision has changed.

2. Your Glasses Prescription

Bring your current and, if available, previous glasses prescriptions.

The prescription may include:

• Sphere
• Cylinder
• Axis
• Addition
• Pupillary distance

For refractive surgery candidates, previous prescriptions can help the doctor assess prescription stability.

3. Contact Lens Information

If you wear contact lenses, provide information about:

• Lens type
• Prescription
• Wearing schedule
• How long you have used lenses
• Previous problems with lenses
• Contact-lens intolerance

Contact lens use can affect certain eye measurements, particularly before corneal refractive surgery.

Your clinic may give you specific instructions about stopping contact lens use before testing.

Previous Eye Surgery Records

Important for Revision or Previous Procedures

If you have previously undergone eye surgery, bring the surgical records whenever possible.

Examples include:

• LASIK
• PRK
• LASEK
• SMILE
• Cataract surgery
• ICL
• Retinal surgery
• Glaucoma surgery
• Corneal procedures

The surgeon may need to know exactly what procedure was performed and when.

Corneal and Refractive Measurements

Particularly Useful for Laser Vision Correction

Patients considering LASIK, PRK, SMILE, or SMILE Pro may have previous measurements such as:

• Corneal thickness
• Corneal curvature
• Corneal topography
• Corneal tomography
• Refraction
• Wavefront measurements

Bring these reports if they are available.

However, the Korean clinic may repeat the measurements because accurate, current data are important for surgical planning.

OCT and Retinal Imaging

Useful for Certain Patients

If you have previously undergone OCT or retinal imaging, bring the reports or digital images if available.

These can be particularly useful if you have a history of:

• Retinal disease
• Diabetes
• High myopia
• Macular problems
• Glaucoma
• Optic nerve abnormalities

The ophthalmologist can compare previous findings with current examinations when appropriate.

Visual Field Test Results

Important for Glaucoma Patients

Patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma should bring previous visual field reports.

These can help the ophthalmologist evaluate whether visual field changes are stable or progressing.

Bring previous:

• Visual field reports
• OCT results
• Eye pressure measurements
• Glaucoma treatment records

Eye Pressure Records

Useful When Glaucoma Is a Concern

If you have a history of elevated intraocular pressure or glaucoma, previous eye-pressure measurements may be useful.

A single pressure measurement does not necessarily tell the complete story.

A history of measurements over time can provide additional context.

Cataract Surgery Records

Bring Previous Lens Information

Patients preparing for cataract surgery should bring relevant records, especially if one eye has already undergone surgery.

Useful information may include:

• Previous cataract surgery date
• IOL type
• IOL power
• Surgical report
• Previous postoperative findings
• Complications, if any

This information may help the surgeon plan treatment for the other eye.

ICL Records

Important for Patients With an Existing Implant

If you already have an ICL or another intraocular implant, bring documentation showing:

• Lens model
• Lens power
• Implant date
• Surgical report
• Follow-up findings

This can be especially important if you are seeking revision, additional treatment, or a second opinion.

Retinal Medical Records

Bring Documentation of Previous Retina Problems

Patients with retinal conditions should bring previous retinal records.

These may include:

• OCT scans
• Fundus photographs
• Retinal specialist reports
• Previous laser treatment records
• Retinal surgery reports
• Medication history

This information may be particularly relevant when evaluating surgical suitability.

Glaucoma Records

Bring Your Long-Term Monitoring Data

If you have glaucoma, bring:

• Previous eye-pressure measurements
• OCT reports
• Visual field tests
• Optic nerve photographs
• Medication list
• Previous treatment history
• Glaucoma surgery records

A complete history can help the new ophthalmologist understand the progression of your condition.

Dry-Eye Treatment Records

Useful for Laser Surgery Candidates

Dry eye is relevant when evaluating patients for laser vision correction.

If you have previously been treated for dry eye, bring information about:

• Prescription eye drops
• Artificial tears
• Meibomian gland treatment
• IPL treatment
• Punctal plugs
• Previous dry-eye testing

Tell your surgeon if you currently experience significant dryness or contact-lens intolerance.

Medication List

Bring More Than Eye Medications

Your medication list should include prescription and regularly used medicines.

Examples may include:

• Eye drops
• Blood-pressure medication
• Diabetes medication
• Blood thinners
• Steroids
• Immunosuppressive medication
• Other long-term medicines

Do not stop prescription medication simply because you are preparing for eye surgery unless your treating doctor specifically instructs you to do so.

