Treatment Overview
iCARE Trabecular Surgery in Korea is an innovative Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) technique that enhances natural aqueous humor drainage by precisely removing or reshaping diseased trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue using a specialized iCARE device. This procedure restores direct access to Schlemm’s canal and the collector channels, significantly improving physiological outflow in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
The iCARE system uses high-frequency energy pulses to gently break down TM resistance without cutting, burning, or causing thermal injury. Korean ophthalmology centers elevate this technology with OCT-guided angle imaging, AI-assisted TM thickness analysis, micro-incision entry systems, digital gonioscopy, and real-time flow monitoring, ensuring safe, accurate, and durable results with faster recovery and minimal discomfort.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove or modify obstructive trabecular meshwork tissue to open Schlemm’s canal.
- Restore natural aqueous outflow in open-angle glaucoma.
- Reduce long-term dependence on glaucoma medications.
- Provide a less traumatic alternative to traditional angle surgeries.
Benefits
- Non-Thermal Precision: Energy pulses treat TM tissue without heat or burning.
- Minimal Trauma: Low bleeding, low inflammation, and clean TM removal.
- Immediate Outflow Improvement: Direct access to Schlemm’s canal.
- Fast Recovery: Quick visual and comfort restoration.
- Implant-Free MIGS: No device is left in the eye.
- Repeatable: Additional sections can be re-treated if needed.
- Excellent for Early–Moderate Glaucoma: Strong pressure-lowering results.
Ideal Candidates
iCARE Trabecular Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Individuals desiring an implant-free MIGS option.
- Patients undergoing combined cataract + MIGS surgery.
- Individuals with medication intolerance or insufficient IOP control.
- Those with open angles and clear gonioscopic visualization.
- Patients seeking a precise, low-scarring TM modification procedure.
Possible Risks & Complications
iCARE Trabecular Surgery is extremely safe due to its non-thermal nature, but mild effects can include:
- Small hyphema (common and temporary)
- Mild inflammation
- Short-term blurred vision
- Transient IOP fluctuations
- Minor TM edema
Korean surgeons further reduce risks using:
- AI-calibrated energy dosing
- OCT guidance to measure TM thickness
- Micro-precision probe control
- Gentle irrigation-aspiration techniques
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based TM Resistance Mapping
Analyzes trabecular thickness, flow obstruction points, and ideal treatment segments.
Micro-Incision Access
A 1.8–2.0 mm incision allows angle access for the iCARE probe.
Non-Thermal iCARE Energy Delivery
High-frequency pulses gently break down TM tissue without cutting or burning.
Schlemm’s Canal Exposure
Opens TM to improve access to natural drainage channels.
OCT-Guided Verification
Confirms proper TM removal and canal patency during surgery.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Glaucoma Assessment
Includes OCT, IOP measurement, gonioscopy, visual fields, and TM thickness analysis.
Step 2 – Surgical Mapping & Planning
AI determines energy settings, incision length, and treatment area.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Entry
A small corneal incision provides access to the drainage angle.
Step 4 – iCARE Trabecular Modification
The probe applies high-frequency pulses to safely remove or reshape TM tissue.
Step 5 – Postoperative Monitoring
Follow-up visits confirm canal stability and sustained IOP reduction.
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 eye rubbing, swimming, and heavy exercise for several days.
- Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Follow IOP monitoring as scheduled.
- Continue glaucoma medications only as advised.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild redness or hyphema; early IOP reduction begins.
Week 1: Clearer vision and stable drainage.
Weeks 2–4: Sustained IOP reduction with possible medication taper.
1–3 Months: Full healing with long-term outflow enhancement.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Strong IOP reduction through enhanced natural drainage.
- Reduced medication dependence in many patients.
- Minimal inflammation and fast recovery.
- Predictable and stable long-term outcomes.
Longevity
- Results typically last years, especially in early-to-moderate glaucoma.
- Non-thermal technology reduces scarring, improving long-term patency.
- Repeatable if additional treatment is needed.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Expertise in Advanced Angle MIGS: Korean surgeons are leaders in trabecular-based MIGS techniques.
- State-of-the-Art Imaging: High-resolution OCT and 3D gonioscopy for precision targeting.
- AI-Assisted Planning: Personalizes TM treatment patterns for each patient.
- Minimally Invasive Protocols: Small incision, low trauma, and rapid recovery.
- Outstanding Surgical Outcomes: High IOP reduction rates with excellent safety.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven TM segmentation and obstruction mapping.
- OCT-guided real-time confirmation of TM removal.
- Advanced non-thermal energy dosing algorithms.
- Hybrid MIGS approaches (iCARE + canaloplasty or KDB).
- Long-term IOP progression tracking with deep-learning analytics.
These innovations make iCARE Trabecular Surgery in Korea one of the most precise, safe, and effective implant-free MIGS options available today.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard iCARE Trabecular Surgery | ₩1,000,000 – ₩1,600,000 | ~$750 – $1,200 | Non-thermal trabecular treatment with basic imaging |
| Premium OCT-Guided iCARE Package | ₩1,800,000 – ₩2,800,000 | ~$1,350 – $2,100 | AI planning, OCT angle targeting, extended follow-up |
| Hybrid MIGS Enhancement Program | ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,000,000+ | ~$2,600 – $3,800+ | iCARE + canaloplasty / KDB / ELT for maximal pressure reduction |
Final costs vary based on clinic, surgeon expertise, and technology platform.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Specialists in advanced trabecular MIGS including iCARE.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for OCT-targeted trabecular procedures.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Experts in hybrid MIGS incorporating iCARE technology.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on non-thermal, tissue-preserving angle surgery.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Leaders in AI-optimized angle-based glaucoma surgery.
