Treatment Overview
Augmented Trabeculectomy in Korea is an advanced glaucoma filtration surgery enhanced with anti-scarring agents to maximize long-term success. Trabeculectomy is considered the gold standard for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in moderate to severe glaucoma. In its augmented form, medications such as Mitomycin-C (MMC) or 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) are applied during or after surgery to prevent excessive fibrosis—one of the main causes of surgical failure.
Korean ophthalmology centers are globally recognized for performing highly precise trabeculectomies using AI-guided surgical planning, micron-level scleral flap construction, OCT-assisted bleb evaluation, and customized anti-scarring dosing protocols, ensuring long-term pressure reduction and excellent safety outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Create a new drainage pathway to lower intraocular pressure.
- Treat glaucoma cases not controlled by medications, laser, or MIGS.
- Reduce or eliminate the need for long-term glaucoma drops.
- Prevent progressive optic nerve damage and preserve vision.
Benefits
- Large IOP Reduction: Most powerful surgical option for severe glaucoma.
- Customizable Anti-Scarring Control: Greater long-term success with MMC or 5-FU.
- Effective When Other Treatments Fail: Ideal for advanced or refractory glaucoma.
- Controlled Filtration: Carefully crafted scleral flap allows optimal fluid outflow.
- Long-Term Stability: Many patients achieve stable pressure for decades.
Ideal Candidates
Augmented Trabeculectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to severe glaucoma requiring strong IOP reduction.
- Individuals who have failed medications, SLT, MIGS, or prior surgical treatments.
- Those with advanced optic nerve damage needing rapid pressure control.
- Patients with angle-closure, primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliative, or secondary glaucoma.
- Individuals needing a durable, long-term solution.
Possible Risks & Complications
Trabeculectomy—especially augmented—has a strong safety profile but may involve:
- Early hypotony (low pressure)
- Blebitis or infection (low risk with Korean protocols)
- Shallow anterior chamber
- Mild bleeding or inflammation
- Scarring of the filtration site
- Transient blurred vision
Korean surgeons minimize risks through precise flap creation, controlled anti-scarring dosing, postoperative bleb management, and regular imaging-based monitoring.
Types of Augmented Trabeculectomy in Korea
Mitomycin-C Augmented Trabeculectomy
Most common; MMC applied during surgery to prevent scarring.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Augmented Trabeculectomy
Used intraoperatively or postoperatively through injections.
Combined Trabeculectomy + Cataract Surgery
Phaco-trabeculectomy for patients with coexisting cataract.
Revisional or Secondary Augmented Trabeculectomy
Performed for patients with previous failed drainage surgeries.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based Surgical Planning
Predicts ideal flap size, location, and scarring risk.
Scleral Flap Construction
A partial-thickness flap is created to control fluid outflow.
Mitomycin-C or 5-FU Application
Anti-scarring medication applied under the conjunctiva to prevent fibrosis.
Trabecular Block Removal
A small opening is created to enable aqueous drainage into the new reservoir.
Peripheral Iridectomy
Prevents iris blockage of the new drainage channel.
Bleb Formation
A reservoir forms under the conjunctiva to regulate pressure.
Real-Time OCT Monitoring
Ensures proper flap thickness and bleb formation during and after surgery.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Visual field testing, OCT, angle analysis, IOP measurement, and optic nerve imaging.
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
Surgeon selects anti-scarring agent type, dosage, and flap position.
Step 3 – Augmented Trabeculectomy
Performed under local anesthesia using micro-precision techniques.
Step 4 – Immediate Postoperative Care
Application of anti-inflammatory drops; IOP monitored in clinic.
Step 5 – Long-Term Management
Regular follow-ups to maintain bleb health and ensure stable pressure.
Treatment Duration: 30–45 minutes
Setting: Hospital or surgical center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops for several weeks.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, and strenuous activity.
- Keep water out of the operated eye during early healing.
- Report any sudden vision loss or pain immediately.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for bleb monitoring.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild irritation and blurred vision expected.
- Week 1: Pressure stabilizing; bleb beginning to form properly.
- Weeks 2–6: Visual clarity improves; medication needs reduced.
- Months 1–3: Long-term bleb stability achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- 30–50% reduction in intraocular pressure (often more).
- Long-lasting, stable pressure control.
- Reduced or eliminated medication use.
- Protection against further optic nerve damage.
- High success rates with modern Korean anti-scarring techniques.
Longevity
- Results typically last 10–20 years or more.
- Korean surgeons extend longevity with advanced bleb care, OCT monitoring, and personalized anti-fibrotic therapy.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- International leaders in trabeculectomy and anti-scarring innovation.
- AI-driven planning and customized MMC dosing strategies.
- OCT-guided bleb evaluation for superior long-term outcomes.
- Low complication rates due to refined surgical protocols.
- Comprehensive glaucoma care integrating imaging, surgery, and postoperative management.
Unique Korean Innovations
- Precision micro-dosing of Mitomycin-C based on patient scarring risk.
- Real-time intraoperative OCT assessment of flap and bleb structure.
- Hybrid phaco-trabeculectomy techniques for combined conditions.
- Advanced postoperative bleb modulation (needling, 5-FU, customized adjustments).
- AI-based prediction of long-term trabeculectomy outcomes.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Procedure Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard MMC-Augmented Trabeculectomy | ₩2,800,000 – ₩4,500,000 | ~$2,100 – $3,400 | Surgery + MMC + follow-up |
| 5-FU–Enhanced Trabeculectomy | ₩3,000,000 – ₩5,000,000 | ~$2,300 – $3,750 | Surgery + 5-FU injections + imaging |
| Combined Phaco-Trabeculectomy | ₩5,000,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,750 – $5,700 | Cataract removal + trabeculectomy |
| Revisional Augmented Trabeculectomy | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,000,000 | ~$3,400 – $5,300 | Complex revision + anti-scarring therapy |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Renowned for advanced trabeculectomy outcomes.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Experts in MMC and 5-FU augmented filtration surgery.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Specialists in complex and revision trabeculectomy.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Leaders in OCT-guided bleb monitoring.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-assisted trabeculectomy planning.
