Treatment Overview
The Advanced Glaucoma Evaluation Program in Korea is a comprehensive, technology-driven diagnostic system designed to precisely assess glaucoma severity, outflow pathway health, optic nerve integrity, and individual risk progression. This program forms the foundation for selecting the safest and most effective Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) for each patient.
Korean ophthalmology centers are globally recognized for their exceptional diagnostic capabilities, integrating:
- High-resolution OCT imaging (optic nerve, ganglion cell complex, angle, and Schlemm’s canal)
- AI-driven glaucoma severity scoring and progression prediction
- 3D anterior chamber angle analysis
- Microvascular imaging and perfusion mapping
- Dynamic IOP and diurnal pressure fluctuation measurement
- Digital canalography and trabecular meshwork resistance mapping
This program ensures that every MIGS procedure—whether trabecular, canal-based, subconjunctival, or laser-modulated—is perfectly matched to the patient’s disease stage and anatomical profile.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Accurately diagnose the type and severity of glaucoma.
- Evaluate drainage pathways (TM, Schlemm’s canal, collector channels).
- Determine the most suitable MIGS technique or combination.
- Predict risk of progression using AI-based analytics.
- Provide baseline metrics for long-term monitoring and postoperative comparison.
Benefits
- Comprehensive, Precision Evaluation: Provides a complete picture of glaucoma status.
- AI-Optimized MIGS Planning: Ensures correct MIGS selection for maximum safety and efficacy.
- Early Detection Advantage: Identifies structural damage before vision is lost.
- Personalized Treatment Roadmap: Tailors surgery and medical therapy to individual anatomy.
- Enhanced Surgical Outcomes: Better diagnostics lead to more effective MIGS results.
- Clear Long-Term Monitoring: Allows early detection of subtle progression.
Key Diagnostic Components
1. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Analysis
Includes:
- Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness
- Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) integrity
- Optic nerve head morphology
- Anterior chamber angle imaging
- Schlemm’s canal cross-sectional assessment
2. 3D Gonioscopic Angle Evaluation
Creates a detailed 3D model of:
- Trabecular meshwork
- Angle recess
- Iris configuration
- Peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS)
3. AI-Based Glaucoma Progression Prediction
Using thousands of data points, Korea’s AI platforms predict:
- Speed of optic nerve loss
- Future IOP stability
- Risk of surgical failure
- Optimal MIGS pathway
4. Dynamic Intraocular Pressure Monitoring
Evaluates:
- Pressure variations throughout the day
- Medication responsiveness
- Risk of nighttime IOP spikes
5. Microvascular and Blood Flow Imaging
Assesses:
- Optic nerve microcirculation
- Macular perfusion
- Angle vasculature health
6. Canal & Outflow Assessment
Specialized imaging reveals:
- Canal patency
- TM resistance
- Collector channel architecture
- Predictive outflow efficiency
7. Visual Field Testing
Includes:
- Standard automated perimetry
- Progression analysis
- Central and peripheral sensitivity mapping
Ideal Candidates
The Advanced Glaucoma Evaluation Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients being considered for any MIGS procedure.
- Individuals with suspected glaucoma or elevated IOP.
- Patients with progressive or complex glaucoma.
- Individuals needing a second opinion or advanced diagnostics.
- Post-MIGS or post-filtering surgery patients requiring long-term monitoring.
- Individuals with cataracts combined with glaucoma who need MIGS planning.
Possible Findings & Their Clinical Relevance
- Narrow angles: Suggest need for angle-widening MIGS (GSL, Iridoplasty).
- Trabecular damage: Indicates benefit from KDB, goniotomy, or ELT.
- Canal collapse: Favors canaloplasty, GATT, or Schlemm dilation.
- High fibrosis risk: Suggests Ologen-assisted MIGS or MicroShunt.
- Low outflow efficiency: Supports stent-based MIGS (Hydrus, iStent).
- Aggressive progression: May require stronger MIGS or combined approaches.
- Medication non-response: Confirms need for surgical intervention.
This precision mapping ensures the chosen MIGS has the highest probability of long-term success.
Program Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Intake & Medical History Review
Includes risk factor assessment, family history, and medication tolerance screening.
Step 2 – Full Glaucoma Diagnostic Testing
OCT, visual fields, angle analysis, IOP profiling, and microvascular imaging.
Step 3 – Outflow Pathway Evaluation
AI-enhanced canal and TM resistance analysis determines drainage deficiencies.
Step 4 – Risk Stratification & MIGS Matching
Customized selection of MIGS type (trabecular, canal-based, subconjunctival, laser).
Step 5 – Surgical or Medical Treatment Planning
Program produces a unified roadmap for surgery, follow-up, and medication adjustments.
Recovery & After-Care Guidelines
(If MIGS surgery is recommended)
- Follow instructions for postoperative medications.
- Attend scheduled OCT and IOP check-ups.
- Avoid strenuous activity during early healing (if surgery is performed).
- Long-term monitoring is essential to track glaucoma progression.
Results & Clinical Value
Expected Outcomes
- Highly detailed understanding of glaucoma status.
- Accurate MIGS procedure selection for best individual outcomes.
- Reduced surgical risks due to precise preoperative planning.
- Improved long-term IOP control after MIGS.
- More efficient follow-up and progression tracking.
Diagnostic Longevity
- Results serve as a long-term baseline for all future assessments.
- AI analytics improve accuracy over time as more data is collected.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- State-of-the-art glaucoma imaging technologies
- AI-powered diagnostic analytics
- Exceptional accuracy in MIGS planning
- Highly skilled ophthalmologists with MIGS specialization
- Integrated diagnostic-to-treatment systems
- Fast, patient-friendly evaluation protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven glaucoma severity indexing
- Deep-learning optic nerve degeneration models
- Canal resistance mapping for MIGS selection
- Hybrid surgical prediction algorithms
- Long-term IOP and visual field trend forecasting
These breakthroughs make Korea’s Advanced Glaucoma Evaluation Program one of the most precise and clinically valuable diagnostic systems available worldwide.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Evaluation Program | ₩250,000 – ₩450,000 | ~$190 – $340 | OCT, IOP tests, visual fields |
| Premium Detailed Glaucoma Mapping | ₩600,000 – ₩1,200,000 | ~$450 – $900 | AI analysis, 3D angle, full canal evaluation |
| Comprehensive MIGS Pre-Surgery Package | ₩1,500,000 – ₩2,800,000+ | ~$1,100 – $2,100+ | Complete diagnostic suite for MIGS planning |
Prices vary depending on clinic technology and diagnostic depth.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Leaders in AI-powered glaucoma diagnostics.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for advanced OCT and angle evaluation systems.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Specialists in MIGS-focused glaucoma mapping.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Expertise in optic nerve progression analysis.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Pioneers in deep-learning glaucoma prediction models.
