Cataract Surgery in Seoul Korea |
Cost, Clinics & Recovery
Cataract Surgery in Seoul, Korea — From ₩1.5M per Eye, Exam Included
Modern small-incision cataract surgery with a choice of monofocal, EDOF and trifocal lenses. BGSS has performed 49,000+ presbyopia and cataract surgeries; most patients see functionally within 1–2 days.
- ₩1.5M–₩7.25M per eye (≈ $1,060–$5,120), by lens
- Functional vision usually within 1–2 days
- Lens choice matched to your eyes and lifestyle
How much is cataract surgery in Korea and how does it work?
At BGSS Eye Clinic, cataract surgery costs ₩1.5M–₩7.25M (about $1,060–$5,120) per eye, depending mainly on the intraocular lens you choose. The clouded natural lens is removed through a small incision using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and replaced with a clear artificial lens. Most patients have functional vision within 1–2 days.
- Price (per eye)
- ₩1.5M – ₩7.25M
- Technique
- Phacoemulsification + IOL
- Recovery
- 1–2 days
- Lens options
- Monofocal · EDOF · trifocal
What is a cataract — and when should it be removed?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural crystalline lens , most often due to ageing. Proteins in the lens gradually clump, scattering light, so vision becomes blurred, colours look faded, and glare from headlights increases.
There is no medication that clears a cataract. Surgery is usually recommended when the cataract interferes with daily life — driving, reading or work — rather than at a fixed stage. Because the old lens is replaced, a cataract cannot grow back, although the capsule behind the new lens may cloud later and is treated with a quick laser.
- Symptoms: blur, glare, halos, faded colours, frequent prescription changes
- Cause: mostly age-related; also diabetes, steroids, injury
- Treatment: surgical lens replacement
- Timing: when vision limits your activities
How cataract surgery is performed
A typical procedure takes around 15–20 minutes per eye under numbing drops.
Numbing & incision
Anaesthetic drops numb the eye; a tiny self-sealing incision is made at the edge of the cornea.
Opening the capsule
A round opening is made in the thin capsule that surrounds the lens.
Phacoemulsification
An ultrasound probe breaks up the cloudy lens and gently suctions it out.
Lens implantation
A folded intraocular lens is inserted and unfolds inside the capsule. No stitches are usually needed.
Your treatment plan and price within 24 hours
- 1 Send a photo of your glasses or prescription
- 2 Get a likely procedure and estimated cost
- 3 Reserve an exam slot for your trip
No obligation · English · 中文 · 日本語 · Tiếng Việt · Монгол · Bahasa Indonesia
Choosing your intraocular lens
The lens largely determines both your vision afterwards and the price.
| Lens type | Vision without glasses | Trade-offs | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | One distance (usually far) | Reading glasses needed | Lower end |
| Toric monofocal | One distance, astigmatism corrected | Reading glasses needed | Lower–middle |
| EDOF | Distance and intermediate | Glasses for fine print | Middle |
| Trifocal (e.g. Clareon PanOptix Pro) | Far, intermediate and near | Night halos more likely early | Upper end |
All within ₩1,500,000–₩7,250,000 per eye at BGSS; your surgeon confirms suitability after the exam. Source: AAO EyeWiki.
Risks and recovery
Cataract surgery is among the most commonly performed operations worldwide, but it is still surgery. Possible complications include infection, inflammation, raised eye pressure, retinal swelling, retinal detachment and, later, posterior capsule opacification.
Most people see functionally within 1–2 days , with vision settling over several weeks. BGSS follows JCI-standard infection control and medication safety processes, and your surgeon checks your eye before you fly.
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as directed
- Avoid rubbing your eye and swimming for the advised period
- Wear the eye shield at night initially
- Report pain, worsening vision or flashes immediately
BGSS Eye Clinic 2026 prices
Every package includes the pre-operative exam, the surgery and standard post-op medications.
| Procedure | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK (both eyes) | ₩1,900,000 – ₩2,400,000 | $1,340 – $1,690 | 1 day |
| LASEK / PRK (both eyes) | ₩2,200,000 – ₩2,800,000 | $1,550 – $1,980 | 3–5 days |
| SMILE / SMILE Pro (both eyes) | ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000 | $1,760 – $2,830 | 1–2 days |
| EVO ICL (both eyes) | ₩5,200,000 – ₩7,000,000 | $3,670 – $4,950 | 1 day |
| Cataract / presbyopia lens (per eye) | ₩1,500,000 – ₩7,250,000 | $1,060 – $5,120 | 1–2 days |
USD values are approximate and vary with exchange rates. Final pricing is confirmed after your pre-operative exam.
- Full pre-operative diagnostic exam (2–3 hours)
- Surgery performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist
- Standard post-op eye drops and check-ups before you fly
- Medical interpreter and English medical records
Which procedure fits your eyes?
Answer 3 quick questions to see the procedure most often suited to people like you, with the 2026 starting price. Then send it to a coordinator for a free personal review.
- FREE No obligation, no deposit to ask
- 24h Reply from our international team
- MD Final plan confirmed by an ophthalmologist after your exam
How old are you?
Written and reviewed by the surgeons who perform it
Every figure on this page is a published BGSS total or a public credential you can check.
