Treatment Overview
Bent Needle Goniotomy in Korea is a refined Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) technique used to enhance aqueous outflow by creating a controlled opening in the trabecular meshwork using a precision-bent microsurgical needle. This approach restores access to Schlemm’s canal—the eye’s natural drainage pathway—without removing tissue or creating an external filtering bleb.
Korean ophthalmology centers use advanced tools such as AI-based angle mapping, high-definition gonioscopy, intraoperative OCT, micro-bent needle design optimization, and low-trauma incision protocols. These upgrades transform the classic bent-needle technique into a modern, precise MIGS procedure characterized by safety, minimal invasiveness, and fast recovery.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Open the trabecular meshwork using a bent micro-needle to improve natural aqueous outflow.
- Lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
- Provide a safe, tissue-preserving alternative to more invasive glaucoma surgeries.
- Reduce the need for chronic glaucoma medications.
Benefits
- Minimally Invasive: Uses a micro-incision and does not remove or damage surrounding tissue.
- Immediate Outflow Improvement: Creates a direct pathway into Schlemm’s canal.
- Low Complication Risk: Gentle technique minimizes trauma and inflammation.
- Cost-Effective MIGS Alternative: Achieves significant pressure reduction using minimal instrumentation.
- Rapid Recovery: Patients resume normal activities quickly with minimal discomfort.
- Medication Reduction: Many patients require fewer or no glaucoma drops afterward.
Ideal Candidates
Bent Needle Goniotomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma seeking simple, minimally invasive treatment.
- Individuals with medication intolerance or poor compliance.
- Patients undergoing combined cataract + MIGS procedures.
- Adults with clear corneas and open anterior chamber angles.
- Individuals aiming to reduce dependence on glaucoma medications.
- Early glaucoma patients looking for a low-risk surgical option.
Possible Risks & Complications
While Bent Needle Goniotomy is exceptionally safe, mild side effects may occur:
- Small hyphema (blood reflux): Common and resolves quickly.
- Temporary IOP fluctuations: Normal during initial healing.
- Mild discomfort or redness: Short-lived and easily treated with drops.
- Transient blurred vision: Improves within days to weeks.
- Rare angle scarring: Reduced through Korean anti-fibrotic strategies.
Korean ophthalmologists minimize risks using OCT-guided imaging, micro-needle angulation control, AI-enhanced planning, and precision gonioscopy.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Driven Angle Assessment
Analyzes trabecular meshwork resistance and Schlemm’s canal width to create a personalized goniotomy plan.
Bent Micro-Needle Optimization
A 25–27 gauge needle is bent to a precise angle to maximize access and control during the Schlemm’s canal incision.
Direct Gonioscopic Visualization
High-definition goniolenses allow surgeons to clearly visualize the angle structures.
TM Incision & Canal Access
A small slit is made in the trabecular meshwork to open the canal and enhance outflow.
Minimal Tissue Disruption
Only the trabecular layer is incised—no tissue removal or external alteration.
OCT-Guided Verification
Ensures correct incision depth, alignment, and canal patency during and after surgery.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Glaucoma Evaluation
Includes gonioscopy, retinal OCT, corneal imaging, visual field testing, and IOP assessment.
Step 2 – Planning & Needle Customization
Surgeons determine the exact angle, depth, and trajectory using AI-assisted modeling.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Access
A 1.8–2.0 mm corneal incision is created to enter the anterior chamber.
Step 4 – Bent Needle Goniotomy
Under gonioscopic visualization, a micro-bent needle incises the trabecular meshwork to open the canal.
Step 5 – Postoperative Care
Regular monitoring ensures the canal remains open and IOP stabilizes.
Treatment Duration: 5–10 minutes per eye
Setting: Outpatient, same-day procedure
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid heavy exercise, water exposure, or eye rubbing for several days.
- Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Continue glaucoma medications only if recommended.
- Attend follow-up visits at Day 1, Week 1, and Month 1.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild redness and slight blur; early IOP reduction begins.
Week 1: Clearer vision; most symptoms improve significantly.
Weeks 2–4: Stable pressure reduction; medication tapering may begin.
1–3 Months: Full healing and long-term pressure stabilization.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Effective reduction in intraocular pressure.
- Significant improvement in aqueous outflow through Schlemm’s canal.
- Reduced medication burden for many patients.
- Minimal postoperative discomfort and fast recovery.
Longevity
- Results typically last many years due to permanent opening of the trabecular meshwork.
- Korean imaging-guided precision contributes to long-term success and lower failure rates.
- Best outcomes observed in early and moderate open-angle glaucoma.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Pioneering MIGS Expertise: Korean surgeons refine traditional techniques into advanced, precise MIGS procedures.
- High-Definition Visualization: Superior gonioscopy and imaging improve accuracy and safety.
- AI-Assisted Planning: Personalized incision strategies for predictable IOP control.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Very small incisions, reduced trauma, and fast healing.
- Strong Safety & Success Rates: High patient satisfaction and consistently stable long-term IOP outcomes.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI and OCT fusion for exact trabecular incision planning.
- Custom needle bend optimization for improved canal access.
- Micro-incision protocols for enhanced patient comfort.
- Goniotomy-hybrid MIGS programs (e.g., goniotomy + canaloplasty).
- Anti-fibrotic postoperative strategies for lasting outflow stability.
These advancements make Bent Needle Goniotomy in Korea a highly effective, minimally invasive, and cost-efficient solution for early to moderate glaucoma management.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bent Needle Goniotomy | ₩900,000 – ₩1,300,000 | ~$700 – $1,000 | Basic bent-needle goniotomy with imaging & postoperative care |
| Premium OCT-Guided Goniotomy Package | ₩1,400,000 – ₩2,200,000 | ~$1,050 – $1,650 | OCT imaging, AI angle planning, precision micro-needle incision |
| Hybrid MIGS Program (Goniotomy + Canal Enhancement) | ₩2,500,000 – ₩3,800,000+ | ~$1,900 – $2,900+ | Combined canaloplasty/goniotomy for enhanced IOP reduction |
Final pricing varies based on clinic, technology, and surgeon expertise.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Specialists in micro-incision MIGS including bent needle goniotomy.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for high-precision angle surgery with OCT guidance.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Experts in hybrid MIGS and combined cataract procedures.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on micro-needle maneuvers and long-term outflow stability.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Leaders in AI-based MIGS planning and rapid-recovery glaucoma surgery.
