Treatment Overview
TEyehance Monofocal Plus IOL in Korea is an enhanced monofocal (sometimes described as “monofocal-plus”) lens designed to provide excellent distance vision and improved intermediate vision compared with traditional monofocal IOLs. In Korea, premium eye-surgery centres integrate this lens with advanced diagnostics, femtosecond-laser-assisted surgery, and digital alignment systems, offering patients upgraded visual performance in a premium IOL setting.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Replace the cataract-affected natural lens with a premium IOL that provides standard monofocal clarity at distance and improved vision at intermediate distances (for example: computer work, car dashboard).
- Offer a bridge between standard monofocal lenses and high-end multifocal/EDOF implants, for patients wanting enhanced performance with lower risk of visual side-effects.
- Correct presbyopia demands partially by improving intermediate focus, though near vision may still require glasses.
Benefits
- Excellent distance vision: Comparable clarity to standard monofocal lenses.
- Improved intermediate vision: Studies show better intermediate visual acuity than conventional monofocals.
- Reduced dysphotopsia risk (e.g., halos or glare) compared to multifocal/trifocal lenses because of the monofocal plus design.
- High contrast sensitivity: Maintains better optical quality than many multifocal lenses.
- Premium lens choice: For patients who want upgraded performance over standard monofocals but may not want full multifocal trade-offs.
Ideal Candidates
The Eyhance IOL is ideal for:
- Patients undergoing cataract surgery who want better-than-standard monofocal performance, especially at intermediate distances (e.g., working on a computer, reading screens, driving).
- Individuals willing to invest in a premium lens, but who perhaps prefer to avoid the potential visual phenomena or cost associated with multifocal/trifocal implants.
- People with healthy ocular anatomy (clear cornea, no significant macular disease, regular iris and capsular support) and realistic expectations (they understand near-vision may still require glasses).
- Patients whose lifestyle involves a lot of intermediate tasks and who value visual comfort at arm’s length.
Possible Risks & Complications
Though very safe in expert hands, the following should be considered:
- Residual refractive error: Even premium lenses may result in minor under- or over-correction of sphere or astigmatism, requiring glasses or enhancement.
- Near vision may still need glasses: While intermediate vision is improved, this lens does not offer the full near vision independence that some multifocal/trifocal designs aim for.
- Standard surgical risks: Infection, inflammation, posterior capsular opacification (PCO), etc.
- Expectations mismatch: If the patient expects full spectacle-independence including fine print reading or low-light near tasks, they may feel disappointed unless properly counselled.
Techniques & Technology Used (in Korea)
- AI-Guided Biometry & Premium Planning: Precise measurement of axial length, keratometry, corneal shape, and simulation of the enhanced monofocal performance.
- Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) or Micro-Incision Techniques: For precise capsulotomy and lens removal, aiding premium IOL placement.
- Digital Centration & Axis Alignment Systems: Especially where toric versions are used (for astigmatism), ensuring lens alignment and stability.
- High-Quality IOL Material & Design: Enhanced monofocal lens featuring advanced aspheric optics, extended depth of focus effect without diffractive rings.
- Post-operative Monitoring & Optimisation: Follow-ups to confirm visual acuity at distance and intermediate, lens centration, and patient comfort.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Pre-operative Assessment: Comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity, corneal topography/tomography, macular OCT, tear film, pupillometry, and lifestyle/visual-goals counselling.
- Surgical Planning: Choose the Eyhance IOL (or toric version if astigmatism) and determine target refraction (often emmetropia). Plan incision size, IOL implantation strategy, centration.
- Lens Removal & Implantation: Cataract extraction (via phacoemulsification or laser-assisted) followed by implantation of the Eyhance IOL into the capsular bag, aligned to the planned axis and centred properly.
- Postoperative Monitoring: Follow-ups at Day 1, Week 1, Month 1 (and beyond) to monitor healing, visual acuity (distance & intermediate), lens centration, and patient satisfaction.
