What is the lens implantation surgery cost for high myopia cases?
Domestic Myopia Status and Limitations of Correction Methods
In Korea, there is a considerable population with myopia, with an estimated 80-90% of the younger generation having myopia, and the rate of severe myopia reaching 10-20%. This trend is the result of a combination of genetic factors and living environment, and myopia patients are rapidly increasing especially as indoor living time increases and the use of digital devices such as smartphones or computers grows.
When myopia occurs, vision can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but due to discomfort from long-term wearing and limitations in correction effectiveness, many people consider vision correction surgery. However, laser methods such as LASIK or LASEK are difficult to apply to patients with high myopia or severe astigmatism who have thin corneas or high prescription to correct.
Therefore, an increasing number of people are researching lens implantation surgery cost as an alternative.
Principles and Advantages of Lens Implantation Surgery
For patients for whom LASIK or LASEK surgery is not suitable, lens implantation surgery has actually established itself as an effective alternative. It can stably correct vision especially when the cornea is thin or there is severe myopia of -10 diopters or more or astigmatism, or even when there is extreme dry eye and irregular cornea. It is more suitable for office workers who have difficulty wearing glasses for long periods or people with occupations involving a lot of activity, and recently, the advantage that even patients with mild myopia and astigmatism can correct vision without damaging the cornea is being highlighted.
Lens implantation surgery has continuously developed since it was first introduced in the early 1950s, improving vision by inserting a special lens inside the eye. By inserting a lens thinner than a hair while maintaining the cornea as is, long-term vision maintenance is possible, and eye damage is minimized by utilizing biocompatible materials such as Collamer. As a result, side effects such as dry eye, myopia recurrence, and light scattering are minimal, pain is almost nonexistent, and recovery is fast. The lens can be removed to return to the original state as needed, and it can be applied even to patients with thin corneas or high myopia.
Surgical Indications and Candidates
Of course, there are also precautions. As a lens is inserted inside the eye and aqueous humor circulation is hindered, intraocular pressure may rise and cataracts may develop, so accurate measurement and experienced medical staff’s expertise are necessary. Additionally, light scattering phenomenon may appear after surgery requiring caution during night driving, and it is important to check for complications through regular examinations.
When considering lens implantation surgery cost, it is important to accurately identify surgical indications. Representative indications include insufficient corneal thickness, high myopia or high astigmatism, irregular corneal shape, and severe dry eye. Conversely, surgery may be limited if anterior chamber depth is insufficient, intraocular pressure is high, or cataracts are already progressing.
Types and Characteristics of Surgical Methods
Lens implantation surgery cost is divided into anterior and posterior insertion depending on where the lens is inserted.
Anterior chamber lenses are positioned in front of the iris to increase stability but can burden endothelial cells by being close to the cornea, while posterior chamber lenses are placed behind the iris securing distance from cells to increase safety, and maintaining smooth aqueous humor flow can lower the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is important to select a method suitable for the individual’s eye structure, and it is safe to decide through consultation with an experienced doctor.
Posterior chamber lenses are inserted in the space between the iris and the natural lens, securing sufficient distance from corneal endothelial cells. This is advantageous in terms of long-term safety and does not interfere with aqueous humor flow, reducing the risk of intraocular pressure elevation. The incision size during surgery is also small, so recovery is fast and the possibility of inducing astigmatism is low.
Recovery Process and Precautions
Although recovery time is relatively short, caution is required during that period. During the first week immediately after surgery, do not rub your eyes, use artificial tears regularly, and maintain indoor humidity. Do not look at screens for long periods and get sufficient rest, and protect your eyes with sunglasses and hats on days with strong sunlight. After 2 weeks, light work is possible but close-range work should be avoided, and after one month, you can return to most daily activities. Thanks to thorough care, discomfort and complications during the recovery process can be minimized.
An important part of lens implantation surgery cost is consistent examinations and daily care. Continuously monitor dryness, light diffusion, and vision changes, use artificial tears when necessary, drink plenty of water, and rest. Be careful not to impact the eyes, and initially avoid night driving or looking at screens for long periods. Patients who follow these procedures can experience satisfactory vision.
Especially in the early stages, overexertion is dangerous, so refrain from exercise or vigorous activities for several months. Be careful not to rub your eyes when sleeping. During recovery, avoid dry environments and use a humidifier or air purifier to maintain indoor humidity. Sufficient water intake and nutritional management are necessary, and taking supplements is helpful.
Cost Structure and Aftercare
Lens implantation surgery cost is usually between 3 million won to 5 million won. As a safe and efficient vision correction method for patients with high myopia or astigmatism, it is widely chosen across various age groups and occupations thanks to the advantage of preserving the cornea.
It fits well with modern people’s busy lives, has little pain and fast recovery, and provides flexibility to replace or remove the lens if necessary. Therefore, when considering the recovery period, it is important to review not only the simple length of time but also customized examinations and aftercare plans together.
In conclusion, the recovery period is shorter compared to existing laser correction surgery, and vision recovery is stably possible. However, it is not uniformly applied to all patients, and must be decided through sufficient consultation with medical staff with rich experience, comprehensively considering eye condition, lifestyle habits, occupation, age, etc. Only then can satisfaction and safety be improved and eye health be maintained in the long term.
According to actual patient experiences, during the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, eyes become sensitive and feel sensitive to light, but stabilize through eye drop use and sufficient rest. Some had fluctuations in vision, but as a result of management through periodic examinations, they eventually recovered clear vision.
If continuous management and inspection are combined, the possibility of long-term side effects can be lowered and the benefits of surgery can be enjoyed even more.
If you would like to know more about lens implantation surgery, please visit our website!
https://www.gseyecenter.com/vc/02_02/