Treatment Overview
TAlcon Clareon Toric IOL in korea is a high-precision, premium lens designed for patients undergoing cataract surgery who also have significant corneal astigmatism. This option is available in Korea and represents a sophisticated choice under the category of “Premium Intraocular Lens Options” for eye surgery and vision care.
By correcting both the cloudy natural lens (from cataract) and the astigmatism in one step, it offers sharp distance vision and reduced dependence on glasses for many patients. The Clareon® material incorporates advanced hydrophobic acrylic technology and proprietary edge-design for excellent optical clarity and stability.
In Korea, clinics offering premium lens implants pair this technology with cutting-edge surgical platforms (AI-biometry, femtosecond laser assistance, and digital alignment systems) to maximise outcomes and visual quality.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Replace the cataract-clouded natural lens with a premium Clareon® Toric IOL that also corrects pre-existing corneal astigmatism.
- Deliver clear distance vision and minimise blur or ghosting caused by astigmatism.
- Provide a stable, long-term optical platform with minimal risk of lens material degradation (such as glistenings) or rotation.
Benefits
- Improved distance clarity: By addressing both cataract and astigmatism, many patients experience sharply improved distance vision and reduced blur.
- Reduced dependence on glasses: Especially for distance tasks (driving, outdoor activities) where prior astigmatism or cataract impaired vision.
- Excellent optical stability: The Clareon® biomaterial is designed to reduce glistenings, surface haze, and improve long-term clarity.
- Precise astigmatism correction: With strong axis stability and rotational stability—key for toric lens performance.
- Low night-vision disturbance profile: Because it is a monofocal toric design (i.e., not multifocal), many patients will have fewer halos or glare compared to multifocal IOLs.
Ideal Candidates
The Clareon® Toric IOL is ideal for:
- Patients undergoing cataract surgery who also have regular corneal astigmatism and desire improved distance vision post-surgery.
- Individuals who prioritise high-quality distance vision and want to minimise the need for glasses, especially for far or outdoor tasks.
- Patients with healthy ocular anatomy (good corneal health, clear retina, stable general ocular health) and realistic expectations about near-vision dependence (i.e., may still need reading glasses if near focus is not the prime goal).
- Those who prefer a more straightforward visual plan (sharp distance vision, minimal visual artifacts) rather than multifocal/extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) compromises.
Possible Risks & Complications
Though the procedure is safe and effective, some risks and trade-offs apply:
- Lens rotation: Even minor rotation from the intended axis can reduce astigmatic correction. Hence precise pre-operative measurement and intra-operative alignment are critical.
- Residual refractive error: Some under- or over-correction of astigmatism or sphere may occur, sometimes requiring enhancement.
- Posterior capsular opacification (PCO): A possible long-term effect post-cataract surgery which may impact vision clarity, treatable with YAG-laser.
- Standard surgical risks: Infection, inflammation, macular oedema, increased intraocular pressure, retinal detachment (though rare). As with all IOLs, candidacy must account for these.
- Near-vision dependence: Since this is primarily a distance-focused toric monofocal IOL, patients may still need reading or intermediate glasses unless specific strategy (such as monovision or blended vision) is adopted.
Techniques & Technology Used (in Korean Premium Clinics)
- AI-Guided Biometry: For precise measurement of corneal astigmatism, axial length, corneal curvature, and IOL power/axis planning.
- Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): Precise femtosecond capsulotomy and lens fragmentation for optimal lens positioning and centration.
- Micro-Incision Phacoemulsification: Minimally traumatic lens removal through small incisions for faster recovery.
- Intraoperative Aberrometry & Digital Axis Alignment: Ensures toric IOL axis is aligned correctly and checks rotational stability intraoperatively.
- High-Stability IOL Material (Clareon®): The hydrophobic acrylic material with precision edge design, delivering low glistening and haze, and helping maintain clarity and position over time.
- Postoperative Optical Optimization: Monitoring, potential fine-tuning, neuro-adaptation support, and tailored visual rehabilitation.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Preoperative Assessment:
- Visual acuity, corneal topography, tomography, measuring astigmatism magnitude and axis, axial length, macular OCT, tear film assessment.
- Discussion of visual goals (distance priority, reading needs, willingness for glasses, potential trade-offs).
- Surgical Planning:
- Selection of the correct Clareon® Toric IOL power and axis; planning for surgical incisions and IOL orientation.
- Considering corneal astigmatism, target refraction (usually emmetropia for distance), and visual lifestyle.
- Lens Removal and IOL Implantation:
- Using femtosecond laser or micro-incision phaco, cataract removed.
- Clareon® Toric IOL inserted into capsular bag, aligned to the planned axis using digital alignment/tracking.
- Postoperative Monitoring and Visual Optimization:
- Early follow-ups to check IOL centration/rotation, visual acuity, and healing.
- Managing any dryness, inflammation, or adaptation issues.
- Visual rehabilitation and follow-up visits until stable vision achieved.
Duration: Usually ~15–30 minutes per eye in a same-day (outpatient) setting in Korea’s premium eye surgery centres.
Setting: High-end ophthalmology hospitals/clinics in Korea, which integrate diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up in one facility.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for the initial weeks (commonly 2–4 weeks).
- Avoid heavy exertion, vigorous movements, swimming, or eye-rubbing for at least one week.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors to protect healing eyes.
- Use artificial tears if experiencing dryness (common after surgery).
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits (Day 1, Week 1, Month 1, Month 3) to ensure stability.
- Report any sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, or increasing pain to your surgeon immediately.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Vision usually becomes noticeably clearer; some sensitivity to light may occur.
- Week 1: Distance vision stabilises; intermediate clarity improves; axis and centration checked.
- Weeks 2–4: Visual clarity reaches near-final for distance; astigmatic correction effect becomes confirmed.
- 1–3 Months: Full visual recovery and neural adaptation; final fine-tuning (e.g., glasses or enhancement) assessed.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear, sharp distance vision with reduction of astigmatic blur and independence from distance glasses for many daily tasks (driving, outdoor).
- Good optical quality: high contrast sensitivity, minimal visual disturbances, stable clarity over time thanks to Clareon® material.
- Predictable refractive outcomes when proper pre-operative planning and intra-operative alignment are achieved.
Longevity
- The Clareon® material is designed for long-term clarity, with studies showing very low levels of glistenings and surface haze even after years.
- With proper surgical technique and follow-up, the toric correction remains stable and effective for many years, making this a durable premium option.
Why Choose Korea for Premium IOL such as Clareon® Toric
Korea offers several advantages for premium IOL implantation:
- Clinics in Korea often utilise state-of-the-art technologies (AI planning, femtosecond lasers, digital alignment systems) which enhance the precision of premium IOL outcomes.
- Surgeons with extensive training in complex lens implants and advanced refractive-cataract techniques.
- Healthy infrastructure for integrated diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up in a single centre — reducing variability and improving patient experience.
- Access to the latest IOL platforms (such as Clareon®, PanOptix®, Vivity®, etc) often within the premium segment.
- High patient-satisfaction rates in premium lens patients, thanks to the combination of superior lens technology + precision surgery.
