A remote consultation is a valuable resource when you face complex medical issues or difficult treatment decision. Our remote consultation program offers patients access to leading specialists at Asan Medical Center.
Why should you receive treatment
for cataract in AMC?
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed operations in ophthalmology, but the result significantly depends on the surgeon’s experience and ability to cope with various circumstances during and after surgery. AMC successfully performs around 3,000 cataract surgeries annually. Amongst those surgeries are not only surgeries for simple cataracts but also for complicated cataracts that are accompanied by various complications; which not to mention, also have outstanding results.
Usually, personalized intraocular lenses (IOL) are inserted for cataract surgery. Recently, various kinds of IOLs, aside from the single focal lens, have been used including lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, etc. These IOLs have different features according to their manufacturers; therefore it is important to select the appropriate lens that is optimal for each patient.
Surgery using various IOLs is possible in AMC because the doctors consider each patient’s eye condition and lifestyle on the basis of their clinical and academic experience. The operating rooms in AMC implement strict infection control for the safety of the patients. For surgery, a cutting-edge ultrasonic emulsifier made by Alcon and AMO is utilized, minimizing damage to cells of the cornea and postoperative complications. AMC has also adopted the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery that allows for quick and accurate operations.
Treatment options
IOL insertion method
- A local anesthetic is applied into the eyes
- The opaque crystalline lens is split and broken into bits and pieces using ultrasonic energy through a 2~3 mm-sized small incision made in the cornea
- The broken lens is sucked up and removed.
- An IOL with optimal strength calculated based on each patient’s axial length and keratometry is inserted to collect light rays.
Laser surgery method
Not only is AMC is equipped with cutting-edge medical instruments such as the ultrasonic emulsifier, but also is recently fitted with a cataract laser machine that uses laser and low-exposure ultrasound energy to minimize incision and damage during surgery, allowing for a genuinely minimally-invasive surgery with minimum damage.
After cataract surgery, eye drops containing antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents are administered for 1~4 weeks. During this period, the surgical site will be healed, and vision will be restored. After around 4~6 weeks, wearing new eyeglasses will further improve eyesight.
In the case of cataracts accompanied by other complications such as diabetic retinopathy, macular disorders, glaucoma, and optic nerve damage, vision recovery may be delayed, or operation results may be unsatisfactory. Patients need to take a rest for at least a week after the operation avoiding hard work, heavy exercise, and activities in a dusty environment that may cause eye injuries. Watching TV, reading, and doing computer work are acceptable, and it is recommended that the patient wears a protective eye patch when sleeping for up to four weeks after surgery.
AMC’s performance
More than 3,000 cataract surgeries a year
More than 100,000 outpatients of anterior segment ocular disease a year