2001 Survey for KSCRS Members Current Trends in Cataract and Refractive Surgery in Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We purposed to understand the current 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) has annually surveyed on cataract and refractive surgery. 2002 annual survey forms which consists of 106 multiple-choice questions mailed to 358 members of the KSCRS. Approximately 35% of the members answered. Current data were compared with previous annual survey data and with those of Japan and USA. RESULTS: Duration of hospitalization has decreased annually and the use of topical anesthesia(35%) slightly decreased steadily. Self sealing wound construction was the main wound closure technique in phacoemulsification (35%). Acrylic intraocular lens in small incision cataract surgery was most preferred (48%). Seventy percent of the respondents performed excimer laser keratectomy. The most common complication of excimer laser was the regression of visual acuity (40%). Most respondents preferred LASIK regardless of diopter range. More respondents experienced legal problems associated with PRK or LASIK than those in last year survey. CONCLUSIONS: This survey summarized current trends and changes in cataract and refractive surgery in Korea are similar to those of Japan and USA.