Treatment Duration: Approximately 15–25 minutes per eye in premium Korean centres.
Setting: Premium ophthalmic clinic/hospital offering diagnostic, surgical, and follow-up care in one integrated visit.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for 2–4 weeks (as per surgeon).
- Avoid vigorous exercise, swimming, rubbing the eye, or heavy lifting for at least one week or as advised.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors.
- Use artificial tears if dryness or irritation occurs.
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits (Day 1, Week 1, Month 1) and notify surgeon of unusual symptoms (pain, sudden vision loss, flashes/floaters).
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Vision generally becomes clearer; mild fluctuations or sensitivity may occur.
- Week 1: Distance vision stabilises; intermediate vision begins to be functional; lens centration check.
- Weeks 2–4: Continued improvement in vision quality; most patients able to perform usual daily tasks comfortably.
- 1–3 Months: Final visual outcome largely achieved; intermediate vision comfort confirmed; reading glasses still may be needed for fine print/near tasks.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- High-quality distance vision comparable to best monofocal lenses.
- Enhanced intermediate vision that allows comfortable viewing of screens, dashboards, device use, and many daily activities without glasses.
- Minimal additional visual disturbances (halos, glare) compared with multifocal lenses.
- Good patient satisfaction levels, particularly in lifestyle-oriented individuals.
Longevity
- The Eyhance IOL is a permanent implant, designed for long-term clarity and stability.
- Visual performance remains stable for decades given good ocular health and proper surgical technique.
- Because the lens is a premium monofocal-plus design rather than a full multifocal/trifocal, long-term optical durability and minimal maintenance risk are favourable.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Korean eye-surgery centres offer high surgical volume, advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies, and a strong track-record with premium IOLs.
- The Eyhance lens, being simpler than complex multifocal/trifocal designs, fits well into precision workflows with fewer trade-offs—making it a strong premium choice in Korea.
- Integrated service models in Korea allow for diagnostics, surgery and follow-ups in one facility, ensuring smooth patient experience and consistent follow-through.
- Surgeons in Korea are experienced with premium IOL implantation, patient counselling, and managing upgraded visual expectations.
Unique Considerations in Korea for Eyhance IOL
- Preoperative counselling emphasises intermediate vision goals (e.g., screen use, reading distance) and clarifies that near-vision glasses may still be needed.
- Because the Eyhance is less aggressive than multifocals, it suits patients who prioritise safety, contrast, and fewer optical side-effects while still desiring premium performance.
- Clinics may offer upgraded surgical packages (femtosecond laser, digital centration) around the Eyhance implantation for enhanced precision—patients should ask about technology bundle and cost.
- Postoperative monitoring may include intermediate-distance visual checks and adaptation assessments (e.g., screen/dashboard tasks) to validate the “plus” benefit.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
While actual pricing depends on lens model, surgeon, clinic, and technology package, an approximate premium lens package in Korea for an enhanced monofocal like Eyhance may be:
- Standard Enhanced Monofocal IOL Surgery Package: ₩6,000,000 – ₩8,000,000 (≈ US$4,300-5,800).
- Premium Package (Laser-assisted + Digital Alignment): ₩8,500,000 – ₩10,000,000 (≈ US$6,100-7,200)
- Ultimate Package (Enhanced Monofocal + Toric version for astigmatism + premium diagnostics/follow-up): ₩10,500,000+ (≈ US$7,500+)
Note: These are indicative and may vary by clinic, lens options (toric vs non-toric), bilateral surgery, and postoperative follow-up inclusions.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Premium lens implantation with enhanced monofocal and enhanced IOL workflows.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Offers intermediate-vision-focused premium IOL options and advanced laser support.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Known for upgrading patients from standard monofocals to enhanced monofocal-plus IOLs with advanced care plans.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic (Gangnam): High volume of premium cataract/vision correction cases with premium IOLs like Eyhance and customised aftercare.
