Cataract Surgery Volume Rose to 692,126 in Korea in 2025
The National Health Insurance Service counted 692,126 cataract surgeries in 2025, up 4.2% from 664,306 in 2024 and the largest volume among 35 tracked procedures.
This article was automatically drafted and passed editorial compliance checks. It synthesizes public source metadata and is not a substitute for individual care or clinical review.
The National Health Insurance Service's 2025 annual statistics recorded 692,126 cataract surgeries covered by national health insurance and medical aid. The total increased by 27,820 cases from the previous year.
Cataract surgery remained the largest category among the 35 major procedures tracked by the agency. Its volume had fallen into the 630,000 range in 2023 before rising for two consecutive years and returning above 690,000 in 2025.
What the 2025 Statistics Show
The National Health Insurance Service recorded 2.152 million procedures across all 35 categories in 2025, a 4.8% increase from 2.054 million in 2024. Cataract surgery accounted for 692,126 of those procedures and rose 4.2% year over year.
The agency's figures show a continued rebound in cataract surgery volume after the 2023 decline. They also place the procedure ahead of the other tracked categories by annual case count.
How to Read the Numbers
These figures describe procedure volume under national health insurance and medical aid; they do not establish how any individual patient responded. Decisions about treatment still depend on diagnosis, eye health, individual variation, possible side effects, and a qualified physician's assessment.
The Korean medical outlets' summaries did not specify patient-level outcomes, side-effect rates, costs, or recovery schedules. A reader considering surgery should consult a qualified ophthalmologist for advice based on personal health and recovery needs.
Questions for a Cataract Consultation
Ask the physician whether cataract surgery is appropriate for your diagnosis and current eye condition. Discuss which personal factors may influence side effects, follow-up care, and recovery.
The national case count cannot determine an individual's treatment plan. Patients should consult a qualified physician about expected care, personal risk factors, and when to seek help during recovery.
Frequently asked questions
How many cataract surgeries were recorded in Korea in 2025?
The National Health Insurance Service recorded 692,126 cataract surgeries under national health insurance and medical aid in 2025. That was 27,820 more cases than in 2024, an increase of 4.2%.
Was cataract surgery the largest procedure category?
Yes. The National Health Insurance Service placed cataract surgery ahead of the other 34 tracked procedure categories by case count in 2025.
Do the statistics tell me what my recovery will be like?
No. The Korean medical outlets' summaries reported national procedure counts, not individual recovery, outcomes, or side-effect rates. Consult a qualified ophthalmologist because individual variation and personal health can affect care.
Consultation Checklist
- Does my diagnosis and current eye condition support considering cataract surgery?
- Which side effects and personal risk factors should I understand?
- What follow-up care will I need during recovery?
- How could my health history create individual variation in care?
- When should I consult the clinic during recovery?
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.
