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Eye · 백내장 수술
Cataract Surgery
The cloudy natural lens is broken up with ultrasound and replaced with an artificial lens. Day surgery, about 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
Quick facts
- Korean name: 백내장 수술
- Procedure time: About 15 to 20 minutes per eye
- Anesthesia: Numbing drops, sometimes with light sedation
- Sessions: Pre-op measurements, surgery per eye, checks at day 1, 1 week and 1 month
- Downtime: 1 to 3 days; avoid heavy lifting and swimming for 2 weeks
- Results: Vision improves within days; final glasses prescription at about 4 to 6 weeks
- Lasts: The implanted lens is permanent; posterior capsule clouding may need a quick YAG laser later
What is Cataract Surgery?
A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens, usually with age. Surgery replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). Korean eye hospitals perform it as day surgery under drops.
The main decision is lens type. Monofocal lenses give clear vision at one distance, usually far, and you use reading glasses. Multifocal and extended depth-of-focus lenses aim to reduce glasses use and cost more.
How it works
Through a small corneal incision, the surgeon opens the lens capsule, breaks up the cloudy lens with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and suctions it out. Some clinics use a femtosecond laser for the opening steps. The folded IOL is placed inside the capsule. Eyes are usually done on separate days.
Who it suits
- Cataract affecting driving, reading or night vision
- People wanting to reduce glasses dependence with premium lenses
- Patients with stable general health for day surgery
Who should skip it or wait
- Early cataract that does not affect daily life
- Uncontrolled eye inflammation or infection
- Advanced macular disease when expecting premium lens results
Side effects and risks
- Posterior capsule opacification, treated with YAG laser
- Raised eye pressure
- Infection (endophthalmitis, rare)
- Retinal detachment (rare)
- Glare and halos with multifocal lenses
Aftercare
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks
- Wear the shield at night for about a week
- Keep water out of the eye for about 2 weeks
- Avoid rubbing the eye
Planning around your trip
Plan about a week per eye, as many surgeons operate on the second eye a few days to a week after the first and want to see you the day after each surgery.
Eye Clinic clinics near Apgujeong
- Apgujeong St. Mary's Eye Clinic
(압구정성모안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 7 min walk from Apgujeong Station - Seoul Balgeun Sesang Eye Clinic
(서울밝은세상안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 4 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station - The One Seoul Eye Clinic
(더원서울안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station - I Love Eye Clinic
(아이러브안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 3 min walk from Apgujeong Station - Seoul Samsung Eye Clinic
(서울삼성안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station - Shin Eye Clinic
(신안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 1 min walk from Sinsa Station - Apgujeong Barobogi Eye Clinic
(압구정바로보기안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 5 min walk from Apgujeong Station - Apgujeong Balgeun Eye Clinic
(압구정밝은안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 8 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.
Cataract Surgery price
Prices for this treatment depend on the doctor's assessment, so clinics quote after consultation. Message us and we collect quotes from clinics near Apgujeong Station.
Cataract Surgery questions
Will both eyes be done on the same day?
Most Korean surgeons operate one eye at a time, a few days to a week apart, to reduce the risk of problems in both eyes.
Do I pay the full price as a foreigner?
Basic cataract surgery is covered for National Health Insurance members. Without that coverage you pay the full fee, plus any premium lens cost.
What is a YAG laser after cataract surgery?
If the lens capsule clouds months or years later, a laser opens it in a few minutes. It is not a sign the lens failed.
Can I fly after cataract surgery?
Most surgeons allow flying after the day-1 check if the eye is quiet. Bring your drops in hand luggage.
Which lens should I choose if I drive at night a lot?
Monofocal and some extended depth-of-focus lenses cause fewer halos than diffractive multifocal lenses. Discuss your priorities with the surgeon.
How long does the pre-op measurement take?
Biometry, corneal mapping, retinal scans and a dilated exam usually take about 2 to 3 hours. Dilation blurs vision for several hours, so do not drive.
Plan your visit
Get a quote before you fly
Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.