2004 Survey for KSCRS Members: Current Trends in Cataract Surgery in Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates the current situation and future trends in the field of cataract and refractive surgery in Korea. METHODS: Since 1995, the members of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (KSCRS) have been surveyed annually on cataract and refractive surgery. The 2005 annual survey, consisting of 74 multiple-choice questions, was mailed in February 2005 to 364 KSCRS members. Seventy-six (20.8%) members answered. Current data were compared with those of previous annual surveys and with those of annual surveys of ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery) members. RESULTS: The duration of hospitalization has decreased annually and the use of topical anesthesia (49%) has hemained stationary. Self sealing wound construction was the main wound closure technique in phacoemulsification (66%). Acrylic intraocular lenses are the most preferred (75%) for small incisioncataract surgery. The implantation of phakic IOL was performed by 30% of respondents and interests in the value added by IOL has increased annually. CONCLUSIONS: This survey summarized current trends and changes in cataract and refractive surgery in Korea.