Treatment Overview
Lens Capsule Tension Ring (CTR) Implantation in Korea is an advanced intraocular procedure used to stabilize the capsular bag during or after cataract surgery, particularly in cases where zonular weakness or instability is present.
The tension ring—made of a thin, flexible PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) material—is inserted into the capsular bag to redistribute tension evenly, maintain its circular contour, and provide a stable platform for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
Korean ophthalmologists are globally recognized for their expertise in complex cataract surgery, using AI-guided imaging, intraoperative OCT, and micro-instrumentation to ensure precise CTR placement.
This technique enhances surgical safety, prevents lens decentration, and preserves long-term visual outcomes—making it an essential part of advanced cataract and zonular management protocols in Korea.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Restore capsular bag stability in eyes with weakened or missing zonules.
- Maintain symmetrical shape and position of the capsule for IOL implantation.
- Prevent capsular collapse, decentration, or tilt during surgery.
- Enhance IOL centration and long-term refractive accuracy.
- Minimize the risk of intraoperative complications such as capsule rupture or IOL dislocation.
Benefits
- Structural Support: Reinforces weakened zonules and stabilizes the lens capsule.
- Improved IOL Centration: Ensures accurate lens positioning for optimal visual quality.
- Reduced Surgical Risk: Prevents capsule shrinkage, tilt, and postoperative IOL displacement.
- Long-Term Stability: Maintains consistent visual outcomes even in progressive zonulopathy.
- Compatibility with Premium IOLs: Enables safe implantation of multifocal, toric, or EDOF lenses.
- Minimally Invasive: The ring is inserted through micro-incision phacoemulsification entry points.
Ideal Candidates
CTR implantation in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with zonular weakness due to trauma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, or high myopia.
- Marfan’s syndrome or other connective-tissue disorders affecting lens stability.
- Eyes with previous intraocular surgery or long-standing lens subluxation.
- Patients undergoing complex cataract surgery where capsular instability is detected.
- Individuals requiring premium IOL implantation with stable centration.
- Surgeons identifying intraoperative zonular dialysis or capsular asymmetry.
Possible Risks & Complications
CTR implantation is considered highly safe and effective. However, potential risks may include:
- Transient inflammation or redness: Controlled with postoperative drops.
- Capsular fibrosis or phimosis: Managed with capsulotomy if needed.
- Incorrect sizing or positioning: Prevented through AI-guided preoperative planning.
- Rare ring dislocation: Extremely uncommon in skilled hands.
- IOP elevation or corneal edema (temporary): Managed with medication.
Korean ophthalmologists minimize complications using OCT-assisted imaging, AI lens capsule modeling, and suture-anchored CTR variants when required for additional support.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- AI-Guided Preoperative Planning: Determines the need for CTR and predicts zonular stress areas.
- Micro-Incision Phacoemulsification: Provides access for cataract removal with minimal trauma.
- CTR Insertion: A flexible PMMA ring is inserted into the capsular bag via injector or forceps.
- Capsular Expansion and Stabilization: The ring evenly redistributes tension across zonules.
- IOL Implantation: Performed after CTR placement to ensure optimal centration.
- Intraoperative OCT Monitoring: Confirms ring placement and capsule integrity.
- Modified CTR (Cionni or Ahmed Rings): Used when zonular loss exceeds 3–4 clock hours—can be scleral-sutured for additional fixation.
Korean eye centers use cutting-edge phaco systems (Alcon Centurion®, Zeiss Artevo 800®) and AI imaging to deliver high-precision results in complex cases.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Diagnostic Assessment:
Comprehensive ocular evaluation including slit-lamp exam, anterior segment OCT, and biometry to detect zonular weakness and plan CTR implantation.
Step 2 – Surgical Planning:
AI-based capsule modeling calculates optimal CTR size and need for modifications (e.g., sutured CTR for severe zonulopathy).
