Treatment Overview
Ab-interno Canaloplasty (ABiC) in Korea is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) technique designed to restore the natural aqueous outflow pathway by dilating and cleansing the eye’s drainage system from within. Unlike traditional glaucoma surgeries that create new external drainage routes, ABiC revitalizes all three points of resistance—the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s canal, and collector channels—without removing tissue.
Korean ophthalmology centers adopt ABiC with OCT-guided intraoperative imaging, microcatheter illumination, viscodilation systems, and AI-assisted glaucoma mapping. These innovations ensure accurate canal navigation, enhanced aqueous outflow, rapid recovery, and reduced medication dependence—providing patients with long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control with minimal tissue disruption.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Restore natural aqueous drainage by opening and dilating Schlemm’s canal and collector channels.
- Reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) without removing or cutting ocular tissue.
- Minimize dependence on long-term glaucoma medications.
- Provide a safer, tissue-sparing alternative to traditional glaucoma surgery.
Benefits
- 360° Canal Restoration: Opens the entire drainage canal circumference for maximum outflow.
- Medication Reduction: Many patients significantly reduce or eliminate glaucoma drops.
- Minimally Invasive: No tissue removal, no scleral flap, no external filtering bleb.
- Predictable IOP Control: Preserves natural drainage physiology for stable results.
- Fast Recovery: Minimal inflammation and rapid visual restoration.
- Safety Profile: Extremely low complication rates due to tissue-sparing design.
Ideal Candidates
Ab-interno Canaloplasty in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma seeking a minimally invasive option.
- Individuals intolerant to glaucoma medications or experiencing side effects.
- Patients desiring reduced dependence on long-term eye drops.
- Candidates with visually significant cataracts, when ABiC is combined with cataract surgery.
- Individuals with healthy corneal structure and open anterior chamber angle.
- Patients aiming for safer alternatives to trabeculectomy or tube shunts.
Possible Risks & Complications
While ABiC is considered extremely safe, minor effects may occur:
- Mild hyphema: Small blood reflux often resolves within days.
- Temporary IOP fluctuations: Stabilizes as outflow pathways normalize.
- Mild inflammation: Managed with short-term steroid drops.
- Transient discomfort or redness: Typically resolves quickly.
- Rare canal micro-tears: Generally self-healing without intervention.
Korean surgeons use OCT-guided canal imaging, AI-assisted planning, and microcatheter navigation to minimize risks and maximize long-term IOP stability.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based Glaucoma Mapping
Analyzes trabecular resistance, canal patency, and collector channel function for personalized treatment planning.
Ab-interno Microcatheterization
A 360° illuminated microcatheter is advanced through Schlemm’s canal via a tiny corneal incision.
360° Viscodilation
Gentle viscoelastic is injected to dilate the canal and flush the collector channels to enhance aqueous outflow.
Trabecular Meshwork Optimization
Restores physiological outflow without creating a permanent opening or removing tissue.
OCT-Guided Real-Time Visualization
Provides verification of microcatheter position, canal dilation, and outflow improvement during surgery.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Advanced Glaucoma Evaluation:
Includes gonioscopy, retinal nerve fiber layer OCT, visual field testing, and AI-driven canal mapping to determine optimal ABiC parameters.
Step 2 – Surgical Planning:
Customized approach based on canal patency, IOP levels, and outflow resistance points.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Access:
A 1.8–2.0 mm corneal incision is created for entry into the anterior chamber.
Step 4 – Catheterization & Viscodilation:
A microcatheter is threaded 360° through Schlemm’s canal, delivering controlled viscodilation to open the drainage system.
Step 5 – Postoperative Stability Monitoring:
Follow-up assessments confirm IOP reduction, canal patency, and medication reduction.
Treatment Duration: 10–20 minutes per eye
Setting: Outpatient (same-day discharge)
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid swimming, heavy lifting, or eye rubbing for 5–7 days.
- Protect eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.
- Continue or taper glaucoma medications as instructed.
- Attend follow-up visits at Day 1, Week 1, and 1 Month.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Clearer vision with mild redness or blood reflux.
Week 1: IOP begins to stabilize; symptoms improve.
Weeks 2–4: Significant reduction in medication use for many patients.
1–3 Months: Full canal function restoration with stable long-term IOP control.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Noticeable IOP reduction without creating a filtering bleb.
- Enhanced natural aqueous outflow.
- Decreased reliance on glaucoma medications.
- Minimal postoperative discomfort and rapid visual recovery.
Longevity
- ABiC delivers long-term IOP stability by fully restoring natural drainage.
- Outcomes remain stable over many years due to the 360° canal opening.
- Korean clinical data show 80–90% medication reduction in mild to moderate cases.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- High-Precision MIGS Expertise: Korean surgeons specialize in advanced MIGS procedures including ABiC.
- OCT & Microcatheter Technologies: Superior imaging and device precision ensure consistent results.
- AI-Enhanced Planning: AI algorithms map resistance points for personalized canal restoration.
- Integrated Care System: Comprehensive diagnostics, surgical care, and postoperative monitoring.
- Excellent Success Rates: High IOP reduction, low complication rates, and rapid recovery.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven canal resistance mapping with treatment simulation.
- OCT-guided visualization of Schlemm’s canal during surgery.
- Micro-illumination catheters for 360° canal tracking.
- Enhanced viscodilation protocols for maximal collector channel activation.
- Hybrid ABiC–MIGS combinations for severe glaucoma cases.
These innovations make Ab-interno Canaloplasty in Korea one of the world’s most advanced, safe, and effective minimally invasive treatments for long-term glaucoma control.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ABiC Surgery | ₩1,800,000 – ₩2,800,000 | ~$1,300 – $2,100 | 360° canaloplasty with viscodilation, basic imaging, postop care |
| Premium ABiC + OCT Package | ₩3,000,000 – ₩4,500,000 | ~$2,200 – $3,400 | OCT-guided planning, microcatheter navigation, IOP optimization |
| Hybrid Glaucoma Care Program (ABiC + MIGS Combo) | ₩4,800,000 – ₩6,500,000+ | ~$3,600 – $4,900+ | ABiC combined with iStent/Trabeculotomy + extended follow-up |
Final pricing may vary depending on the clinic, surgeon expertise, and technology platform.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Specializes in MIGS procedures using AI-driven glaucoma mapping.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for ABiC integration with advanced canal imaging.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Experts in combined ABiC + cataract surgery.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on precision viscodilation and canal optimization.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Leaders in hybrid MIGS strategies and long-term IOP management.
