Treatment Overview
The Family Glaucoma Risk Assessment Program in Korea is a specialized evaluation system designed to identify individuals at higher risk of developing glaucoma due to family history or inherited ocular characteristics. Because glaucoma often runs in families, early detection and risk forecasting are critical for preventing future vision loss.
Korean eye centers are global leaders in early genetic and familial glaucoma detection due to:
- AI-powered genetic risk modeling
- OCT and RNFL baseline mapping for pre-disease detection
- OCTA microcirculation assessment
- Corneal thickness & biomechanical risk analysis
- Angle anatomy evaluation via AS-OCT
- Family history–based glaucoma prediction algorithms
By identifying hereditary risk patterns before damage begins, Korean specialists can initiate early monitoring and preventive strategies for long-term visual protection.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Evaluate glaucoma risk in individuals with a family history
- Identify inherited anatomical and structural predispositions
- Establish baseline optic nerve and IOP profiles
- Determine individual risk of developing open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma
- Create early prevention plans for long-term optic nerve health
- Schedule proactive follow-ups for higher-risk patients
Benefits
- Early identification of genetic glaucoma risk
- AI-enhanced prediction of future disease development
- Baseline optic nerve documentation for lifelong reference
- Greater protection of visual function through early action
- Tailored screening intervals and preventive care
- Ability to detect pre-symptomatic nerve fiber changes
- Highly accurate detection of NTG-type risks, common in Asian populations
Ideal Candidates
The Family Glaucoma Risk Assessment Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Individuals with a family history of glaucoma (parents, siblings, grandparents)
- First-degree relatives of patients with NTG or severe glaucoma
- High myopia or hyperopia patients with hereditary risk
- People with congenital optic nerve anatomical features
- Patients with thin corneas or large optic disc cups
- Individuals with systemic vascular issues like migraine or Raynaud’s disease
- Anyone over age 20 with a strong family glaucoma history
Possible Risks & Complications
This program is non-invasive and extremely safe. However, underlying risks identified may include:
- Early optic nerve fiber loss
- Genetic predisposition to high IOP or NTG
- Thin cornea increasing glaucoma susceptibility
- Narrow angles or inherited angle anatomy
- Structural optic nerve abnormalities
- Potential for future pressure instability
Korean specialists greatly reduce long-term risks by:
- Creating individualized risk monitoring schedules
- Providing lifestyle and vascular health guidance
- Initiating preventive treatments when appropriate
- Using predictive AI tools to monitor early patterns
Surgical Techniques
(These procedures are considered only if early changes or high-risk factors suggest progression.)
1. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
Used for individuals with inherited narrow angles to prevent angle-closure attacks.
2. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Recommended for high-risk open-angle glaucoma relatives showing early IOP elevation.
3. MicroPulse Laser Therapy
Ideal for NTG-associated early optic nerve stress.
4. MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
Considered for early structural changes combined with pressure variability:
- iStent Inject
- Hydrus Microstent
- KDB Goniotomy
- Canaloplasty
- GATT
5. Prophylactic Medical Management
Low-dose or targeted medication may be used to prevent optic nerve strain in high-risk individuals.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Family History & Genetic Risk Interview
Detailed discussion of family glaucoma patterns, severity, and age of onset.
Step 2 – Full Diagnostic Evaluation
Includes OCT, OCTA, corneal thickness tests, angle imaging, and IOP measurement.
Step 3 – AI-Based Family Risk Scoring
Risk is calculated using genetic models, anatomy, and optic nerve characteristics.
Step 4 – Identification of Early Risk Markers
Potential issues such as RNFL thinning, reduced vascular perfusion, or structural asymmetry are examined.
Step 5 – Personalized Monitoring & Prevention Plan
Customized risk-focused follow-up schedule and recommended preventive treatments.
Evaluation Duration: 25–45 minutes
Setting: Outpatient diagnostic center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Follow recommended follow-up schedule (6–12 months for high-risk patients)
- Monitor for symptoms such as halos, dimming, or pressure discomfort
- Maintain healthy habits to support optic nerve circulation
- Use prescribed preventive treatments if applicable
- Return for periodic OCT/OCTA testing for progression analysis
Recovery Timeline
Immediately: No downtime after testing
Days 1–7: AI report reviewed; risk level confirmed
Weeks 2–4: Preventive plan finalized
Months 6–12: Ongoing monitoring and early intervention if changes arise
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Accurate understanding of personal hereditary glaucoma risk
- Early detection of subtle pre-glaucoma changes
- Prevention-focused management to avoid future optic nerve damage
- Improved long-term visual outcomes through early monitoring
- Tailored lifetime screening plans
Longevity
- Screening results remain valuable for years
- Early baseline helps detect micro-changes decades later
- Ongoing risk assessment allows timely interventions
- Lifelong monitoring enhances protection against late diagnosis
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-leading early glaucoma detection systems
- Advanced AI-driven family risk modeling
- High accuracy in detecting NTG-related hereditary risks
- Superior imaging technologies for baseline optic nerve mapping
- Proactive preventive glaucoma philosophy
- Integrated long-term monitoring for high-risk families
Unique Korean Innovations
- Genetics-based glaucoma prediction algorithms
- RNFL asymmetry detection tools
- Advanced family-risk scoring dashboards
- Microcirculation mapping using OCTA
- Structural optic nerve vulnerability analysis
- Preventive laser-first strategies for high-risk relatives
These innovations make Korea’s Family Glaucoma Risk Assessment Program one of the world’s most advanced systems for identifying and managing hereditary glaucoma risk.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Family Risk Screening | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 | ~$110 – $230 | IOP + OCT + family history analysis |
| Advanced Genetic & Structural Risk Program | ₩400,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$300 – $600 | OCTA + biomechanics + AI risk scoring |
| Comprehensive Family Glaucoma Prevention Plan | ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,000,000+ | ~$750 – $1,500+ | Full diagnostics + monitoring strategy |
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)
