SNU Eye Clinic details key factors in ICL surgery for high myopia and astigmatism

SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul is highlighting how preoperative testing, lens sizing and astigmatism measurements shape implantable collamer lens surgery for patients with severe vision problems. The clinic says careful planning is especially important for international patients who may not be candidates for laser vision correction.

Why it matters: - ICL surgery can be an option for patients with thin corneas, severe myopia or astigmatism who may not qualify for LASIK, LASEK or SMILE. - The procedure preserves the cornea because it does not remove corneal tissue. - Precise testing affects whether patients get the right lens type, size and placement for better visual results. - International patients traveling to South Korea for vision correction increasingly want options beyond laser surgery.

What happened: - SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, outlined the main factors that guide ICL surgery for high myopia and astigmatism. - The clinic emphasized comprehensive preoperative exams to assess eye condition before surgery. - Dr. Chung Eui Sang, Chief Director of SNU Eye Clinic, said ICL surgery can correct high myopia and astigmatism while preserving the cornea. - Dr. Chung said lens power, lens size and the astigmatism axis must all be evaluated carefully.

The details: - ICL surgery places a biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct myopia and astigmatism. - The procedure does not reshape the cornea with a laser, unlike LASIK, LASEK and SMILE. - Patients must meet surgical criteria that include adequate anterior chamber depth, sufficient corneal endothelial cell density and acceptable intraocular pressure. - For significant astigmatism, the degree and axis of astigmatism must be measured accurately before surgery. - Uncorrected astigmatism can leave overlapping contours or reduce visual clarity after surgery. - Toric ICL is designed to correct myopia and astigmatism at the same time. - Toric ICL positioning must match the astigmatism axis measured before surgery. - Postoperative lens position and residual astigmatism can change results, so surgical planning must be precise. - SNU Eye Clinic said its Zero Toric ICL approach aims to reduce residual astigmatism and lens rotation rates toward zero. - The clinic said preoperative analysis includes astigmatism degree, astigmatism axis and internal eye structures. - Lens power, lens size and intended implantation position are selected from those measurements. - Lens size matters as much as lens power because an oversized or undersized lens can affect vault, the distance between the implanted lens and the natural crystalline lens. - Preoperative assessment should include anterior chamber depth, corneal endothelial cell density and internal ocular structures. - SNU Eye Clinic said it has a dedicated ICL team that handles preoperative exams, lens selection, surgery and postoperative follow-up. - The team includes optometrists, coordinators and medical professionals. - The clinic provides on-site interpretation in English, Chinese, Mongolian and Russian for international patients. - The language support is meant to help patients understand exam results, lens selection criteria, surgical procedures and postoperative precautions.

Between the lines: - The clinic is positioning ICL as a highly customized procedure rather than a one-size-fits-all vision correction option. - The emphasis on astigmatism axis, lens rotation and vault shows that small measurement errors can affect final vision quality. - The focus on interpretation services suggests SNU Eye Clinic is targeting medical travelers who need more support navigating treatment decisions. - Dr. Chung’s credentials and training record are being used to reinforce the clinic’s specialization in ICL care.

What's next: - Patients considering ICL will need detailed eye testing to determine whether they meet surgical criteria. - Toric ICL candidates will need individualized planning based on astigmatism measurements and eye anatomy. - SNU Eye Clinic is likely to continue promoting coordinated care for international patients seeking vision correction in Seoul.

The bottom line: - For high myopia and astigmatism, ICL outcomes depend on careful measurement, correct lens selection and precise surgical planning.