Treatment Overview
Blebless Glaucoma Surgery in Korea refers to a group of advanced, non-penetrating and physiological procedures designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) without creating a filtering bleb. Instead of forming an external drainage reservoir, these surgeries enhance the eye’s natural outflow pathways—making them safer, less invasive, and more predictable than traditional trabeculectomy.
Korean ophthalmology centers excel in blebless techniques such as canaloplasty, ABiC (Ab-Interno Canaloplasty), viscocanalostomy, goniotomy, GATT, and select MIGS procedures. Using AI-guided planning, OCT-based imaging, 360° microcatheter systems, and precision laser technology, Korea delivers exceptional outcomes with minimal surgical trauma and rapid recovery.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Lower intraocular pressure by restoring physiological drainage.
- Provide a safer alternative to trabeculectomy without creating a bleb.
- Maintain the natural anatomy of the eye.
- Reduce long-term dependency on glaucoma medications.
- Prevent further optic nerve damage in mild to advanced glaucoma.
Benefits
- No Bleb = Fewer Complications: No bleb leaks, infections, or bleb fibrosis.
- Physiological Approach: Enhances natural outflow pathways.
- Lower Risk Profile: No full-thickness eye penetration.
- Faster Recovery: Minimal tissue damage and inflammation.
- Better Long-Term Stability: Outflow restored naturally rather than artificially.
- Suitable for Earlier-Stage Intervention: Can delay need for filtering surgery.
Ideal Candidates
Blebless glaucoma surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
- Individuals intolerant to glaucoma medications.
- Patients who want to avoid bleb-related complications.
- Those who failed SLT or medications but are not candidates for trabeculectomy.
- Individuals seeking a minimally invasive option with fast healing.
- Patients with early to intermediate glaucoma progression.
Possible Risks & Complications
Blebless procedures are extremely safe, but may include:
- Temporary inflammation or redness
- Mild hyphema (blood in the anterior chamber)
- Transient IOP fluctuation
- Canal fibrosis (rare)
- Small risk of micro-incision irritation
Korean clinics minimize risks using real-time imaging, microcatheter navigation, and AI-calibrated surgical paths.
Types of Blebless Glaucoma Surgeries in Korea
Canaloplasty
360° dilation of Schlemm’s canal with viscodilation and tension suturing.
ABiC (Ab-Interno Canaloplasty)
Internal canaloplasty without an external scleral flap—fully blebless.
GATT (Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy)
Restores natural drainage by opening the trabecular meshwork internally.
Goniotomy
Incision of the trabecular meshwork to enhance aqueous outflow.
Viscocanalostomy
Non-penetrating surgery that unroofs Schlemm’s canal while keeping the eye intact.
Select MIGS Procedures
Certain MIGS devices improve physiological outflow without bleb formation (e.g., OMNI, iTrack-based procedures).
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based Preoperative Planning
Maps canal resistance and identifies optimal treatment pathways.
Micro-Incision Access
Provides safe entry to Schlemm’s canal or the trabecular meshwork.
360° Microcatheter Navigation
Illuminated microcatheter used for canaloplasty and GATT procedures.
Viscodilation
Injects viscoelastic into Schlemm’s canal to widen and restore flow.
Selective Trabecular Incision (Goniotomy)
Creates controlled openings for better aqueous drainage.
OCT and UBM Imaging
Verifies canal dilation, stent placement (if used), and outflow stability.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Includes OCT, UBM, IOP testing, visual fields, and angle examination.
Step 2 – Customized Surgical Plan
Surgeon selects canaloplasty, GATT, ABiC, or a MIGS procedure based on anatomy and glaucoma severity.
Step 3 – Blebless Surgery
Performed through micro-incisions to enhance the natural drainage system.
Step 4 – Immediate Postoperative Care
Anti-inflammatory drops started; IOP checked within hours.
Step 5 – Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-ups ensure stable IOP and canal integrity.
Treatment Duration: 20–45 minutes
Setting: Outpatient or same-day surgical center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory drops for 2–4 weeks.
- Avoid eye rubbing and intense physical activity.
- Wear protective sunglasses after surgery.
- Follow your medication schedule as adjusted by your surgeon.
- Attend all scheduled follow-ups.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild redness or light sensitivity; IOP begins to drop.
- Week 1: Hyphema may be present but typically resolves quickly.
- Weeks 2–4: Canal heals; outflow becomes more stable.
- Months 1–3: Long-term pressure reduction achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant reduction in intraocular pressure.
- Improved natural drainage function.
- Reduced reliance on medications.
- Minimal postoperative complications.
- High comfort and quick recovery.
Longevity
- Results typically last 5–10+ years depending on the procedure.
- Canaloplasty and ABiC offer long-term stability with minimal scarring.
- GATT and goniotomy provide durable outcomes when fibrosis is minimal.
- Procedures can be safely repeated or combined with future MIGS if needed.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Leaders in blebless glaucoma surgery and physiological outflow restoration.
- AI-guided canal mapping and planning systems that improve success rates.
- OCT and ultrasound imaging for precise canal or meshwork targeting.
- Minimal complication rates thanks to advanced microsurgical tools.
- World-class postoperative monitoring to ensure long-term IOP stability.
Unique Korean Innovations
- 360° microcatheter illumination for perfect canal visualization.
- AI-based resistance analysis to guide canal and meshwork surgery.
- Hybrid blebless procedures combining canaloplasty + MIGS.
- Personalized viscoelastic dosing for optimal canal dilation.
- Predictive modeling tools for long-term pressure outcomes.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABiC (Ab-Interno Canaloplasty) | ₩3,000,000 – ₩5,000,000 | ~$2,200 – $3,800 | Microcatheter canaloplasty + imaging |
| Traditional Canaloplasty | ₩2,800,000 – ₩4,200,000 | ~$2,100 – $3,200 | 360° viscodilation + tension suture |
| GATT Procedure | ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000 | ~$1,900 – $3,000 | Transluminal trabeculotomy |
| Goniotomy (Laser or Manual) | ₩1,800,000 – ₩3,200,000 | ~$1,350 – $2,400 | Trabecular meshwork opening |
| Viscocanalostomy | ₩2,200,000 – ₩3,800,000 | ~$1,650 – $2,900 | Non-penetrating canal expansion |
| Hybrid MIGS + Canaloplasty | ₩4,500,000 – ₩6,500,000 | ~$3,400 – $4,900 | Combined physiological drainage restoration |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Leaders in blebless and MIGS-based glaucoma care.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Experts in ABiC, GATT, and modern canaloplasty.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Known for microcatheter and MIGS combinations.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Advanced imaging-guided physiological glaucoma surgery.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in hybrid canal-based glaucoma solutions.
