Treatment Overview
The Neuro-Ophthalmic Glaucoma Evaluation Program in Korea is a highly specialized diagnostic and management system designed to differentiate glaucoma from neurological vision disorders and to evaluate cases where optic nerve damage may have multiple contributing factors. Because glaucoma can mimic or overlap with neuro-ophthalmic diseases, accurate differentiation is essential for proper treatment and long-term vision preservation.
Korean centers are globally respected for their advanced, integrated neuro-ophthalmic approach, combining:
- High-resolution OCT and RNFL/GCC mapping
- OCTA for optic nerve and retinal blood flow analysis
- Visual pathway imaging (MRI when required)
- Advanced visual field interpretation
- Pupil response and optic tract evaluation
- AI-assisted differential diagnosis models
- Collaborative care between glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology specialists
This program ensures accurate diagnosis, better treatment decisions, and protection of both ocular and neurological visual function.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Distinguish glaucoma from neurological causes of optic nerve damage
- Identify overlapping conditions (e.g., glaucoma + optic neuropathy)
- Evaluate visual pathway integrity and optic nerve health
- Determine atypical patterns of visual field loss
- Detect vascular or neurological contributors to vision decline
- Guide precise treatment strategies for complex cases
Benefits
- Accurate diagnosis in difficult or atypical glaucoma cases
- Clear differentiation between glaucomatous and neurological changes
- Advanced imaging of visual pathways for thorough evaluation
- Improved treatment planning for complex optic nerve conditions
- Reduced risk of misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment
- AI-enhanced analysis for more precise interpretation
- Superior protection of both eye and brain visual function
Ideal Candidates
The Neuro-Ophthalmic Glaucoma Evaluation Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with visual field loss that does not match OCT findings
- Individuals with unexplained optic nerve pallor
- Patients with normal-tension glaucoma and vascular risk factors
- Individuals with rapid progression despite controlled IOP
- Patients with asymmetric or atypical visual field defects
- Individuals with neurological symptoms (headache, numbness, dizziness)
- Patients with suspected optic neuritis, ischemic neuropathy, or compressive lesions
- Pre-surgical glaucoma patients with neurological red flags
Possible Risks & Complications
The evaluation is safe, but neuro-ophthalmic conditions may involve:
- Overlapping symptoms that require complex interpretation
- Potential neurological causes requiring advanced imaging
- Anxiety due to extensive diagnostic testing
- The need for multidisciplinary management
Korean centers mitigate these risks by:
- Coordinating care between glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology teams
- Using AI-supported diagnostic accuracy checks
- Conducting repeat testing to confirm unusual findings
- Providing patient counseling and clear explanations
Surgical Techniques
(Surgery is only recommended if glaucoma is confirmed as a major cause of vision decline.)
1. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Used when elevated IOP contributes to optic nerve stress.
2. MicroPulse Laser Therapy
Ideal for NTG patients with vascular or neurological sensitivities.
3. MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
Performed if glaucoma contributes to optic nerve changes:
- iStent Inject
- Hydrus Microstent
- GATT
- KDB Goniotomy
- Canaloplasty
4. Filtration Surgeries
Considered when neurological factors are ruled out or controlled:
- Trabeculectomy
- PreserFlo MicroShunt
- Glaucoma drainage implants
5. Neuroprotective Management
Specialists may recommend systemic or pharmacological support for neural health.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Eye & Vision Evaluation
Includes IOP measurement, RNFL/GCC analysis, angle assessment, and retinal imaging.
Step 2 – Advanced Visual Field Interpretation
Distinguishes glaucomatous vs. neurological patterns of loss.
Step 3 – Neuro-Ophthalmic Functional Tests
Includes pupil exam, color vision testing, and visual pathway assessment.
Step 4 – OCTA & Blood Flow Analysis
Detects vascular compromise affecting optic nerve function.
Step 5 – Neurological Imaging (If Required)
MRI or other imaging performed when neurological damage is suspected.
Step 6 – Integrated Diagnosis & Care Plan
Combined glaucoma–neuro-ophthalmology analysis creates a unified treatment plan.
Evaluation Duration: 40–90 minutes
Setting: Neuro-ophthalmic diagnostic center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Follow recommended medical or neurological treatments
- Attend scheduled glaucoma follow-ups
- Monitor for new neurological symptoms (headache, dimming, visual distortion)
- Maintain blood pressure, sleep, and vascular health
- Report sudden vision changes immediately
- Use eye drops or medications precisely if glaucoma is confirmed
Recovery Timeline
Immediately: Diagnostic results guide immediate treatment adjustments
1–4 Weeks: Stabilization after treatment optimization
1–3 Months: Monitoring for progression or recovery
Ongoing: Long-term follow-up ensures stable optic nerve and brain function
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Accurate diagnosis between glaucoma and neurological disorders
- Better treatment outcomes due to precise problem identification
- Improved protection of optic nerve and visual pathways
- Reduction of unnecessary treatments
- Enhanced long-term visual stability
Longevity
- Neuro-ophthalmic monitoring may be ongoing for complex cases
- Glaucoma-related nerve protection requires lifelong follow-up
- AI models improve diagnostic precision with long-term data
- Neurological stability enhances lifelong visual outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced neuro-ophthalmic and glaucoma integration
- State-of-the-art imaging and functional testing systems
- Experienced subspecialists in complex optic nerve conditions
- AI-enhanced differential diagnosis tools
- Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
- Fast, accurate detection of dual-pathology cases
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-based glaucoma vs. neurological differentiation
- OCTA vascular mapping for mixed optic neuropathies
- Combined structural–functional visual pathway dashboards
- Predictive modeling for NTG + neurological overlap
- Enhanced OCT segmentation for optic nerve anomaly detection
- Integrated glaucoma-retina-neurology care platforms
These innovations make Korea’s
Neuro-Ophthalmic Glaucoma Evaluation Program
one of the world’s most advanced systems for accurately diagnosing and managing complex optic nerve conditions.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Neuro-Ophthalmic Screening | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 | ~$110 – $230 | OCT + VF + pupil exam |
| Advanced Neuro-Glaucoma Evaluation | ₩400,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$300 – $600 | OCTA + functional tests + AI analysis |
| Comprehensive Neuro-Ophthalmic Diagnostic Plan | ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,500,000+ | ~$750 – $1,900+ | Full evaluation + imaging + integrated management |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam)
