Treatment Overview
Canaloplasty in Korea is an advanced Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedure designed to restore and enhance the eye’s natural aqueous drainage system. It works by dilating Schlemm’s canal and the collector channels, reducing the resistance that causes elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Unlike traditional glaucoma surgeries that create a new drainage pathway, canaloplasty rejuvenates the eye’s existing outflow system without removing tissue or forming an external bleb.
Korean ophthalmology centers perform canaloplasty using microcatheter technology, viscodilation, OCT-guided imaging, AI-based canal mapping, and precision micro-incision surgical techniques. These innovations result in improved safety, minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and long-term IOP control for patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reopen and dilate Schlemm’s canal to restore natural aqueous humor outflow.
- Reduce intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
- Provide a safe, bleb-free alternative to more invasive glaucoma surgeries.
- Minimize the long-term need for glaucoma medications.
Benefits
- 360º Canal Rejuvenation: Restores natural outflow through the entire canal circumference.
- Minimal Tissue Disruption: No tissue removal or external drainage bleb creation.
- Predictable IOP Reduction: Enhances physiological flow for stable long-term results.
- Low Risk of Complications: Excellent safety profile compared to filtering surgeries.
- Rapid Recovery: Very little inflammation and quick return to daily activities.
- Medication Reduction: Many patients significantly reduce or eliminate glaucoma drops.
Ideal Candidates
Canaloplasty in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Individuals seeking a bleb-free, minimally invasive treatment option.
- Patients intolerant to glaucoma medications or experiencing side effects.
- Individuals undergoing combination cataract + MIGS surgery.
- Patients with intact angle structures and healthy corneal clarity.
- Those looking for long-term pressure control with minimal surgical risk.
Possible Risks & Complications
Canaloplasty is considered one of the safest glaucoma procedures. However, minor effects may occur:
- Small hyphema (blood reflux): A common and temporary sign of restored canal flow.
- Transient IOP fluctuations: Seen during early healing.
- Mild irritation or redness: Resolves quickly with eye drops.
- Micro-tears in the canal: Usually self-healing and rarely problematic.
- Temporary blurred vision: Improves within several days.
Korean ophthalmologists use OCT-guided canal imaging, microcatheter navigation, AI-enhanced flow analysis, and precision viscodilation to minimize risks and optimize surgical outcomes.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Guided Canal Mapping
Determines canal width, segmental resistance, and collector channel function to plan the procedure.
Microcatheter-Assisted 360º Cannulation
A flexible illuminated microcatheter is threaded through Schlemm’s canal to ensure full circumnavigation.
Viscodilation of Schlemm’s Canal
Controlled injections of viscoelastic open the canal and expand the collector channels.
Restoration of Physiological Outflow
Enhances natural drainage without tissue removal or trabeculotomy.
OCT-Guided Real-Time Imaging
Ensures accurate catheter placement, canal patency, and optimal viscodilation.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Glaucoma Assessment
Includes gonioscopy, OCT of the angle, IOP measurement, visual field testing, and AI-based flow simulation.
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
Surgeons determine viscodilation volume, catheter path, and canal entry location.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Access
A 1.8–2.0 mm corneal incision is made to enter the anterior chamber.
Step 4 – Canal Catheterization & Dilation
A microcatheter navigates 360° through Schlemm’s canal while viscoelastic is injected to open the canal and collector channels.
Step 5 – Postoperative Monitoring
Follow-up visits confirm canal patency, pressure stabilization, and long-term drainage performance.
Treatment Duration: 15–20 minutes per eye
Setting: Outpatient, same-day procedure
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy exercise, or swimming for 1 week.
- Wear protective sunglasses when outdoors.
- Continue or reduce glaucoma medications as advised.
- Attend follow-up checks at Day 1, Week 1, and Month 1.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild irritation or blood reflux with clearer vision.
Week 1: IOP begins stabilizing; symptoms significantly improve.
Weeks 2–4: Optimal pressure reduction achieved; medication tapering may begin.
1–3 Months: Complete healing with long-term canal stability.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant reduction in intraocular pressure through natural drainage pathways.
- Enhanced aqueous outflow with minimal trauma.
- Reduced dependence on glaucoma medications.
- Smooth visual recovery and long-term comfort.
Longevity
- Canaloplasty provides years of stable IOP control due to permanent canal dilation.
- Korean advanced viscodilation and imaging-guided techniques enhance long-term success.
- Results are most durable in mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-Class MIGS Expertise: Korean surgeons specialize in angle-based glaucoma procedures.
- Advanced Microcatheter Technology: Ensures precise and safe canal dilation.
- AI-Enhanced Personalization: Predicts canal flow and optimizes treatment strategy.
- Minimally Invasive Protocols: Small incisions, minimal tissue trauma, and superior comfort.
- Outstanding Clinical Outcomes: High success rates and rapid patient recovery.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-enhanced canalographic simulation for personalized dilation patterns.
- High-resolution OCT imaging for real-time canal visualization.
- Microcatheter illumination technology for improved navigation accuracy.
- Hybrid MIGS programs (Canaloplasty + Goniotomy) for enhanced IOP reduction.
- Tissue-preserving protocols for long-term collector channel function.
These innovations make Canaloplasty in Korea one of the most advanced, safe, and effective MIGS options for restoring physiological outflow and achieving long-term glaucoma stability.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Canaloplasty | ₩1,500,000 – ₩2,300,000 | ~$1,100 – $1,700 | Basic viscodilation canaloplasty with imaging & standard follow-up |
| Premium OCT-Guided Canaloplasty Package | ₩2,400,000 – ₩3,500,000 | ~$1,800 – $2,600 | OCT-assisted planning, AI canal mapping, microcatheter optimization |
| Hybrid MIGS Canaloplasty Program | ₩3,800,000 – ₩5,500,000+ | ~$2,900 – $4,100+ | Combined canaloplasty + goniotomy/canal-based MIGS |
Costs vary depending on clinic, technology level, and surgeon expertise.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Leaders in microcatheter-assisted canaloplasty and MIGS.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for OCT-guided canaloplasty and precision angle surgery.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Experts in combined MIGS and canaloplasty procedures.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on high-precision canal dilation and long-term stability.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Specializes in modern MIGS, canaloplasty, and imaging-guided glaucoma care.