- 160,000+ SMILE / SMILE Pro
- 66,000+ ICL lens implants
- 49,000+ presbyopia & cataract
- Many with M.D., Ph.D. research backgrounds
- Founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee: 56,000+ ICL eyes
- Complex-case and toric ICL positioning
- STAAR Surgical EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit (2024)
- Korea SMILE Forum (2025)
- Korea EVO ICL Forum (2025)
- Among Korea's first to introduce LASIK & LASEK
- Ministry of Health & Welfare–designated regenerative medicine institution
- 2026 prices published openly
- Medical content reviewed by an ophthalmologist
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Lee is a pioneer of first-generation LASIK, LASEK and ICL in Korea and is known internationally for complex-case ICL and custom lens positioning for astigmatism. He reviews the medical content on this website.
Editorial policy: clinical statements on this page are checked against the sources below and BGSS outcome data, and are reviewed at least once a year. Prices are the clinic's published 2026 rates.
How surgery in Korea works, step by step
Most international patients plan a stay of about one week. Your coordinator confirms the exact timeline after reviewing your records.
Send your details
WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat or KakaoTalk your prescription and preferred dates. Free, with no obligation.
Get a personal plan
Receive a likely procedure, an estimated cost and a reserved exam slot.
Exam & surgery in Seoul
A 2–3 hour exam with your surgeon. If suitable, surgery can often be the same or next day.
Follow-up & fly home
Post-op checks before departure, then remote follow-up. Your surgeon confirms when it is safe to fly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does cataract surgery cost in Korea?
At BGSS, cataract surgery costs ₩1,500,000–₩7,250,000 (about $1,060–$5,120) per eye, including the exam and standard medications. Older listings quoting other "fixed" both-eye figures are outdated.
Why is there such a wide price range?
The intraocular lens is the main factor: a standard monofocal lens sits at the lower end, while toric, EDOF and trifocal lenses cost more.
How long should I stay in Korea for cataract surgery?
Most international patients plan about a week. If both eyes are treated, the second is usually done after the first has been checked.
Does cataract surgery hurt?
Numbing drops are used and most people feel only pressure. Mild grittiness for a day or two is common.
Can cataract surgery also fix my glasses prescription?
Yes — the lens power is chosen to correct short- or long-sightedness, and toric lenses correct astigmatism. Multifocal lenses can also reduce the need for reading glasses.
Have more questions?
See our detailed cataract FAQ or send your records for a free pre-assessment.
Ready to see clearly? Start with a free consultation.
Send your prescription today and get a personal treatment plan and price estimate within 24 hours.
- Free consultation
- No obligation
- Reply within 24 hours
- Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic
Medical information on this page is for general education and does not replace a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Results vary by individual, and suitability is determined after a full pre-operative eye examination. Statistics: BGSS Seoul + Busan cumulative totals as of December 2025.
Cataract Surgery in Seoul, Korea: A Quick Guide
Cataract surgery in Seoul, Korea, is a top choice for those seeking clear vision with advanced medical technology and skilled ophthalmologists. Whether you're a resident or a medical tourist, Seoul offers world-class eye care at competitive prices.
Why Choose Seoul for Cataract Surgery?
- Advanced Technology – Clinics use the latest laser-assisted techniques for precision and safety.
- Experienced Surgeons – Many specialists have international training and extensive experience.
- Affordable Costs – Compared to the US or Europe, Korea provides high-quality surgery at lower prices.
- Fast & Efficient – Clinics offer streamlined services with quick recovery times.
Best Clinics for Cataract Surgery
- BGSS Eye Clinic Seoul – English-friendly and equipped with advanced technology.
- BGSS Eye Clinic Busan – Specializes in laser-assisted cataract surgery.
What to Expect
- Consultation – Eye exams determine the best surgical approach.
- Surgery – A quick, painless procedure with local anesthesia.
- Recovery – Most patients regain clear vision within a few days.
Seoul is a leading destination for cataract surgery, offering high-quality care at reasonable prices. With top-tier clinics and advanced technology, achieving better vision in Korea has never been easier!
Advanced Laser Multifocal Cataract Surgery Technology
BGSS Eye Clinic utilizes five advanced surgical systems for laser cataract procedures, ensuring precision, safety, and high patient satisfaction.
Key Advantages
- Faster recovery with precise laser-assisted technique
- Reduced post-surgical complications
- Customized lens selection based on eye structure
- Over 14 years of clinical experience
- More than 66,000 accumulated surgical cases
Advanced Equipment
- Femtosecond laser system for cataract and presbyopia
- High-resolution diagnostic imaging systems
- Real-time surgical guidance technology
- Ultrasound-based precision devices
- Customized intraocular lens implantation systems
Premium Intraocular Lens Outcomes
Multifocal Intraocular Lens
- Clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances
- Reduced dependence on glasses
- Ideal for active lifestyles
Monofocal Intraocular Lens
- Clear vision at a single distance
- May still require reading glasses
Global-Level Surgical Expertise
BGSS Eye Clinic delivers
world-class cataract and vision correction outcomes through extensive clinical experience, advanced technology, and highly specialized surgical techniques.
Using a combination of advanced laser technology and multifocal intraocular lenses, it is possible to effectively correct cataracts, presbyopia, myopia, astigmatism, and even hyperopia in a single, comprehensive treatment approach.
Laser Multifocal Cataract Surgery
Ideal Candidates
- Those who want clear vision without glasses after cataract surgery
- Patients seeking fast recovery
- Those concerned about eye movement or discomfort during surgery
- Patients who want long-term stable results
- Individuals seeking precise and safe procedures
- Patients needing correction for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
- Those aiming for improved overall visual quality
- Patients with advanced cataracts
Precations