Allergy Information

Include Medication Allergies

Tell the clinic about known allergies, particularly allergies to:

• Antibiotics
• Eye drops
• Anesthetic medications
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Other medications previously used during eye treatment

If possible, bring documentation of serious previous reactions.

General Medical Records

Some Eye Surgeries Require Broader Medical Information

Depending on your age, medical history, and procedure, the ophthalmologist may need information about conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Autoimmune conditions
• Blood-clotting problems
• Previous major surgery

The clinic may request additional medical clearance when appropriate.

Diabetes and Eye Surgery

Bring Recent Diabetes Information

Patients with diabetes should tell the ophthalmologist about their condition and bring relevant records when available.

Useful information may include:

• Recent blood glucose information
• HbA1c results
• Diabetic eye examination reports
• Retinal imaging
• Previous diabetic retinopathy diagnosis

Good communication about diabetes is important because diabetes can affect the retina and overall eye health.

High Blood Pressure and Eye Surgery

Tell Your Ophthalmologist About Hypertension

If you have hypertension, provide your medical history and current medications.

The ophthalmologist may consider your overall health when planning surgery.

How Recent Should Your Medical Records Be?

Recent Records Are Generally More Useful

There is no single universal age requirement for every document.

The appropriate timeframe depends on:

• Type of surgery
• Age
• Eye condition
• Previous surgery
• Stability of your prescription
• Overall health

For example, a historical surgical report may remain useful years later, while an old vision prescription may not accurately represent your current eyesight.

If you are unsure which records to bring, send copies to the clinic before traveling and ask which documents are useful.

Should You Bring Original Documents?

Keep Your Originals Safe

Whenever possible, carry copies or digital versions while keeping important originals secure.

Useful formats include:

• PDF reports
• Digital imaging files
• Printed reports
• Doctor letters
• Prescription records

If your records are stored electronically, make sure you can access them without relying on a specific internet connection.

Should Records Be Translated Into English or Korean?

English Can Be Helpful

If your medical records are not in English or Korean, consider obtaining a professional translation for important documents.

This can be especially helpful for:

• Surgical reports
• Diagnosis letters
• Medication lists
• Allergy information
• Major medical conditions

Do not rely entirely on an automatic translation for critical medical information.

What If Your Records Are Only in Your Local Language?

Contact the Korean Clinic Before Traveling

Send the clinic a sample of your records if possible.

Ask whether they can review documents in your language or whether you should arrange a translation.

This can prevent delays during the consultation.

Digital Records for International Patients

Create a Secure Medical Folder

Before traveling, create a folder containing:

Eye Records

• Previous prescriptions
• Examination reports
• OCT
• Corneal scans
• Visual fields
• Retinal photographs

Medical Records

• Medication list
• Allergy information
• Relevant health conditions
• Recent laboratory results if requested

Surgical Records

• Previous eye surgery reports
• Implant information
• Postoperative records

Keep a backup copy in secure cloud storage and another copy on your phone or computer.

What to Bring for LASIK or SMILE Consultation

Recommended Documents

For laser vision correction, consider bringing:

• Current prescription
• Previous prescriptions
• Contact lens history
• Previous corneal measurements
• Corneal topography
• Previous dry-eye records
• Previous eye-surgery information

The clinic will perform its own detailed evaluation before deciding whether you are a suitable candidate.

What to Bring for Cataract Consultation

Recommended Documents

Bring:

• Previous eye examination
• Cataract diagnosis
• Previous IOL information if applicable
• Retinal examination results
• Glaucoma history if relevant
• Medication list
• General medical history

What to Bring for Glaucoma Evaluation

Recommended Documents

Bring:

• Previous eye pressure readings
• OCT reports
• Visual field tests
• Optic nerve photographs
• Medication history
• Previous glaucoma treatment records

What to Bring for Retina Treatment

Recommended Documents

Bring:

• OCT scans
• Fundus photographs
• Retina specialist reports
• Previous laser treatment records
• Injection history
• Retinal surgery reports

What to Bring for ICL Consultation

Recommended Documents

Bring:

• Current prescription
• Previous prescriptions
• Corneal measurements
• Anterior-segment measurements if available
• Previous eye-surgery records
• Existing implant information if applicable

Medical Records for Revision Eye Surgery

Previous Surgical Details Are Particularly Important

If you are seeking revision or corrective treatment after previous eye surgery, bring as much historical information as possible.

The surgeon may need to know:

• What procedure was performed
• When it was performed
• What technology was used
• Previous measurements
• Previous complications
• Previous treatments
• Current symptoms

A detailed history can help the surgeon determine what options may be appropriate.

What If You Do Not Have Your Old Records?

