Dr Hyo Kyung Lee

Department of Ophthalmology

Seoul National University Hospital

Seoul National University College of Medicine
Seoul, Korea

I learned how to evaluate and manage various corneal infections, corneal ectatic disorders, and neoplastic disease.

I am so honored to have gotten the Asia Cornea Society – Santen Asia Educational Grant to support my clinical observership at Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (KPUM), Kyoto, Japan from 6th Nov to 1st Dec for 4 weeks. KPUM is one of the world-class leading groups in the ophthalmologic field, especially in corneal regenerative medicine. It was a great opportunity for me to have a chance to learn how to treat the patients with various types of corneal disease in this institution.

At the first week, thankfully, I observed the procedure of injection of cultured human corneal endothelial cells for the patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction at operation room. Also, during the observership, I examined many patients who had already undergone endothelial cell injection at inpatient ward and outpatient clinic, therefore, I saw the progress and result of the injection. The results were much better than I expected and I noticed that most patients satisfied with their visual recovery.

During my observership, not only endothelial dysfunction but also various types of corneal disease did I learn about. First, I joined corneal clinic by Prof. Chie Sotozono and Prof. Tsutomu Inatomi. I learned how to evaluate and manage various corneal infections, corneal ectatic disorders, and neoplastic disease. Also, I observed DSAEK surgeries performed by Prof. Shigeru Kinoshita and Prof. Tsutomu Inatomi, and partial lamellar keratoplasty for severe Terrien marginal degeneration by Prof. Chie Sotozono. Second, I joined SJS clinic by Prof. Chie Sotozono and Prof. Mayumi Ueta. This clinic is a very specialized clinic that opens once in a month. All the patients who visited this clinic were examined by both professors. I learned the tips to prescribe limbal supporting contact lens for chronic severe SJS patients (CS lens). And I noticed that majority of the patients wearing the CS lens showed improved visual acuity. Third, I joined dry eye clinic by Prof. Norihiko Yokoi. At first, he explained me the background and general concepts of tear dynamics. And then, he taught me how to apply it to each patient. Also, he let me know the pearls of conjunctivochalasis operation to re-establish normal tear meniscus successfully. Lastly, I joined contact lens clinic. At this clinic, I learned how to prescribe RGP lens for keratoconus, severe corneal astigmatism, and post-PKP eyes. I was so impressed that they customized all the lens with a special technique for each eye to give better fitting.

During my stay, luckily, I attended some special lectures given at KPUM. I learned the latest knowledge about ultra-thin DSAEK from Dr. Edward J. Holland who visited KPUM. Also, Dr. Ula V. Jurkunas visited KPUM and gave a great lecture about the pathophysiology of Fuch's corneal endothelial dystrophy. Moreover, I attended the annual meeting of Kyoto Corneal Club held from 24th to 25th November 2017, therefore, I learned the latest issues in Japanese corneal society. All the members in KPUM had shown to me big hospitality and I never forget these warm-hearted moments. I sincerely thank Prof. Shigeru Kinoshita, Prof. Chie Sotozono and all the members in KPUM. I really thank Asia Cornea Society for giving me this great opportunity and big support. I’m sure that the experience at KPUM will help me to be a better ophthalmologist and I would encourage all the young cornea specialists to apply for this educational grant from Asia Cornea Society.