Cataract is a condition where the crystalline lens, responsible for refracting light onto the retina, becomes cloudy due to factors such as aging, uveitis, or diabetes, and symptoms include visual impairment and the perception of overlapping objects. Cataracts progress gradually and symptoms may not be immediately noticeable. In extreme cases, it can lead to blindness. Currently, surgery is the only treatment for cataracts, but the difficulty level of the surgery varies among patients.
Classification and Symptoms
When cataracts occur, the crystalline lens becomes cloudy, causing the incoming light to be inadequately transmitted through the lens, leading to blurred vision.
Decreased eyesight
Cloudy vision
Flashes of light
Diplopia (double vision)
Diagnosis
Through slit lamp examination, it is possible to make a diagnosis after dilating the pupils and observing them.
Slit Lamp Examination : An examination that uses a straight beam of light to examine the condition of the cornea and lens.
Treatment
If detected early and if it does not significantly impact daily life, treatment through medication may be considered to slow the progression of the condition. However,
if it has already progressed significantly, it can be treated with intraocular lens (IOL) implant, a procedure that involves removing the clouded crystalline lens through ultrasound and replacing it with an intraocular lens.
The difficulty level of cataract surgery varies from patient to patient, especially when complications such as glaucoma, combined conditions, or traumatic cataracts occur, requiring advanced surgical skills as the surgery may extend to the retina.
Furthermore, the choice of the intraocular lens to be implanted during cataract surgery depends on factors such as the patient's lifestyle, concurrent eye conditions, and the desired degree of vision after surgery.
Since different types of intraocular lenses can result in various visual outcomes, a careful and comprehensive consideration of multiple factors is essential for making the right choice.
Cataract
Example of Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant
Monofocal IOL vs. Multifocal IOL
During cataract surgery, it is possible to choose between monofocal or multifocal intraocular lenses, taking into consideration the individual patient's condition and preferences.
Monofocal IOL
Monofocal IOLs are suitable when only cataracts are present without presbyopia (age-related near vision loss).
If presbyopia is also present and monofocal IOLs are chosen, the patient may still experience the inconvenience of needing glasses or reading glasses after surgery.
Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOLs can address both presbyopia and cataracts simultaneously, providing the advantage of clear vision at both near and far distances after surgery. However, compared to monofocal IOLs, there may be some degree of blurred vison, and the possibility of surgery being impractical exists depending on concurrent eye conditions.
Process of Changes in the Crystalline Lens by Age
The essential conditions for a successful cataract surgery are precise surgical techniques and
the selection of an appropriate intraocular lens.
Retina/Glaucoma Clinic at The One Seoul Eye Clinic has extensive experience in cataract surgery for various cases,
fostering assurance in expecting effective results.
Intraocular Lens Vision Care
The One Seoul Eye Clinic is dedicated to providing patients with retinal disorders the assurance and safety they need during surgery,
leading to optimal results with detailed explanations and specialized expertise.
We are committed to addressing challenging issues related to cataract surgery, such as complications arising during or after the procedure,
as well as problems like intraocular lens replacement and repositioning.
Far Distance Vision | Near Distance Vision | Far Distance Vision (Astigmatism) |
Night Vision | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Presbyopia / Astigmatism Premium Multifocal | ||||
Presbyopia CorrectionMultifocal | ||||
AsphericMultifocal |
Advanced Cataract
Among cataracts, there are cases that are more challenging to perform surgery on than others.
If the nuclear cataract has become severe and the cataract has hardened
For hard cataracts, the hardened lens is removed with an ultrasound equipment following the capsulorhexis step. Subsequently, a flexible lens is inserted into the eye using a syringe.
If there is corneal opacity
When corneal opacities are present, performing surgery can be challenging due to compromised surgical visibility caused by the opacity. However, the surgery can still proceed using the clear portions of the cornea unaffected by opacities.
Glaucoma Clinic and
Cataract Clinic are OPEN!
Weekdays
08:30 a.m. - 05:30 p.mSaturdays
08:30 a.m. - 01:30 p.mLunchtime
01:00 p.m. - 02:00 p.m8F and 9F Sinsa Square, 652 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
o straight for 5 minutes (330m) on foot from
Exit 6 of Sinsa Station on Subway Line 3