Treatment Overview
High-Intensity Focused Laser Cyclotherapy (HIFLC) in Korea is an advanced cyclodestructive glaucoma treatment that uses concentrated, high-powered laser energy to precisely target and reduce the activity of the ciliary body—the structure responsible for producing aqueous humor. By decreasing fluid production, HIFLC effectively lowers intraocular pressure (IOP), making it a powerful option for patients with moderate, advanced, or refractory glaucoma.
Korean glaucoma centers employ next-generation focused laser platforms, AI-controlled power modulation, and real-time thermal monitoring, ensuring precise energy delivery with reduced risk compared to older cyclodestructive techniques. The goal is maximum IOP reduction with controlled, tissue-specific targeting.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Lower intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor production.
- Treat moderate to advanced glaucoma, especially cases resistant to medications or surgery.
- Provide an alternative when MIGS, filtration surgery, or medications alone are insufficient.
- Reduce the need for long-term glaucoma medications.
Benefits
- Highly Targeted Therapy: Focused laser beam minimizes collateral damage.
- Powerful IOP Reduction: Suitable for advanced or refractory glaucoma.
- Minimally Invasive: No incisions required in most procedures.
- Short Procedure Time: Typically 10–20 minutes.
- Controlled Tissue Response: AI-based energy adjustments prevent overtreatment.
- Suitable for Repeated Sessions: If extra pressure reduction is needed.
- Improved Safety vs Older CPC: More precise thermal confinement.
Ideal Candidates
HIFLC in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to severe or refractory glaucoma.
- Individuals who failed medications, SLT, MIGS, or prior surgeries.
- Eyes needing strong pressure reduction to preserve remaining vision.
- Patients with neovascular, uveitic, post-traumatic, or congenital glaucoma.
- Individuals not suitable for trabeculectomy or tube shunts.
- Those preferring a non-incisional or minimally invasive treatment option.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although safer than older high-energy cyclodestructive methods, potential risks include:
- Temporary inflammation or redness
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Transient IOP spikes
- Short-term blurred vision
- Rare prolonged hypotony (low IOP)
- Corneal edema (uncommon)
- Pigment dispersion
Korean clinics minimize these risks with AI-guided laser calibration, heat-sensing feedback systems, and optimized energy protocols.
Types of High-Intensity Focused Laser Cyclotherapy in Korea
Focused Transscleral Cyclotherapy
High-intensity laser delivered through sclera to targeted ciliary body segments.
Guided Segmental Cyclotherapy
Selective treatment of only the most active aqueous-producing regions.
360° High-Intensity Cyclotherapy
Full circumferential treatment for severe glaucoma.
Combined Cataract + Cyclotherapy
Used for patients who require cataract surgery with strong IOP reduction.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Enhanced Laser Dosing
Customizes laser power and duration based on patient anatomy and glaucoma severity.
Precise Ciliary Body Targeting
Laser aim verified with imaging such as UBM and OCT.
Thermal Monitoring Systems
Track heat buildup in real-time to prevent excessive energy delivery.
Segmented Treatment
Laser applied only to areas with highest aqueous production.
Post-Laser Optimization
Anti-inflammatory medications started immediately to control inflammation.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Detailed Examination
Includes IOP testing, optic nerve OCT, visual fields, and ultrasound biomicroscopy.
Step 2 – Treatment Planning
Surgeon selects treatment arc (segmental vs 360°) and energy level.
Step 3 – High-Intensity Focused Laser Application
Laser targets specific ciliary body segments to reduce aqueous production.
Step 4 – Immediate Aftercare
Cooling and anti-inflammatory drops applied.
Step 5 – Follow-Up Visits
IOP and inflammation monitored for weeks to months.
Treatment Duration: 10–20 minutes
Setting: Outpatient laser suite
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory drops for 1–3 weeks.
- Avoid rubbing the eye and heavy activities.
- Apply cold compresses for discomfort if needed.
- Continue glaucoma medications unless advised otherwise.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild irritation; early IOP response begins.
- Week 1: Reduced inflammation; IOP continues to improve.
- Weeks 2–4: Vision stabilizes; full laser effect becomes clearer.
- Months 1–3: Stable long-term IOP reduction achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Strong and sustained IOP reduction.
- Reduced dependency on glaucoma medications.
- Effective even in complex or refractory glaucoma cases.
- Controlled treatment with minimal collateral damage.
Longevity
- Results typically last 6 months to several years depending on severity.
- Repeatable safely for additional pressure control.
- Korea’s precision-guided technique improves long-term durability.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World leaders in advanced laser cyclotherapy with excellent safety profiles.
- AI-guided energy modulation ensures treatment precision.
- State-of-the-art imaging (UBM/OCT) enhances ciliary body targeting.
- Comprehensive glaucoma care systems for long-term postoperative monitoring.
- Low complication rates due to refined Korean protocols.
Unique Korean Innovations
- Real-time thermal feedback systems.
- AI-assisted segmentation of ciliary body treatment zones.
- Hybrid high-intensity + micropulse approaches for balanced control.
- Personalized energy mapping for long-term IOP stabilization.
- Predictive modeling for optimal treatment longevity.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segmental HIFLC | ₩1,800,000 – ₩3,000,000 | ~$1,350 – $2,250 | Targeted high-intensity laser + routine care |
| 360° HIFLC Treatment | ₩3,200,000 – ₩4,800,000 | ~$2,400 – $3,600 | Full circumferential therapy + monitoring |
| Combined Cataract + HIFLC | ₩5,000,000 – ₩7,000,000+ | ~$3,800 – $5,300+ | Phaco + cyclotherapy + extended follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Leaders in high-intensity laser cyclotherapy.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in guided and segmented cyclotherapy.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Experts in refractory glaucoma laser treatments.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Known for thermal and imaging-guided precision therapy.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-driven laser dosing and planning.
