Treatment Overview
Canaloplasty in Korea is a minimally invasive, non-penetrating glaucoma surgery designed to restore the eye’s natural drainage system by enlarging and rehabilitating Schlemm’s canal. Using a microcatheter, the surgeon performs a 360° catheterization of the canal, injects viscoelastic material, and secures a tensioning suture to keep the canal open—improving outflow without creating a bleb.
Korean glaucoma centers specialize in microcatheter-guided canaloplasty, AI-mapped canal imaging, OCT-based surgical navigation, and combination MIGS approaches, resulting in highly precise, long-lasting IOP reduction with fewer risks than traditional filtration surgeries.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Enhance the eye’s natural aqueous drainage through Schlemm’s canal.
- Reduce IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
- Offer a safer, bleb-free alternative to trabeculectomy.
- Minimize the need for long-term glaucoma medications.
Benefits
- Bleb-Free Procedure: Eliminates risk of bleb leaks or infections.
- Restores Natural Physiology: Improves the eye’s existing drainage system.
- Lower Complication Risk: No entry into the anterior chamber.
- Long-Term Stability: Tensioning suture and canal dilation maintain flow.
- Compatible With Cataract Surgery: Enhances IOP outcomes when combined.
- Faster Recovery: Less inflammation and fewer postoperative restrictions.
Ideal Candidates
Canaloplasty in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
- Individuals with early to moderate glaucoma requiring medication reduction.
- Patients who want to avoid bleb-related complications.
- Individuals who prefer a non-penetrating surgical approach.
- Those who failed medications or SLT but are not ready for trabeculectomy.
- Individuals undergoing combined cataract + glaucoma surgery.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although canaloplasty is very safe, potential risks include:
- Mild bleeding during catheterization: Typically self-resolving.
- Transient inflammation or redness: Easily managed with drops.
- Hyphema (blood in anterior chamber): Common and temporary.
- Canal scarring: Reduced with Korean precision imaging and viscodilation protocols.
- Rare suture-related irritation: Usually manageable without further surgery.
Korean clinics minimize complications using high-definition canal mapping, microcatheter navigation, and optimized viscoelastic delivery.
Types of Canaloplasty in Korea
Traditional Canaloplasty
Uses microcatheter, viscodilation, and suture tensioning.
Ab-Interno Canaloplasty (ABiC)
Performed from inside the eye using a micro-incision, with no scleral flap required.
Viscocanalostomy-Assisted Canaloplasty
Enhances outflow by combining deep scleral surgery with canaloplasty.
Canaloplasty With Cataract Surgery
Performed during phacoemulsification for greater IOP-lowering effect.
Hybrid Canaloplasty + MIGS
Combines canaloplasty with goniotomy, stents, or trabeculotomy for multi-pathway control.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Guided Canal Mapping
Analyzes canal patency, resistance zones, and optimal catheter paths.
Superficial Scleral Flap Creation (Traditional Canaloplasty)
Provides access to Schlemm’s canal while maintaining a non-penetrating approach.
360° Microcatheterization
A tiny illuminated catheter is passed through the entire canal to restore flow.
Viscodilation
Viscoelastic material is injected to widen the canal and break down blockages.
Tension Suture Placement
Suture keeps Schlemm’s canal expanded to support long-term outflow.
OCT and UBM Imaging
Used to confirm suture tension and canal integrity.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Full Glaucoma Evaluation
Includes IOP measurement, OCT, gonioscopy, visual field testing, and canal imaging (UBM).
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
Determines whether traditional canaloplasty, ABiC, or hybrid approach is recommended.
Step 3 – Canaloplasty Procedure
Microcatheter navigation, viscodilation, and suture placement performed through precise incisions.
Step 4 – Immediate Postoperative Care
Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops initiated.
Step 5 – Follow-Up Monitoring
IOP checked regularly; suture placement and canal stability assessed.
Treatment Duration: 30–45 minutes
Setting: Outpatient or short-stay surgical center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory drops for 3–4 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or eye rubbing.
- Wear protective eye shields during sleep initially.
- Keep water out of the eye for several days.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild redness or irritation; IOP begins improving.
- Week 1: Hyphema may be present but usually resolves.
- Weeks 2–4: Canal healing and flow stabilization.
- Months 1–3: Long-term IOP reduction achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant and sustained IOP reduction.
- Reduced dependence on glaucoma medications.
- Improved natural drainage function.
- High comfort level with minimal postoperative restrictions.
- Fewer complications than bleb-based surgeries.
Longevity
- Results typically last 5–10+ years depending on glaucoma type and healing.
- Korea’s advanced imaging and viscodilation protocols enhance durability.
- ABiC version is fully repeatable if needed.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Leaders in non-penetrating and physiological glaucoma surgery.
- AI-guided canaloplasty planning ensures precision and safety.
- State-of-the-art microcatheter systems improve outcomes.
- Low complication rates due to Korean imaging and surgical accuracy.
- Comprehensive postoperative care with long-term monitoring.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-based canal resistance analysis.
- 360° real-time microcatheter illumination.
- Hybrid MIGS + canaloplasty strategies.
- Customized viscoelastic dosing protocols.
- Predictive modeling of long-term IOP behavior.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Canaloplasty | ₩2,800,000 – ₩4,200,000 | ~$2,100 – $3,200 | Microcatheterization + viscodilation |
| ABiC (Ab-Interno Canaloplasty) | ₩3,200,000 – ₩5,000,000 | ~$2,400 – $3,800 | Internal canaloplasty + imaging |
| Hybrid Canaloplasty + MIGS | ₩4,500,000 – ₩6,500,000 | ~$3,400 – $4,900 | Combined physiological + MIGS approach |
| Cataract + Canaloplasty Package | ₩6,200,000 – ₩8,500,000+ | ~$4,700 – $6,400+ | Phaco + canaloplasty + extended follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in canaloplasty and ABiC.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Known for advanced imaging-guided canaloplasty.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Experts in hybrid canaloplasty + MIGS procedures.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Leaders in OCT-assisted canal mapping.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-enhanced canaloplasty planning.
