2005 Survey for KSCRS Members: Current Trends in Cataract Surgery in Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study investigates the current state of and future trends in the field of cataract surgery in Korea. METHODS: Since 1995, the members of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (KSCRS) have made annual surveys on cataract and refractive surgery. The 2005 annual survey, consisting of 76 multiple-choice questions, was mailed in February 2005 to 300 KSCRS members. Sixty-six (22.0%) members answered the questions. Current data were compared with those of previous annual surveys and with those of surveys in the United States. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of the respondents were in the fifth decade. The duration of hospital stay has decreased annually and the use of topical anesthesia (44%) did not change. Self sealing wound construction was the main wound closure technique in phacoemulsification (63%). The implantation of phakic IOL was performed by 38% of the respondents and the most preferred intraocular lenses for small incision cataract surgery were acrylic (79%). Interest in the value added IOL has increased annually. CONCLUSIONS: This survey summarized current trends and changes in cataract surgery in Korea.