Do Not Automatically Cancel Your Consultation

Many patients do not have complete copies of their old eye records.

You can still contact the Korean clinic and explain what information is unavailable.

The clinic may be able to perform a comprehensive examination and obtain the necessary current measurements.

However, previous surgical records can be especially valuable when evaluating patients who have already undergone eye surgery.

Questions to Ask the Korean Eye Clinic Before Traveling

Send These Questions in Advance

Ask:

1. Which medical records should I bring?
2. How recent should my eye examination be?
3. Do you need previous corneal measurements?
4. Should I bring OCT images?
5. Do you need my previous surgical report?
6. Are English medical records sufficient?
7. Do documents need to be translated?
8. Can I email my records before the appointment?
9. Which tests will be repeated in Korea?
10. How long should I plan for the preoperative evaluation?

Medical Records and International Travel

Keep Important Information Accessible

Do not place every medical document inside checked luggage.

Keep essential information in your carry-on or accessible digital storage.

If your luggage is delayed, you should still have access to:

• Medication information
• Eye history
• Clinic appointment
• Passport
• Previous surgery details
• Emergency contact information

A Pre-Surgery Medical Records Checklist

Before Leaving Home

☐ Current glasses prescription
☐ Previous glasses prescriptions
☐ Contact lens information
☐ Previous eye examinations
☐ Corneal measurements
☐ OCT reports
☐ Visual field reports
☐ Retinal photographs
☐ Previous eye-surgery records
☐ IOL/ICL information
☐ Medication list
☐ Allergy information
☐ Relevant general medical records
☐ Professional translations if necessary

Conclusion

Preparing the right medical records before eye surgery in Korea can help make your consultation more informative and efficient. International patients should bring previous eye examinations, prescriptions, contact lens information, surgical records, diagnostic imaging, medication details, and other relevant medical information whenever available.

The exact documents needed depend on the planned procedure. A LASIK or SMILE candidate may benefit from previous refractive and corneal records, while cataract, glaucoma, retinal, or ICL patients may need more specialized documentation.

Remember that previous records do not replace a new examination in Korea. Your ophthalmologist will need current measurements and may repeat important tests before recommending surgery.

For international patients, the best approach is to contact the Korean eye clinic before traveling, ask which records they want to review, and send important documents in advance when possible. Keep both printed and secure digital copies, and arrange professional translation for critical medical documents when necessary.

Good preparation can help your Korean ophthalmologist understand your medical history more completely and give you a clearer, more personalized assessment of your treatment options.

FAQs About Medical Records Before Eye Surgery in Korea

1. What medical records should I bring before eye surgery in Korea?

Bring your recent eye examinations, current and previous prescriptions, contact lens information, previous eye-surgery records, relevant imaging, medication list, and allergy information.

2. Do I need to bring my old eye prescriptions?

Yes, previous prescriptions can be useful, particularly for patients considering refractive surgery because they can help show whether the prescription has remained stable.

3. Should I bring OCT scans to Korea?

If you have previous OCT scans, bring them, especially if you have glaucoma, retinal disease, diabetes, high myopia, or other eye conditions.

4. Do LASIK and SMILE patients need previous medical records?

Previous prescriptions, contact lens history, corneal measurements, and prior eye examinations can be useful. However, the Korean clinic will still need to perform its own preoperative testing.

5. What records are important for cataract surgery?

Bring previous eye examinations, cataract records, retinal information, medical history, and IOL details if you have previously had cataract surgery in the other eye.

6. What should glaucoma patients bring?

Previous eye-pressure measurements, OCT scans, visual field results, optic nerve photographs, medication information, and previous glaucoma treatment records are particularly useful.

7. Do my medical records need to be translated?

If your records are not in English or Korean, ask the clinic whether translation is required. Professional translation may be appropriate for important surgical or medical documents.

8. Can I send my medical records to the Korean clinic before traveling?

Many clinics may allow international patients to submit relevant records before the appointment. Confirm the preferred file format and secure submission method with the clinic.

9. What if I do not have my previous eye records?

Tell the clinic before your appointment. A comprehensive new examination may provide much of the information needed, although previous surgical records can remain particularly valuable.

10. Should I bring original medical documents?

Keep originals secure when possible and carry copies or digital versions. Important records should also be backed up securely.

11. How recent should my eye examination be before surgery in Korea?

There is no single timeframe for every procedure. The clinic can advise which recent tests are useful based on your age, eye condition, and planned surgery.

12. Can I have eye surgery in Korea without previous medical records?

Possibly. Previous records can be helpful, but the Korean ophthalmologist will perform current examinations before determining whether surgery is appropriate.