Cataract Surgery Cost and Lens Selection: Important Considerations
Hello, this is Clear Seoul Eye Clinic.
Just as things wear out with prolonged use, bodily functions gradually decline as people age, and problems can arise in various areas. This is a natural part of the aging process, but if not addressed properly, the condition can worsen rapidly. Therefore, it's important to visit a medical institution regularly for check-ups and take appropriate measures.
Most people seek medical attention immediately if they experience pain or discomfort in their body or joints. However, eye symptoms are often neglected.
In particular, a gradual blurring of previously clear vision can cause significant discomfort. Age-related vision decline is often not just simple vision loss but may indicate an age-related eye disease, requiring regular check-ups even without noticeable symptoms.
As the eyes age, presbyopia is often the first experience. Presbyopia is a condition where near vision becomes blurred due to decreased elasticity of the lens and reduced accommodative power.
It commonly occurs in the mid-to-late 40s, but nowadays, it's increasingly prevalent among those in their 20s and 30s due to excessive use of smart devices. If near vision deteriorates, tasks at close range, such as reading books, newspapers, or using smartphones, can become difficult.
Vision may seem worse when tired or in dim lighting. Headaches may also occur, and the eyes may feel stiff and heavy. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, so correction should be pursued as soon as possible.
While reading glasses are commonly used, laser presbyopia correction surgery can be an option if glasses are inconvenient. Laser presbyopia correction surgery involves using a laser to reshape the cornea, similar to LASIK or LASEK. This reduces the burden of surgery, and the recovery is quick with minimal post-operative pain, allowing for a comfortable return to daily life.
However, this option is only viable if cataracts are not present.
The lens maintains its transparency, allowing light to pass through and be transmitted to the retina. If the lens loses its transparency and gradually becomes cloudy, light cannot pass through properly, leading to blurred vision.
The cloudiness can cause a hazy or foggy appearance in the field of vision. These symptoms can be difficult to self-diagnose, leading to neglect. However, as time passes, more symptoms can arise, causing discomfort in daily life, so early detection through regular check-ups is crucial.
Cataracts are usually caused by aging, typically occurring in the late 60s, but they can also develop due to other factors such as trauma, excessive UV exposure, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or genetics.
Therefore, it's important to correct poor lifestyle habits and avoid damage or irritation to the eyes.
The clouding of the lens progresses slowly, but the symptoms can vary depending on the affected area. If cloudiness occurs in the periphery of the lens, double vision or night vision problems may occur. Colors may appear faded or distorted.
If cloudiness progresses in the center of the lens, sudden nearsightedness can occur. Therefore, if someone who previously had poor near vision due to presbyopia suddenly finds they can perform daily tasks without reading glasses, it's important to recognize this as a symptom of cataracts rather than an improvement in vision.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, so surgery should be performed at the appropriate time while monitoring the condition.
The surgery involves extracting the clouded lens and inserting a new artificial lens. A small incision of about 2-3mm is made in the cornea, and the micro-incision allows for rapid recovery without stitches, enabling same-day discharge.
However, it's advisable to refrain from using electronic devices and get plenty of rest upon returning home.
Before undergoing surgery, most people consider the cost of cataract surgery. The cost of cataract surgery varies depending on the type of artificial lens used.
There are many types of artificial lenses, each with different characteristics, requiring careful consideration when choosing.
Artificial lenses are divided into monofocal and multifocal. Monofocal lenses correct focus at one distance.
You can choose between correcting for distance or near vision, with distance vision being the more common choice. Therefore, glasses may be needed after surgery, but the cost of monofocal lenses is lower than that of multifocal lenses.
Multifocal artificial lenses correct focus at all distances, eliminating the need for glasses after surgery. Satisfaction is high as they provide clear vision at all distances, but they may require an adjustment period, and the cost of cataract surgery can be higher.
On average, the cost ranges from approximately 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 KRW, but it can vary depending on the surgeon's skill and the patient's eye condition.
Once a cataract surgery lens is inserted into the eye, it is typically used permanently unless there is a specific reason to remove it.
Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the selection process. Most importantly, it's crucial to choose a lens that is suitable for the eye and to consider the patient's lifestyle to improve the quality of vision.
Aging affects everyone as they get older, but the onset of eye diseases varies depending on how diligently eye health is managed.
Therefore, consistent management and prevention are key. Regular vision and eye exams are important for early detection of changes in the eyes.
Limit the use of digital devices such as smartphones and computers and take a break every 20 minutes.
It's also good to manage nutrition by consuming vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein, which are beneficial for the eyes.
Use UV protection tools to block strong ultraviolet rays.
These small changes in habits can make a big difference in protecting eye health.
Start managing your eye health diligently from a young age to delay aging and maintain clear vision for longer.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/whgus4231/224066932304
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