Treatment Overview
Big Bubble Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) in Korea is an advanced, cornea-preserving surgical technique designed to treat keratoconus, corneal thinning, and stromal scarring while maintaining the patient’s healthy endothelium. Unlike full-thickness corneal transplants (penetrating keratoplasty), DALK selectively replaces only the damaged corneal layers, preserving the inner endothelial cells and significantly reducing rejection risk.
Korean ophthalmic surgeons perform DALK using the Big Bubble technique, which utilizes precise air injection to separate corneal layers and create a smooth interface for donor graft placement. This approach is enhanced by femtosecond laser-assisted dissection, AI-guided imaging, and regenerative healing therapy to ensure superior visual results and long-term corneal stability.
Big Bubble DALK in Korea represents the highest level of lamellar corneal surgery — combining surgical mastery, technological precision, and biologic recovery to restore clear, natural vision.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Replace damaged or irregular corneal stroma while preserving the healthy endothelium.
- Correct vision distortion caused by advanced keratoconus or stromal scars.
- Improve optical clarity and corneal strength.
- Reduce the risk of transplant rejection.
- Restore natural visual function and stability.
Benefits
- Endothelium Preservation: Retains patient’s native endothelial cells for long-term clarity.
- Low Rejection Risk: No endothelial tissue exchange minimizes immune complications.
- Big Bubble Technique Precision: Achieves a smooth donor-recipient interface.
- Femtosecond Laser Accuracy: Provides clean, consistent lamellar dissection.
- Faster Visual Recovery: Reduced inflammation and quicker healing compared to full transplant.
- Durable Results: Long-term graft survival with excellent optical quality.
Ideal Candidates
Big Bubble DALK in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus where corneal shape is severely distorted.
- Individuals with stromal scars or corneal thinning but intact endothelium.
- Those unsuitable for laser reshaping or cross-linking due to advanced disease.
- Patients wishing to avoid the rejection risk of full-thickness corneal transplants.
- Individuals seeking long-lasting, biologically safe visual restoration.
Possible Risks & Complications
While DALK is extremely safe, minor and manageable side effects may include:
- Temporary Redness or Discomfort: Common in the first few days.
- Light Sensitivity: Improves with healing and UV protection.
- Mild Vision Fluctuation: Stabilizes as graft integration progresses.
- Interface Haze: Rare and treatable with medicated or regenerative drops.
- Microperforation (Uncommon): Managed intraoperatively with advanced surgical techniques.
Korean ophthalmologists employ AI-guided depth control and real-time intraoperative OCT imaging to minimize risks and ensure perfect graft alignment.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Big Bubble Technique: Controlled air injection separates Descemet’s membrane from corneal stroma.
- Femtosecond Laser Lamellar Dissection: Creates a precise recipient bed for donor tissue.
- Endothelium-Preserving Graft Placement: Transplants only anterior stromal layers.
- AI-Calibrated Corneal Mapping: Ensures accurate graft thickness and curvature matching.
- Regenerative Biologic Therapy: Accelerates healing and enhances optical clarity.
- UV-Protective and Anti-Rejection Aftercare: Ensures long-term graft health and stability.
These methods make DALK in Korea one of the most sophisticated, safe, and vision-preserving corneal surgeries available globally.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Preoperative Corneal Evaluation:
Detailed topography, tomography, and endothelial cell count determine surgical suitability.
Step 2 – Anesthesia & Preparation:
Local or topical anesthesia ensures a comfortable, pain-free procedure.
Step 3 – Big Bubble Formation:
Air is injected precisely into the corneal stroma, separating layers without damaging the endothelium.
Step 4 – Donor Graft Placement:
The anterior layers of donor corneal tissue are carefully positioned and sutured.
Step 5 – Regenerative Recovery Therapy:
Post-surgery biologic drops and protective lenses aid healing and reduce inflammation.
Procedure Duration: 60–90 minutes per eye
Recovery Period: Vision improvement begins within 1–2 weeks; full stabilization in 2–3 months.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic, steroid, and lubricating drops regularly.
- Avoid eye rubbing or exposure to water for at least two weeks.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors.
- Avoid heavy lifting, swimming, or strenuous activity for four weeks.
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor graft clarity and suture stability.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild discomfort and light sensitivity.
- Week 1: Early improvement in visual clarity.
- Weeks 2–6: Graft integration and corneal smoothing continue.
- 3 Months: Stable, clear vision achieved with minimal refractive error.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Restoration of clear and stable corneal shape.
- Significant improvement in visual acuity.
- Minimal rejection risk with long-term graft health.
- Natural appearance and optical transparency.
Longevity
DALK offers long-lasting and stable results, often maintaining clear vision for decades.
Korean clinics report over 95% graft survival at 10 years, with reduced dependence on corrective lenses and superior corneal strength.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea’s advanced corneal surgery centers are recognized for high-precision lamellar techniques and regenerative post-operative care, setting global standards in keratoconus treatment.
- Femtosecond Laser Integration: Ensures exact graft thickness and alignment.
- AI-Guided Surgical Visualization: Reduces intraoperative risk and improves graft accuracy.
- Regenerative Healing Protocols: Promote faster epithelial recovery and minimize scarring.
- Low Rejection & Complication Rates: Thanks to endothelium preservation.
- Expert Corneal Surgeons: Internationally trained specialists in lamellar keratoplasty.
- Comprehensive Eye Care Systems: Include diagnostic imaging, surgery, and long-term vision rehabilitation.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Guided Big Bubble Formation
- Femtosecond Laser Lamellar Dissection
- Endothelium-Preserving Graft Technique
- Regenerative Biologic Eye Therapy
- Oxygen-Enhanced Healing System
- UV-Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Recovery
These innovations make Big Bubble Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Korea one of the most advanced and biologically secure corneal surgeries for keratoconus patients worldwide.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DALK Procedure | ₩4,000,000 – ₩5,500,000 per eye | ~$2,900 – $4,000 | Manual Big Bubble DALK with standard graft care |
| Femtosecond Laser-Assisted DALK | ₩6,000,000 – ₩7,800,000 per eye | ~$4,300 – $5,600 | Laser-guided lamellar dissection and precision grafting |
| Premium Regenerative DALK Package | ₩8,000,000 – ₩10,000,000+ per eye | ~$5,800 – $7,200+ | AI-calibrated surgery, biologic healing, and UV-protective aftercare |
Pricing varies based on clinic technology, graft source, and surgeon experience.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Specializes in femtosecond-assisted DALK with regenerative recovery.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Expert in Big Bubble techniques and biologic graft integration.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Known for lamellar precision and long-term vision stability.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Offers AI-guided DALK with minimal rejection rates.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Pioneers in regenerative lamellar keratoplasty and ocular healing innovation.
