Treatment Overview
The Angle-Closure Glaucoma Monitoring Program in Korea is a comprehensive and technology-enhanced system designed to detect, track, and manage angle narrowing and all forms of angle-closure glaucoma. This specialized program helps prevent acute attacks, monitor progressive narrowing, and determine the precise timing for interventions such as Laser Iridotomy, Iridoplasty, Goniosynechialysis (GSL), or angle-based MIGS procedures.
Korea leads globally in angle-closure care through:
- High-resolution AS-OCT angle imaging
- 3D gonioscopy and iris configuration mapping
- AI-based angle-closure and PAS risk prediction
- Dynamic iris behavior analysis
- Advanced planning systems for GSL, Iridoplasty, and canal-based MIGS
This advanced diagnostic–treatment model helps prevent emergencies and ensures greatly improved long-term disease control.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect early angle narrowing before acute attacks occur
- Monitor progression from PACS → PAC → angle-closure glaucoma
- Assess effectiveness of iridotomy or iridoplasty
- Identify plateau iris that requires further treatment
- Determine precise timing for MIGS or GSL
- Protect optic nerve health through consistent monitoring
Benefits
- Advanced anatomical precision using AS-OCT and digital angle imaging
- AI-based forecasting for PAS progression and acute closure risk
- Better surgical planning for GSL, Iridoplasty, or angle-opening MIGS
- Lower risk of emergency attacks due to proactive surveillance
- Personalized treatment pathway based on anatomical and functional findings
- Visual preservation through early intervention and stable IOP control
Ideal Candidates
The program is ideal for:
- Patients diagnosed with PACS, PAC, or chronic angle-closure glaucoma
- Individuals with plateau iris configuration
- Those with shallow anterior chambers
- Patients experiencing intermittent halos, pain, or pressure spikes
- People who have undergone iridotomy or iridoplasty
- Individuals being evaluated for angle-based MIGS
- Patients with a family history or anatomical risk of closure
Possible Risks & Complications
While monitoring is safe, angle-closure disease may involve risks such as:
- Progressive angle narrowing
- Development or worsening of PAS
- Acute angle-closure attacks
- Optic nerve damage due to elevated IOP
- IOP instability or medication resistance
- Plateau iris complications
Korea minimizes risks using:
- AI-based risk prediction
- Regular AS-OCT and gonioscopy
- Diurnal IOP variation analysis
- Preventive laser or MIGS when needed
- Customized follow-up schedules
Surgical Techniques
(These are the surgical techniques commonly used when the monitoring program detects progression or treatment necessity.)
1. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Creates a microscopic opening in the iris to equalize pressure and widen the angle.
2. Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty
Uses laser energy to shrink peripheral iris tissue, widening the angle—ideal for plateau iris.
3. Goniosynechialysis (GSL)
Mechanically removes PAS (synechiae) from the trabecular meshwork to restore natural angle openness.
4. Lens Extraction (Phaco) for Angle Widening
Removing a thickened crystalline lens deepens the anterior chamber and prevents further closure.
5. Combined Phaco-MIGS for Angle-Closure
Performed when cataract and angle-closure glaucoma coexist; includes:
- Canaloplasty
- GSL
- Schlemm’s canal dilation
- Selective angle bypass MIGS
6. Micro-Incision Angle Reconstruction
Used when extensive PAS or narrowing requires mechanical enlargement of the angle.
7. Cyclo-Modulation Laser Procedures
MicroPulse or targeted cyclophotocoagulation may assist long-term pressure control when angle access is limited.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Angle Evaluation
AS-OCT, digital gonioscopy, IOP checks, PAS mapping, and optic nerve imaging.
Step 2 – AI Risk Profiling
Predicts future angle closure, PAS progression, and likelihood of requiring surgery.
Step 3 – Personalized Monitoring Schedule
Risk level determines follow-up frequency (1–6 months).
Step 4 – Surgical Decision Making
If progression is observed, LPI, Iridoplasty, GSL, or MIGS is recommended.
Step 5 – Ongoing Follow-Up
Tracks surgical outcomes and prevents future closure events.
Evaluation Duration: 15–30 minutes
Setting: Outpatient diagnostic and surgical centers
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
(For patients undergoing laser or MIGS)
- Use anti-inflammatory drops for 1–4 weeks
- Avoid dark environments immediately post-treatment
- Continue AS-OCT follow-ups
- Monitor for halos, pain, or blurred vision
- Protect eyes from bright light after laser procedures
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild irritation; confirmation of angle widening
Week 1: IOP stabilizes; PAS reassessed
Weeks 2–4: Improved angle function and stable healing
1–3 Months: Long-term stability with reduced closure risk
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear detection of narrowing or PAS formation
- Early prevention of acute angle-closure events
- Accurate timing for MIGS or laser intervention
- Improved IOP stability
- Long-term optic nerve preservation
Longevity
- Lifelong angle-closure protection through continuous monitoring
- Long-term data used for precision trend analysis
- AI models refine predictions with accumulated data
- Over 80% reduction in emergency angle-closure attacks
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly skilled specialists in angle-closure management
- Advanced imaging systems producing unmatched angle detail
- AI-assisted diagnostics for forecasting progression
- Comprehensive treatment pathways from evaluation to MIGS
- Superior patient safety and excellent clinical outcomes
- Rapid and precise decision-making in complex cases
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven angle-closure forecasting
- Automated PAS progression tracking
- Iris configuration simulation in bright/dark environments
- Algorithm-based MIGS planning for angle-closure cases
- Long-term IOP modeling using machine-learning techniques
These innovations make Korea’s program one of the most advanced and predictive systems for managing angle-closure glaucoma worldwide.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Angle Monitoring Program | ₩200,000 – ₩400,000 | ~$150 – $300 | AS-OCT + gonioscopy + IOP tests |
| Premium Angle-Closure Stability Program | ₩500,000 – ₩900,000 | ~$380 – $680 | AI risk analysis + PAS mapping + diurnal IOP curve |
| Comprehensive Angle-Closure + MIGS Planning Program | ₩1,200,000 – ₩2,500,000+ | ~$900 – $1,900+ | Full diagnostic suite + MIGS pathway planning |
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)
