Treatment Overview
Hanmi Premium Multifocal Lens implantation in Korea refers to the use of a premium multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) manufactured or branded by Hanmi (or its associated ophthalmic companies) for cataract surgery. The aim is to provide clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far) while leveraging Korea’s advanced surgical infrastructure, including femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, AI-guided IOL calculations, and digital centration technology to maximise premium visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Replace the cataract-affected natural lens with a multifocal IOL from the Hanmi premium range that offers multiple focal zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision.
- Correct presbyopia and refractive errors (within the limits of the premium IOL design) simultaneously with cataract removal.
- Provide patients with a premium upgrade over standard monofocal IOLs, aiming for reduced dependence on glasses for daily tasks.
Benefits
- Multidistance Vision: Patients experience better near, intermediate, and distance vision compared with standard monofocal lenses.
- Spectacle Independence: Many patients achieve significantly reduced need for glasses or contact lenses for everyday tasks.
- Enhanced Visual Quality: Premium lens optics aim to maintain a high level of contrast sensitivity and clarity across focal ranges.
- Modern Surgical Integration: In Korea, the premium lens is combined with precise diagnostics, femtosecond laser assistance and premium surgical workflows for improved accuracy and safety.
- Lifestyle Improvement: Ideal for active individuals, professionals and those whose daily routines involve varied visual distances (screens, reading, outdoor, driving).
Ideal Candidates
This Hanmi Premium Multifocal Lens is well suited for:
- Patients with visually significant cataracts who desire premium, spectacle-reducing outcomes across multiple distances.
- Individuals aged 40+ with presbyopia and refractive lens exchange (RLE) candidates seeking a long-term solution.
- Healthy eyes with good corneal, retinal and capsular structure (i.e., minimal ocular comorbidity).
- Candidates who are willing to invest in premium surgery and understand the trade-offs, and who have realistic visual expectations.
Possible Risks & Complications
While premium multifocal IOLs are safe and effective, some considerations apply:
- Visual phenomena: Some patients may experience halos, glare, or starbursts, especially in low light or night-driving conditions.
- Reduced near performance in dim light: Multifocal optics may perform less strongly under low contrast or poor lighting compared to monofocal lenses.
- Residual refractive error: Despite advanced planning, glasses or enhancements may still be required for certain tasks.
- Adaptation period: The visual system may take time to adjust to new multifocal optics; patient counselling is essential.
- Standard surgical risks: Infection, inflammation, posterior capsular opacification (PCO), lens decentration or tilt.
Techniques & Technology Used in Korea
- AI-guided ocular biometry and premium IOL calculations: Precise measurement of axial length, keratometry, anterior chamber depth and simulation of lens performance.
- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS): Use of laser to perform capsulotomy, lens fragmentation and corneal incisions for improved lens positioning and minimal trauma.
- Micro-incision phacoemulsification: Removal of the cataractous lens through minimally invasive incision, contributing to faster recovery.
- Digital centration and alignment systems: Ensuring the premium multifocal IOL is centered on the visual axis and properly aligned for best performance.
- Post-operative optimisation and follow-up: Monitoring visual acuity at near, intermediate and distance; confirming lens position and adaptation; managing any residual refractive issues.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Pre-operative Evaluation:
- Full eye exam including visual acuity, corneal mapping/topography, axial length measurement, retinal/macular OCT, tear film and ocular surface evaluation.
- Lifestyle discussion: screen time, near tasks, reading habits, driving at night.
- Premium IOL counselling: explaining benefits and trade-offs of a multifocal lens.
- Surgical Planning:
- Select Hanmi Premium Multifocal Lens model, target refraction, incision plan and centration strategy.
- Pre-arrange femtosecond laser parameters (if used) and premium workflow scheduling.
- Lens Removal and IOL Implantation:
- Cataract extraction via femtosecond-assisted or micro-incision technique.
- Implantation of the premium multifocal lens, ensuring precise centration and alignment using digital guidance.
