Treatment

What is Presbyopia Lens Surgery?

Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near focus that starts in the 40s. Lens-based correction removes the natural lens, even if it is not yet cloudy, and puts in an intraocular lens that covers more than one distance. This is also called refractive lens exchange.

Commonly used lens families include trifocal lenses such as Alcon PanOptix and extended depth-of-focus lenses such as Alcon Vivity and J&J Tecnis Symfony. The choice affects how well you read up close and how many halos you see at night.

How it works

Detailed measurements of eye length, corneal shape and macular health are taken. The surgery is the same as cataract surgery: the lens is broken up with ultrasound and removed, and the new lens is placed in the capsule. Each eye is usually done on a different day.

Who it suits

People over about 50 who dislike reading glasses
Early cataract combined with presbyopia
High long-sight in older adults
People willing to accept some night halos

Who should skip it or wait

Macular disease, glaucoma damage or irregular corneas
Night drivers who cannot accept halos
People in their early 40s with clear lenses, for whom other options exist
Those expecting perfect vision at every distance

Side effects and risks

Halos and glare at night
Reduced contrast in dim light
Residual refractive error needing glasses or laser touch-up
Posterior capsule clouding needing YAG laser
Retinal detachment, more relevant in high myopes

Aftercare

Use drops for several weeks
Shield the eye at night for about a week
Avoid swimming and eye make-up for 2 weeks
Give the brain time to adapt before judging near vision

Planning around your trip

Expect about a week in Seoul per eye, and avoid booking a long drive at night in the first weeks while halos settle.

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.

Presbyopia Lens Surgery questions

Trifocal or EDOF lens, how do they differ?

Trifocal lenses give stronger near vision but more halos. EDOF lenses give good distance and intermediate vision with fewer halos but often need readers for small print.

Is presbyopia lens surgery the same as cataract surgery?

The operation is the same. The difference is the lens chosen and whether the natural lens was cloudy.

How long until I can read without glasses?

Many patients read within days, but the brain adapts over 1 to 3 months. Results depend on lens type and eye health.

Can I have it if I had LASIK before?

Yes, but lens power calculations are harder after laser surgery. Bring your old refraction records if possible.

Is presbyopia LASIK an alternative?

Laser-based monovision or blended vision is offered at some clinics for people in their 40s with clear lenses. It does not prevent cataract later.

What if I am unhappy with the multifocal lens?

An IOL can be exchanged, ideally within the first months before the capsule firms up. It is a second surgery with its own risks, so lens choice before surgery matters.

Questions before you visit?

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Presbyopia Lens Surgery

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