Step 3 – Cataract Extraction:
Performed via phacoemulsification or femtosecond-assisted technique through a 2.2 mm incision.
Step 4 – CTR Insertion:
CTR is carefully injected into the capsular bag using viscoelastic protection, ensuring even expansion and stable contour.
Step 5 – IOL Implantation:
A monofocal, toric, multifocal, or EDOF IOL is implanted securely within the stabilized capsule.
Step 6 – Postoperative Verification:
OCT and slit-lamp imaging confirm IOL centration and capsular stability.
Treatment Duration: 25–40 minutes per eye (depending on complexity).
Setting: Outpatient microsurgery with same-day discharge.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Apply antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed.
- Avoid eye rubbing, heavy activity, or contact with water for 1 week.
- Use protective eyewear outdoors to avoid UV and trauma.
- Maintain ocular lubrication and attend follow-up visits at Day 1, Week 1, and Month 1.
- Continue IOP monitoring and IOL position checks during healing.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–3: Noticeable improvement in vision; mild irritation may occur.
- Week 1: Stable IOL position and clear visual axis.
- Weeks 2–4: Visual acuity sharpens as inflammation subsides.
- 1–3 Months: Full visual stability and capsular remodeling complete.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Enhanced IOL stability and centration.
- Improved visual clarity and optical quality.
- Reduced risk of IOL tilt, decentration, or postoperative shift.
- Excellent visual rehabilitation even in eyes with complex pathology.
Longevity
CTR implantation provides lifelong structural stability for the capsule and IOL.
Korean studies report over 95% success rates in long-term IOL centration and visual satisfaction, with results lasting 15–20 years or more.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is globally recognized for advanced cataract and complex anterior segment surgery, integrating AI technology and micro-precision techniques for outstanding outcomes.
- AI-Calibrated CTR Planning: Tailors ring size and tension to individual capsular anatomy.
- Innovative CTR Variants: Korean surgeons routinely use Cionni and modified tension rings for advanced zonular loss.
- Highly Trained Surgeons: Global leaders in complex cataract and IOL stabilization surgery.
- Integrated Surgical Suites: OCT, AI biometry, and 3D visualization for unmatched intraoperative precision.
- Premium IOL Integration: Ensures optimal centration for toric, EDOF, and multifocal lenses.
- Research & Innovation: Korean institutions lead studies on long-term CTR outcomes and new biocompatible materials.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Guided Capsule Modeling & Pre-Op Simulation
- Femtosecond-Assisted Phaco + CTR Hybrid Workflow
- OCT-Based Real-Time CTR Visualization
- Modified CTR Fixation with Micro-Suturing or Cionni Rings
- Dual-Stabilization for Severe Zonular Dialysis
- Premium IOL Alignment Optimization Protocols
These innovations make Lens Capsule Tension Ring Implantation in Korea one of the most precise, reliable, and life-long stabilization procedures in ophthalmic microsurgery.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard CTR with Cataract Surgery | ₩3,000,000 – ₩4,500,000 | ~$2,100 – $3,200 | Standard CTR implantation with micro-incision cataract extraction and monofocal IOL |
| AI-Guided CTR + Premium IOL Package | ₩5,000,000 – ₩6,800,000 | ~$3,600 – $4,900 | Femtosecond-assisted cataract + CTR + toric/multifocal IOL with OCT monitoring |
| Complex Zonular Weakness Program | ₩7,000,000 – ₩9,500,000+ | ~$5,100 – $6,900+ | Modified Cionni/Ahmed CTR with scleral fixation, advanced IOL, long-term follow-up |
Costs vary by severity of zonular weakness, IOL selection, and surgical complexity.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Specialists in complex cataract and CTR implantation with AI planning.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Leaders in femtosecond cataract + CTR integration for premium IOLs.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Advanced management of pseudoexfoliation and zonular instability.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Experts in modified CTR techniques and capsular rescue systems.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Pioneers in AI-guided capsular tension stabilization and EDOF IOL optimization.
