SNU Eye Clinic Emphasizes Early Detection to Distinguish Cataracts From Presbyopia

SNU Eye Clinic explains why early cataract symptoms are often mistaken for presbyopia and why comprehensive eye examinations are essential.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, July 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As vision gradually declines with age, many people assume that presbyopia is the primary cause. However, cataracts are another common age-related eye condition that often develops around the same time. Because the early symptoms of cataracts closely resemble those of presbyopia, distinguishing between the two without a professional examination can be difficult. As a result, international patients are showing increasing interest in South Korea's advanced diagnostic systems and personalized cataract surgery at SNU Eye Clinic.

A cataract occurs when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to appear blurred or hazy, as though looking through fog. Since the condition progresses gradually, recognizing early symptoms and receiving regular eye examinations are essential for timely treatment.

While a cataract self-assessment cannot provide a medical diagnosis, it can help individuals recognize warning signs and determine when to seek an ophthalmologist's evaluation. Common symptoms include:

Blurred or cloudy vision, similar to looking through a fogged window
Better vision in dim lighting than in bright environments (day blindness)
Double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia)
Increased glare, halos around lights, and colors appearing more yellow than before
Suddenly being able to read small print without reading glasses due to changes in the eye's lens

If these symptoms become frequent or progressively worsen, patients are encouraged to undergo a comprehensive eye examination rather than relying solely on self-assessment. Cataract treatment is determined after carefully evaluating the degree of lens opacity, visual acuity, lifestyle, and each patient's individual visual needs to identify the most appropriate timing for surgery.

During cataract surgery, patients may choose between monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) based on their lifestyle, occupation, and daily visual requirements. Monofocal IOLs provide clear focus at either near or distance vision, while multifocal IOLs are designed to improve vision across multiple distances, including near, intermediate, and far. Because no single lens is ideal for every patient, thorough preoperative testing and detailed consultation are essential for selecting the most suitable option.

Managing dry eye disease before surgery is also an important part of the treatment process. Significant dry eye can affect corneal measurements, reducing the accuracy of intraocular lens power calculations. Addressing ocular surface health before surgery helps improve measurement precision and contributes to better visual outcomes.

Located in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea, SNU Eye Clinic provides personalized care across a wide range of vision correction services, including cataract surgery and presbyopia treatment. The clinic develops individualized surgical plans based on comprehensive diagnostic examinations, each patient's eye condition, and their lifestyle.

"Many patients mistake the early symptoms of cataracts for normal age-related presbyopia because the two conditions share many similarities," said Dr. Chung Eui Sang, Chief Director of SNU Eye Clinic. "If you experience persistent blurry vision, double vision, glare, or other visual changes, it is important not to rely solely on self-assessment. A comprehensive examination by an ophthalmologist is the best way to accurately evaluate your eye health and determine the most appropriate treatment."

Samantha
SNU Eye Clinic
+82 10-5495-9632
snueye@snuseoul.com
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