Refractive Surgery 2005 in Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates the current situation and future trends in the field of refractive surgery in Korea. METHODS: Since 1995, 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 63 multiple-choice questions, was mailed in June 2005 to 300 KSCRS members. Fifty-four (18.0%) members responded. Current data were compared with those of previous annual surveys and with data from the USA. RESULTS: The highest percentage of patients were in their forties (37%), and LASIK accounted for the highest percentage of refractive surgeries (81%). Of complications arising after refractive surgery, the degeneration of corrected vision after PRK and dry eye syndrome after LASIK accounted for the high proportions. LASIK was preferred for myopia less than -12 diopter, and phakic IOL was preferred for myopia greater than -12 diopter. Almost all respondents answered that the most promising refractive surgery is LASIK or phakic IOL. CONCLUSIONS: This survey summarized the current trends and changes in cataract and refractive surgery in Korea.