St. Mary's Jin Eye Center near Gangnam Station answers the 20 questions patients ask most often before cataract surgery. Reviewed by a board-certified ophthalmologist and former adjunct professor at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a condition in which the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, making vision hazy. The most common cause is age-related change in the lens proteins, and it is most prevalent in people over 60.
What are the early symptoms of cataracts?
Typical signs include blurred vision even after changing your glasses prescription, severe glare in bright light, halos around lights at night, and double images when looking with one eye. In the early stage it is hard to distinguish from presbyopia, so an eye examination is needed.
Can cataracts be treated with medication?
Some eye drops may slightly slow progression, but no medication can reverse a lens that has already become cloudy. The definitive treatment is surgery to remove the clouded lens and implant an intraocular lens.
When is the right time to have surgery?
The usual time is when reduced vision starts to interfere with daily life such as driving, reading, or work. If left too long, the lens hardens and the surgery can become more difficult, so it is best to decide the timing together through regular check-ups.
How long does the surgery take?
The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye. Including pre-operative preparation and post-operative rest, your total time at the clinic will be longer.
Is the surgery painful?
The surgery is performed under topical anesthetic drops, and there is almost no pain during the procedure. You may feel a foreign-body sensation or dryness for a day or two afterward, but this usually improves quickly.
Are both eyes operated on the same day?
Generally, one eye is operated on at a time, a few days apart. It is safer to confirm the recovery of the first eye before operating on the second.
Which intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted?
There are several types: monofocal, monofocal plus, extended depth of focus (EDOF), and multifocal (including trifocal). St. Mary's Jin Eye Center has 14 types of intraocular lenses available, and we decide together based on your eye condition and lifestyle.
Will I no longer need glasses with a multifocal lens?
Most daily activities are possible without glasses, but you may need reading glasses for very small print or reading in dim light. Results vary by individual, so we explain the expected range after your examination.
Are there any downsides to multifocal lenses?
You may notice halos or glare around light sources at night. Most people adapt over several months, but if you drive at night very often, we recommend a comparison consultation with EDOF or monofocal-type lenses.
Does cataract surgery also correct presbyopia?
If you choose a multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus intraocular lens, you can expect cataract and presbyopia to be corrected together in a single surgery.
When does vision recover after surgery?
Many patients can return to daily activities the next day, and vision stabilizes over several weeks. Recovery speed varies depending on the condition of the eye.
What precautions should I take after surgery?
The basics are no alcohol for about 2 weeks, no rubbing your eyes, and using the prescribed eye drops. Saunas are allowed after 2 months and warm compresses on the eyes after 1 month. Avoid driving on the day of surgery.
Is UV protection essential after surgery?
UV protection is not essential after cataract surgery. If glare is uncomfortable, you may wear sunglasses.
Is cataract surgery covered by national health insurance?
For Korean nationals, cataract surgery is covered under the national health insurance bundled-payment system. However, some intraocular lenses such as multifocal lenses are not covered, so your out-of-pocket cost depends on the lens you choose. Please call us for detailed pricing.
Can international patients have surgery here?
Yes. St. Mary's Jin Eye Center is a registered medical institution for international patients. For foreign nationals without Korean national health insurance, the full cost is self-paid. We offer consultation channels in English, Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, and Indonesian.
What tests are done before surgery?
We perform visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, fundus, corneal endothelial cell, and biometry (IOL power calculation) tests. The examination takes about 1 hour, and if your pupils are dilated you should avoid driving that day.
I have diabetes. Can I still have surgery?
In most cases, yes, as long as your blood sugar is under control. However, we first need to check for diabetic retinopathy, so a detailed fundus examination is performed beforehand.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
The intraocular lens itself does not become cloudy, but the lens capsule that holds it can become cloudy, a condition called posterior capsule opacification. This is easily treated with a YAG laser.
How many days off do I need after surgery?
Office work is usually possible from the next day. It is best to avoid dusty environments and strenuous exercise for 1 to 2 weeks. The doctor will give individual guidance depending on your occupation.
For further questions, please contact us via 02-577-7782 or Online Booking. A 5-minute walk from Gangnam Station Exit 5.
Guide to Choosing from 14 Intraocular Lenses · Cataract Surgery Guide