- Postoperative Monitoring & Visual Optimisation:
- Early follow-ups (Day 1, Week 1) to monitor vision clarity, lens centration, healing and any early visual phenomena.
- Further assessments (Month 1, Month 3) of visual outcomes at all focal distances, review of adaptation and any enhancement planning.
Duration: Approximately 15-25 minutes per eye (depending on technology and patient case)
Setting: Premium ophthalmic surgical centre offering diagnostics, surgery and follow-up in one location.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for typically 2-4 weeks (as advised).
- Avoid eye-rubbing, swimming, heavy exercise for at least one week (or as per surgeon’s instructions).
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Use artificial tears if dryness or minor irritation occurs.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Day 1, Week 1, Month 1 (and additional per clinic’s premium protocol) to review lens performance and visual adaptation.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Vision becomes noticeably clearer; some sensitivity to light or fluctuation possible.
- Week 1: Distance vision stabilises; intermediate and near vision gradually improve; early adaptation begins.
- Weeks 2–4: Most patients achieve good visual performance across distances; visual phenomena begin to diminish.
- 1–3 Months: Full visual adaptation achieved; final visual outcome at all distances, and most patients reach optimum performance.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Excellent distance, intermediate, and near vision, with significantly reduced need for glasses in daily life.
- High-quality vision for reading, computer use, outdoor activities, driving and general lifestyle tasks.
- Premium lens optics maintained under variable lighting conditions, with acceptable visual comfort.
- Strong patient satisfaction when candidate selection and counselling are well-executed.
Longevity
- The premium multifocal IOL is a permanent implant designed for long-term clarity and stability.
- With proper surgical technique and healthy ocular environment, visual performance remains stable for many years, often decades.
- Post-operative care and follow-up ensure early detection and management of potential issues (e.g., PCO) to maintain outcome.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Korean premium eye-surgery centres are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, high surgical volume and specialist experience in premium IOLs and multifocal lenses.
- Surgeons regularly perform premium lens implantations (including multifocal/trifocal/EDoF) and are skilled in patient selection, counselling and optimisation.
- The integrated service model in Korea (diagnostics, surgery, follow-up) provides high-quality care for both domestic and international patients seeking premium outcomes.
- High standards of safety, precision and innovation make Korea a reliable choice for premium multifocal lens implantation.
Unique Considerations in Korea for Hanmi Premium Multifocal Lens
- Pre-operative counselling emphasises the visual trade-offs associated with multifocal lenses (e.g., possible night halos vs glasses freedom) so that patient expectations are aligned.
- Premium surgical workflows (laser-assisted, digital centration) are emphasised for optimal lens performance; patients should inquire about the full technology package.
- Postoperative follow-up may include visual tasks at various distances and lighting conditions to verify lens performance, which is a hallmark of premium clinics.
- Cost transparency is important: premium multifocal lens packages may cost more than standard cataract surgery + monofocal IOL, and patients should review inclusions (lens model, diagnostics, bilateral surgery, enhancement options, follow-up).
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
While individual clinics will vary, here is a ball-park estimate for premium multifunction lens surgery in Korea:
- Standard Premium Multifocal IOL Surgery Package: ~ ₩6,000,000 – ₩8,000,000 per eye (approx. US $4,300 – $5,800)
- Upgraded Package (Laser-Assisted + Digital Centration + Premium Lens): ~ ₩8,500,000 – ₩10,000,000 per eye (approx. US $6,100 – $7,200)
- Luxury Premium Package (Bilaterals, Highest-End Lens, Extended Follow-up): ~ ₩10,500,000+ per eye (approx. US $7,500+)
Note: These are indicative only; actual prices depend on lens model, surgeon, clinic, bilateral vs unilateral surgery and follow-up services.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Premium cataract and refractive lens exchange specialist with multifocal/trifocal IOL focus.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Lifestyle-oriented premium IOL centre offering multifocal lens upgrades and full premium workflows.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Large volume, experienced in premium lens implantation and patient adaptation follow-up.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic (Gangnam): Offers cutting-edge technology, premium IOL counselling and comprehensive after-care for multifocal implants.
