Treatment Overview
Blebs Reconstruction After Trabeculectomy in Korea is a highly specialized surgical approach used to restore or repair dysfunctional, leaking, flat, or fibrosed filtration blebs following trabeculectomy. Over time, blebs can fail due to scarring, thinning, encapsulation, or infection risk, leading to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or serious complications.
Korean glaucoma surgeons are internationally recognized for excellence in bleb revision, bleb repair, and bleb reconstruction, using advanced imaging such as OCT-guided bleb mapping, AI-based fibrosis assessment, and precision conjunctival and scleral reconstruction techniques to restore safe, stable, long-term filtration.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Restore proper filtration and drainage after a failing trabeculectomy bleb.
- Correct complications such as bleb leaks, scarring, encapsulation, or over-filtration.
- Reestablish long-term IOP control and protect optic nerve function.
- Reduce the need for repeat trabeculectomy or tube shunt implants.
- Improve patient comfort and safety.
Benefits
- Re-establishes Proper Bleb Function: Restores aqueous outflow.
- Safer Than Redo Trabeculectomy: Uses existing anatomy and minimizes trauma.
- Reduces Infection Risk: Repairs thin or leaking blebs.
- Long-Term IOP Stability: Enhanced drainage pathway longevity.
- Improved Comfort & Vision: Corrects cosmetic and functional issues.
- Customized to the Patient: Tailored reconstruction for each bleb type.
Ideal Candidates
Bleb reconstruction after trabeculectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with encapsulated (thick-walled) blebs causing elevated IOP.
- Individuals with bleb leaks causing hypotony or infection risk.
- Patients with flat blebs resulting in poor filtration.
- Those with over-filtering blebs leading to dangerously low pressure.
- Patients experiencing discomfort, dryness, or foreign-body sensation due to bleb abnormalities.
- Individuals seeking to avoid tube shunt implantation.
Possible Risks & Complications
While bleb reconstruction is safer than repeat trabeculectomy, potential risks may include:
- Mild inflammation
- Transient IOP fluctuation
- Small bleb leak (rare)
- Conjunctival scarring
- Hyphema
- Fibrosis recurrence
- Infection (low with Korean protocols)
Korean surgeons minimize risks using advanced anti-scarring techniques, real-time OCT, and precision tissue handling.
Types of Bleb Reconstruction Procedures in Korea
Bleb Needling Revision
Breaks scar tissue to reopen drainage pathways; may include anti-scarring injections.
Conjunctival Advancement Repair
Moves healthy conjunctiva over a leaking or thin bleb.
Scleral Flap Revision
Repairs, repositions, or reconstructs the original scleral flap to optimize flow.
Excision of Fibrosed Bleb Tissue
Removes scarred tissue to restore filtration.
Bleb Re-Formation Surgery
Recreates a functional bleb through controlled dissection and anti-scarring medications.
Hybrid Bleb Reconstruction
Combines needling, flap repair, and conjunctival advancement for complex cases.
Surgical Techniques
OCT-Guided Bleb Imaging
Maps bleb height, fibrosis, membrane thickness, and leakage points.
AI-Enhanced Fibrosis Prediction
Identifies areas most likely to cause failure.
Precision Conjunctival Surgery
Repairs or advances conjunctiva to ensure healthy bleb coverage.
Flap Reconditioning
Re-shapes or reinforces the scleral flap for optimized outflow.
Anti-Scarring Modulation
Use of Mitomycin-C (MMC) or 5-FU to prevent fibrosis.
Needle-Based Microdissection
Gently restores filtration without major incision.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Detailed Bleb Evaluation
Includes IOP testing, bleb morphology assessment, and OCT imaging.
Step 2 – Customized Reconstruction Planning
Surgeon chooses the least invasive method capable of restoring bleb function.
Step 3 – Reconstruction Procedure
Performed under topical or local anesthesia; may be in clinic (needling) or surgical center (complex repair).
Step 4 – Immediate Care
Anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring drops used; pressure monitored.
Step 5 – Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-ups ensure bleb stability and filtration success.
Treatment Duration:
- Needling: 5–10 minutes
- Surgical reconstruction: 20–40 minutes
Setting: Clinic or surgical center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops.
- Avoid rubbing the eye or heavy activities for several weeks.
- Keep water and contaminants away from the eye.
- Maintain follow-up appointments for bleb health checks.
- Report sudden pain or vision changes immediately.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild irritation; bleb height improves.
- Week 1: IOP begins stabilizing; conjunctiva healing.
- Weeks 2–4: Functioning bleb re-established.
- Months 1–3: Long-term stability achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Restored aqueous drainage and sustained IOP reduction.
- Increased longevity of the original trabeculectomy.
- Reduced medication dependency.
- Improved comfort and conjunctival appearance.
- Lower risk of infection or hypotony.
Longevity
- Results generally last years, especially with anti-scarring protocols.
- Korean imaging-guided monitoring helps extend long-term success.
- Reconstruction can be repeated or upgraded if necessary.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class expertise in complex trabeculectomy revisions and bleb reconstruction.
- Advanced OCT and UBM imaging for precise bleb mapping.
- AI-driven fibrosis modeling to predict failures and optimize outcomes.
- Refined surgical techniques with exceptionally high safety rates.
- Integrated care systems that support long-term glaucoma management.
Unique Korean Innovations
- Real-time intraoperative OCT guidance for reconstructive accuracy.
- AI-based scarring prediction to customize treatment.
- Hybrid bleb reconstruction methods for multi-layer repair.
- Microdosed MMC/5-FU delivery for safe fibrosis control.
- Postoperative bleb-shaping protocols to maintain filtration.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Procedure Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bleb Needling Revision | ₩300,000 – ₩700,000 | ~$230 – $520 | Needling + anti-scarring care |
| Conjunctival Advancement Repair | ₩1,500,000 – ₩3,000,000 | ~$1,150 – $2,300 | Surgery + MMC/5-FU |
| Flap Revision and Re-Formation | ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,500,000 | ~$1,900 – $3,400 | Complex reconstruction + imaging |
| Hybrid Reconstruction | ₩3,500,000 – ₩6,500,000 | ~$2,650 – $4,900 | Multi-technique repair + extended follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Experts in complex bleb reconstruction.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in conjunctival repair and bleb salvage.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Advanced OCT-guided bleb revision.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Leaders in anti-scarring bleb remodeling.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-guided bleb repair planning.
