Treatment Overview
Express Mini-Shunt Implantation in korea is a modern, minimally invasive glaucoma filtration surgery that uses a tiny stainless-steel device (the Ex-PRESS shunt) to create a controlled pathway for aqueous humor to exit the eye. Placed beneath a scleral flap—similar to trabeculectomy—the mini-shunt regulates outflow more predictably, reduces surgical trauma, and offers more stable postoperative results.
Korean eye centers are internationally recognized for precision placement, AI-guided flap design, OCT-based targeting, and advanced anti-scarring protocols, making Ex-PRESS surgery an excellent choice for patients requiring long-term, reliable IOP reduction.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Provide a controlled filtering pathway to significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Reduce dependency on long-term glaucoma medications.
- Offer a safer and more predictable alternative to traditional trabeculectomy.
- Prevent progressive optic nerve damage in moderate to severe glaucoma.
Benefits
- Consistent Outflow Control: The device’s lumen size provides predictable pressure reduction.
- Less Tissue Manipulation: No need for iridectomy in most cases.
- Faster Recovery: Reduced inflammation and trauma compared to traditional filtering surgery.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Less bleeding, more controlled filtration.
- Long-Term IOP Stability: Excellent pressure control for advanced glaucoma.
- Suitable for Repeat or Combined Procedures: Works well with cataract surgery or anti-scarring treatments.
Ideal Candidates
Ex-PRESS Mini-Shunt Implantation in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to severe glaucoma needing greater IOP reduction.
- Individuals not responding to medications, laser therapy, or MIGS.
- Patients who previously had failed trabeculectomy or filtration surgery.
- Those with advanced optic nerve damage requiring aggressive pressure control.
- Individuals who prefer a more controlled, consistent surgical outcome.
- Patients undergoing combined cataract + glaucoma filtration surgery.
Possible Risks & Complications
While safer than traditional trabeculectomy, potential risks include:
- Transient hypotony (low pressure): Typically stabilizes quickly.
- Bleb leakage: Managed with patching or suturing.
- Mild inflammation: Easily controlled with drops.
- Device malposition (rare): Minimized in Korea due to high surgical precision.
- Scarring around the bleb: Reduced with anti-fibrotic agents like MMC.
- Temporary blurred vision: Common in early recovery.
Korea’s advanced imaging systems and surgical techniques significantly reduce these risks.
Types of Ex-PRESS Shunt Surgery in Korea
Standard Ex-PRESS Mini-Shunt Implantation
Placement under a scleral flap for controlled filtration.
Ex-PRESS With Anti-Scarring Enhancement
Uses mitomycin-C (MMC) or 5-FU to improve long-term patency.
Combined Cataract + Ex-PRESS Filtration Surgery
Performed alongside cataract extraction for better IOP and vision outcomes.
Revisional Ex-PRESS Surgery
For patients requiring modification of previous filtering procedures.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Guided Surgical Planning
Determines flap thickness, shunt position, and filtration target.
Micro-Scleral Flap Creation
A precise flap provides controlled resistance to aqueous flow.
Targeted Shunt Insertion
The Ex-PRESS device is inserted into the anterior chamber via a pre-made tract.
Bleb Formation
Aqueous outflow forms a controlled filtering bleb under the conjunctiva.
Anti-Fibrotic Application
Mitomycin-C reduces scarring and improves longevity.
OCT-Guided Assessment
Ensures correct placement and early bleb formation.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Preoperative Assessment
Includes IOP measurement, optic nerve OCT, visual fields, and anterior segment imaging.
Step 2 – Precision Surgical Planning
Surgeon selects flap location, shunt model, and anti-scarring strategy.
Step 3 – Ex-PRESS Mini-Shunt Implantation
A scleral flap is created and the shunt is inserted to establish filtered outflow.
Step 4 – Immediate Postoperative Care
IOP monitored closely; anti-inflammatory medications started.
Step 5 – Follow-Up Monitoring
Regular visits ensure bleb stability and long-term pressure control.
Treatment Duration: 20–30 minutes
Setting: Outpatient or short-stay surgical center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks.
- Avoid rubbing the eye and strenuous activities.
- Keep the eye shielded during the first days.
- Prevent water from entering the eye.
- Attend all follow-up visits for bleb evaluation.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild discomfort; bleb begins forming.
- Week 1: IOP begins stabilizing; vision gradually improves.
- Weeks 2–4: Tissue healing; bleb matures.
- Months 1–3: Long-term IOP stability achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant and sustained IOP reduction.
- Reduced reliance on medications.
- Lower risk of complications compared to traditional trabeculectomy.
- Improved long-term optic nerve preservation.
Longevity
- Results often last 10–15+ years depending on patient healing response.
- Anti-scarring treatments improve lifespan of the filtration bleb.
- Korea’s precise surgical methods enhance long-term durability.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Global leaders in Ex-PRESS implantation with high surgical success rates.
- Advanced imaging (OCT/UBM) ensures precise placement and flap optimization.
- AI-assisted surgical planning for personalized outcomes.
- Comprehensive post-op care systems that monitor bleb function long-term.
- Lower complication rates thanks to minimally invasive techniques.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-calibrated scleral flap design for optimal flow control.
- Real-time OCT visualization during device placement.
- Enhanced anti-fibrotic delivery systems for long-term patency.
- Hybrid approaches combining Ex-PRESS with cataract or MIGS procedures.
- Predictive IOP modeling for long-term success.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Ex-PRESS Implantation | ₩3,000,000 – ₩4,500,000 | ~$2,200 – $3,400 | Shunt placement + basic post-op care |
| Anti-Scarring Enhanced Program | ₩4,800,000 – ₩6,200,000 | ~$3,600 – $4,700 | MMC application + imaging + bleb modulation |
| Combined Cataract + Ex-PRESS Surgery | ₩6,500,000 – ₩8,500,000+ | ~$4,900 – $6,400+ | Phaco + shunt implantation + extended follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in Ex-PRESS filtration surgery.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Known for steric-precision Ex-PRESS placement.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Experts in combined cataract + Ex-PRESS techniques.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Advanced imaging-assisted Ex-PRESS surgery.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – AI-guided Ex-PRESS surgical innovation.
