Treatment Overview
Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant Surgery in Korea is an advanced glaucoma treatment designed for patients with severe or refractory glaucoma who require significant and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. The Baerveldt implant is a large-surface, non-valved drainage device that diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to a reservoir formed under the conjunctiva, allowing controlled fluid outflow to lower IOP.
Korean glaucoma centers are global leaders in valveless tube-shunt implantation, using OCT-guided positioning, AI-assisted surgical planning, and anti-scarring protocols to ensure safety, longevity, and high surgical success rates.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Lower IOP in severe, advanced, or resistant glaucoma cases.
- Provide long-term pressure control when medications, laser therapy, or MIGS have failed.
- Prevent further optic nerve damage and preserve remaining vision.
- Offer an alternative when trabeculectomy is unsuitable or has previously failed.
Benefits
- Powerful IOP Reduction: Highly effective for advanced glaucoma.
- Long-Term Durability: Large plate surface provides stable and lasting filtration.
- Lower Failure Rate in Refractory Cases: Preferred for complex surgical histories.
- Suitable for Multiple Glaucoma Types: Neovascular, uveitic, congenital, and traumatic glaucomas.
- Fewer Postoperative Spikes: When combined with Korean anti-scarring protocols.
- Customizable Flow Control: Temporary tube ligation ensures controlled early healing.
Ideal Candidates
Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with severe or refractory glaucoma.
- Eyes that have failed trabeculectomy or are poor candidates for bleb-based surgery.
- Individuals with neovascular, uveitic, pediatric, aphakic, or traumatic glaucoma.
- Patients with extremely high IOP needing powerful long-term reduction.
- Individuals requiring longer-term flow control than valve-based implants (e.g., Ahmed valve).
- Patients who want stable and predictable long-term results.
Possible Risks & Complications
While Baerveldt implants are highly effective, potential risks include:
- Hypotony (low IOP): Early risk mitigated through tube ligation or stenting.
- Diplopia (double vision): Rare and usually temporary.
- Tube exposure: Prevented with patch grafts.
- Corneal decompensation: Reduced using modern tube positioning techniques.
- Inflammation or discomfort: Common but short-term.
- Bleb encapsulation or fibrosis: Managed with anti-scarring therapy.
Korean ophthalmologists reduce complications using AI-calibrated planning, scleral patch grafts, OCT-guided tube placement, and enhanced postoperative follow-up.
Types of Baerveldt Implant Surgeries in Korea
Baerveldt 350 Implant
Standard large-plate model providing maximal surface area for strong IOP reduction.
Baerveldt 250 Implant
Smaller version for patients with limited orbital space or specific anatomy.
Pediatric Baerveldt Implant
Customized for congenital or juvenile glaucoma cases.
Baerveldt + Cataract Surgery
Combined procedure for patients needing cataract removal and strong IOP reduction.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Guided Surgical Planning
Analyzes ocular dimensions and predicts optimal implant placement.
Conjunctival Peritomy
Provides access for plate placement under Tenon’s capsule.
Implant Positioning
Baerveldt plate secured to sclera, usually in the superior temporal quadrant.
Tube Ligation or Stenting
Controls early postoperative flow and prevents hypotony.
Scleral Patch Graft
Covers and protects the silicone tube.
Anterior Chamber or Sulcus Tube Placement
Placed using OCT guidance to avoid corneal touch or iris complications.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Glaucoma Assessment
Includes OCT of the optic nerve, gonioscopy, visual field testing, and corneal evaluation.
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
Surgeon selects Baerveldt type (250, 350, pediatric) and determines tube placement strategy.
Step 3 – Implant Surgery
Plate secured, tube inserted, ligation performed, and graft placed.
Step 4 – Immediate Aftercare
Anti-inflammatory drops started; IOP monitored closely.
Step 5 – Long-Term Follow-Up
Ligation dissolves over weeks; IOP stabilizes as bleb forms around implant.
Treatment Duration: 45–60 minutes
Setting: Hospital-based surgical center or advanced eye surgery clinic
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and sometimes pressure-lowering drops.
- Avoid bending, heavy lifting, and eye rubbing.
- Protect the eye during sleep for the first week.
- Attend all follow-ups to monitor IOP, bleb formation, and tube position.
- Use artificial tears to manage dryness or irritation.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Redness, mild discomfort; early healing begins.
- Weeks 1–3: Tube ligation maintains stable IOP; bleb forms around plate.
- Weeks 4–8: Ligation dissolves; implant begins full function.
- Months 2–6: Full long-term IOP reduction achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Powerful reduction in intraocular pressure.
- High success in refractory or complex glaucoma cases.
- Reduced dependence on medications.
- Consistent long-term stability.
- Improved optic nerve protection for advanced disease stages.
Longevity
- Baerveldt implants typically last 10–20+ years.
- Korea’s advanced anti-fibrotic protocols improve longevity further.
- Implants can be revised or combined with future procedures if needed.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class glaucoma surgeons specialized in valveless implants.
- High surgical precision supported by AI-guided planning and OCT imaging.
- Advanced postoperative care systems ensure long-term success.
- Exceptional outcomes even in severe or complex glaucoma.
- Innovative anti-scarring strategies maximize implant longevity.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-powered placement prediction for optimal plate location.
- Customized tube-ligation systems to prevent early hypotony.
- Scleral patch graft materials designed for long-term stability.
- OCT-guided tube positioning for reduced corneal risk.
- Hybrid Baerveldt + MIGS strategies for multi-mechanism IOP control.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baerveldt 250 or 350 Implant Surgery | ₩4,500,000 – ₩6,800,000 | ~$3,400 – $5,200 | Implant + tube placement + post-op care |
| Pediatric Baerveldt Implant | ₩5,000,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,800 – $5,700 | Child-specific implant + monitoring |
| Combined Cataract + Baerveldt Surgery | ₩7,500,000 – ₩10,500,000+ | ~$5,700 – $8,000+ | Phaco + implant + extended follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Leaders in valveless tube shunt implantation.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Experts in Baerveldt placement and complex glaucoma care.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Skilled in combined cataract + Baerveldt surgery.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Precision-guided tube positioning with OCT.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-assisted glaucoma implant planning.
