Treatment Overview
Cataract Surgery Co-management for AMD in Korea is a specialized approach where cataract removal and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) care are integrated. The procedure involves precise preoperative AMD assessment, customized lens selection, and coordinated postoperative monitoring to preserve retinal health while restoring clear vision.
In Korea, cataract surgery for AMD patients is performed with advanced technology and multidisciplinary management:
- High-resolution OCT and fundus imaging to assess AMD status before surgery
- Blue-light filtering or premium IOL selection to reduce retinal stress
- Micro-incision phacoemulsification for minimal trauma
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal lens power and centration
- Integration with anti-VEGF therapy or laser treatments if indicated
- Digital postoperative monitoring to track AMD progression
- Multidisciplinary team coordination between cataract and retina specialists
This approach minimizes the risk of vision loss from AMD while achieving excellent cataract surgery outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Restore clear vision by removing cataractous lenses
- Protect the retina from AMD progression during and after surgery
- Improve contrast sensitivity, glare reduction, and visual comfort
- Coordinate anti-VEGF therapy or laser treatment if necessary
- Optimize visual outcomes through personalized IOL selection
Benefits
- Simultaneous management of cataract and AMD
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- Protection of macular health with tailored lens and therapy selection
- AI-assisted planning for precise lens placement
- Improved quality of life, reading ability, and daily function
- Compatible with ongoing AMD treatment protocols
- Reduces the need for separate surgical and retinal interventions
Ideal Candidates
Cataract Surgery Co-management for AMD in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with early, intermediate, or advanced AMD undergoing cataract surgery
- Individuals with coexisting wet or dry AMD
- Patients experiencing glare, poor contrast, or reduced color perception
- Patients who may require future anti-VEGF or laser therapy
- Individuals seeking optimized visual outcomes while protecting macular health
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild eye irritation or tearing
- Temporary blurred vision
- Light sensitivity or glare in early postoperative period
- Mild swelling or redness at incision site
Rare / Serious Risks
- Infection (endophthalmitis)
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- Posterior capsule opacification (may require YAG laser)
- IOL decentration or tilt
- AMD progression triggered by surgical trauma (rare)
- Retinal detachment or hemorrhage (very rare)
How Korean Clinics Minimize Risks
- Micro-incision phacoemulsification with ultra-sterile technique
- Preoperative OCT and fundus assessment for AMD monitoring
- AI-assisted IOL power calculation and placement planning
- Experienced retina and cataract surgeons collaborating
- Postoperative OCT and imaging for early detection of AMD changes
- Optional simultaneous anti-VEGF or laser therapy if needed
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Assess AMD severity and macular thickness
- Fundus Photography & Fluorescein Angiography – Document baseline retinal health
- Wavefront Biometry – Accurate IOL power and centration
- Blue-Light Filtering IOLs – Reduce phototoxic risk to macula
- Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections – For wet AMD or high-risk patients
- Low Vision Rehabilitation – Enhance postoperative visual performance
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and macular evaluation
- OCT and fundus imaging to assess AMD status
- Biometry and AI-assisted planning for IOL selection
- Coordination between cataract and retina specialists
Step 2 – Cataract Surgery Procedure
- Topical or local anesthesia applied
- Micro-incision phacoemulsification to remove the cataract
- Insertion of IOL (standard, blue-light filtering, or premium lens)
- Optional anti-VEGF injection if indicated for wet AMD
- Confirmation of IOL centration and alignment
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Exam within 24–48 hours
- Follow-up imaging at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- Monitoring of IOP, IOL position, and AMD progression
- Integration with ongoing AMD therapy as needed
Duration: 20–40 minutes
Setting: Advanced ophthalmic surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild irritation, tearing, or blurred vision is normal
- Avoid rubbing the eye for 2–4 weeks
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks
- Attend all postoperative imaging and follow-up appointments
- Report sudden vision changes, pain, or flashes immediately
Recovery Timeline
Immediate: Mild blurred vision and light sensitivity
1–2 Weeks: Reduced discomfort and improved visual clarity
1 Month: Stable vision and optimal lens positioning
3 Months+: Ongoing monitoring of AMD progression
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clearer vision with improved contrast and reduced glare
- Protection of macular cells from surgical stress
- Compatibility with ongoing AMD therapy
- Enhanced quality of life and functional vision
- Long-term stability with careful postoperative monitoring
Longevity
- Cataract correction is permanent with IOL placement
- AMD monitoring is lifelong
- Rare revisions needed for IOL complications (posterior capsule opacification or decentration)
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced cataract and retina surgeons collaborating
- AI-assisted IOL planning for precise outcomes
- Advanced imaging (OCT, OCT-A, fundus photography)
- Micro-incision surgery for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Integration with anti-VEGF therapy or laser for AMD patients
- English-friendly clinics with structured postoperative care
- Excellent infection control protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided IOL power calculation and centration planning
- Combined cataract and anti-VEGF therapy in a single session
- Micro-incision phacoemulsification with minimal retinal impact
- Digital postoperative AMD monitoring dashboards
- Personalized lens selection to maximize visual function and retinal protection
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cataract Surgery with Standard IOL | ₩2,500,000 – ₩5,000,000 | ~$1,900 – $3,800 | Cataract removal + IOL + imaging |
| Blue-Light Filtering or Premium IOL | ₩3,500,000 – ₩6,500,000 | ~$2,650 – $4,950 | Specialized lens + surgery + imaging |
| IOL + Anti-VEGF Combination | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,450 – $5,700 | Surgery + lens + intravitreal injection |
| Follow-Up Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$230 – $620 | OCT + fundus imaging + consultation |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina & Cataract Unit
- Seoul National University Hospital Ophthalmology Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
