Treatment Overview
The Blood Flow-Based Glaucoma Analysis Program in Korea is an advanced diagnostic system focused on evaluating ocular blood flow, microcirculation, and vascular health to better understand glaucoma progression and treatment needs. This program uses state-of-the-art imaging and AI-enhanced flow analytics to identify perfusion deficits that may contribute to optic nerve damage.
Korea is a leader in vascular-based glaucoma assessment because of its integration of:
- OCT Angiography (OCTA) for optic nerve & macular microcirculation
- Laser Speckle Flowgraphy (LSFG) for optic nerve blood flow analysis
- AI-powered vascular density & flow prediction models
- Retinal oxygen saturation imaging
- Dynamic perfusion maps for early glaucoma detection
- Highly specialized vascular-glaucoma research centers
This program provides critical insight into non-pressure-related causes of glaucoma, allowing for more personalized treatment strategies.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect optic nerve perfusion deficits that contribute to glaucoma
- Monitor blood flow changes over time to assess disease progression
- Identify vascular-based glaucoma subtypes (normal-tension glaucoma, ischemic glaucoma)
- Tailor treatment plans based on individual perfusion parameters
- Evaluate the effect of medications or surgery on ocular blood flow
- Improve long-term optic nerve health and slow progression
Benefits
- Ultra-precise microcirculation evaluation using advanced OCTA and LSFG
- AI-enhanced blood flow and vascular density interpretation
- Early detection of glaucoma progression even when IOP is normal
- Customized treatment adjustments based on vascular health
- Better management of normal-tension glaucoma, which is highly prevalent in Asia
- Non-invasive and comfortable testing for patients
- Improved long-term visual outcomes through targeted therapy
Ideal Candidates
The Blood Flow-Based Glaucoma Analysis Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG)
- Individuals with progression despite normal or controlled IOP
- Those with vascular risk factors such as low blood pressure or migraines
- Patients experiencing fluctuating visual field loss
- Individuals with suspected vascular dysregulation
- Patients undergoing therapy who need blood-flow response evaluation
- Patients planning glaucoma surgery or MIGS where perfusion must be considered
Possible Risks & Complications
The program is non-invasive and safe. However, underlying vascular-related glaucoma may involve risks such as:
- Progressive optic nerve ischemia
- Worsening blood flow deficits
- Visual field deterioration despite stable IOP
- Reduced optic nerve perfusion at night (nocturnal hypotension)
- Microvascular changes due to systemic conditions (hypertension, diabetes)
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Regular OCTA and LSFG monitoring
- AI-based progression prediction
- Medication adjustments to support ocular perfusion
- Collaboration with cardiology or neurology for systemic factors
- Tailored treatment plans based on vascular stability
Surgical Techniques
(These are the procedures or interventions used when blood-flow analysis indicates the need for treatment adjustments.)
1. Laser Trabeculoplasty Adjustments
SLT may be recommended to reduce the need for medications that negatively affect blood flow.
2. MIGS Planning Based on Perfusion Status
Procedures such as iStent Inject, Hydrus, canaloplasty, or GSL may be selected when improving outflow reduces vascular stress on the optic nerve.
3. Cyclo-Selective Laser Procedures
MicroPulse or targeted lasers may be used to control pressure while maintaining vascular integrity.
4. Medication Adjustments
Certain drops may reduce perfusion; Korea optimizes regimens to avoid vascular compromise.
5. Nocturnal Blood Pressure Management
In collaboration with internal medicine, nighttime hypotension is treated to protect optic nerve blood flow.
6. Neuroprotective Therapies
Supplements or treatments supporting optic nerve mitochondrial function may be introduced.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Blood Flow Evaluation
OCTA, LSFG, retinal oxygenation analysis, and optic nerve perfusion imaging.
Step 2 – Vascular-based Glaucoma Profiling
AI models classify glaucoma subtype based on perfusion, resistance index, and vascular density.
Step 3 – Perfusion–IOP Interaction Analysis
Determines how pressure fluctuations impact optic nerve blood flow.
Step 4 – Customized Management Plan
May include medication changes, MIGS planning, laser treatments, or systemic interventions.
Step 5 – Follow-Up Perfusion Monitoring
Regular imaging ensures long-term vascular stability and treatment effectiveness.
Evaluation Duration: 20–35 minutes
Setting: Outpatient glaucoma diagnostic center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain systemic health ( hydration, blood pressure stability )
- Follow medication adjustments carefully
- Report symptoms such as dimming vision or transient blurring
- Avoid smoking or vascular constrictors
- Attend regular follow-up perfusion scans
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Perfusion results analyzed; medication adjustments begin
Week 1: Improved ocular comfort and stable IOP
Weeks 2–4: Perfusion changes assessed; treatment fine-tuned
1–3 Months: Stable vascular and optic nerve status established
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Early detection of vascular-related glaucomatous damage
- Improved protection of optic nerve through perfusion-driven treatment
- Better treatment response for normal-tension glaucoma
- Stable and predictable visual field outcomes
- More accurate long-term disease management
Longevity
- Blood-flow monitoring is lifelong for vascular-based glaucoma
- AI models improve predictive capacity over time
- Regular perfusion scans help ensure stable optic nerve health
- Long-term outcomes are significantly better with vascular-focused management
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Global pioneers in ocular perfusion imaging and glaucoma research
- Wide availability of OCTA, LSFG, and AI-based analytics
- Highly advanced management for normal-tension glaucoma
- Integrated systemic and ocular evaluation
- Personalized glaucoma care based on microcirculation
- Exceptional long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-powered vascular density mapping
- Dynamic optic nerve perfusion forecasting
- Customized perfusion-based medication regimens
- Nighttime blood-pressure modeling for NTG patients
- Microvascular analytics integrated into MIGS planning
- Retinal oxygenation–glaucoma risk analysis
These innovations make Korea’s Blood Flow-Based Glaucoma Analysis Program one of the most advanced vascular-focused glaucoma diagnostic systems in the world.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Perfusion Evaluation | ₩200,000 – ₩350,000 | ~$150 – $260 | OCTA + IOP tests |
| Premium Blood Flow Analysis Program | ₩450,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$340 – $600 | OCTA + LSFG + vascular density analysis |
| Comprehensive Vascular-Glaucoma Management Program | ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,200,000+ | ~$750 – $1,650+ | Full vascular assessment + MIGS/medication planning |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam)
