Cataract Surgery in Seoul — Apgujeong Eye Clinic

What is cataract?

Cataracts, or clouding of the lens of the eye, are caused by age, injury, or the effects of medications, causing the lens to become cloudy, blurry, and hazy. Since medication drops do not completely cure the condition, surgical replacement is the main treatment.

Why is surgery needed?

  • Improves vision: reduces blurring, double vision, and glare
  • Safe and effective: modern small-incision phacoemulsification is popular
  • Rapid recovery: most are outpatients, with daily visits within a few days

Who is it suitable for?

  • Blurring, glare, and night vision problems that affect daily life
  • Cases where vision is not stable even after changing lenses
  • Cataract confirmed by a complete ophthalmological examination

Surgical procedure

  1. Complete eye examination (cataract, cornea, retina, eye pressure)
  2. Phacoemulsification: a very small incision is made to soften and clean the lens.
  3. Implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL): choose according to your lifestyle and corneal shape
  4. Return home: usually outpatient; follow-up appointment scheduled

Intraocular lens (IOL) options

  • Monofocal: clear at one distance (usually far away); may need reading glasses for near vision
  • Toric: designed to correct shape if you have astigmatism
  • Multifocal / Intermittent (EDOF): more flexible vision at multiple distances, near, intermediate, and far (sometimes night blindness may occur)
Your doctor will recommend which lenses are right for you based on your diagnosis and lifestyle.

Recovery and care

  • Day 1–1 week: protective glasses/clamps, drops as directed by doctor
  • Weeks 1–4: gentle activity → gradually increase exercise, temporarily limit swimming/sauna
  • Follow-up: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.; check lens position and pressure as needed

Potential risks

  • Temporary redness, flushing, “floaters”
  • Rare: infection, high blood pressure, retinal problems
The risks and benefits should be discussed in a face-to-face consultation with your doctor.

Special services for Mongolian patients

  • 🇲🇳 Mongolian/Russian/English translator
  • Online consultation and appointment booking (Kakao/WhatsApp available)
  • Travel advice: accommodation, transportation, route assistance
  • Follow-up: specific instructions and relevant channels

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the surgery painful? Local anesthesia, minimal discomfort.

When will you be able to return to work/travel? Most people will be able to return to their normal routine within 1–3 days and back to their normal lives within 1–2 weeks.

Can both eyes be treated at the same time? Usually, they are done with a gap between them; in some cases, the doctor will advise you about having both eyes treated on the same day.

How much does it cost? It varies depending on the type of lens, eye condition, and additional tests. An approximate budget will be sent to you through an online consultation.

Location and contact

Apgujeong Eye Clinic 📍 597 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Apgujeong area) 🚇 Subway: Near Apgujeong Rodeo / Sinsa 📞 82-10-2990-3416 🕘 Mon–Wed 09:30–18:30 | Fri 09:30–19:30 | Sat 09:00–16:00 (Closed on Thursdays and Sundays)