Treatment Overview
Filtering Surgery in Korea is a gold-standard glaucoma procedure designed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) by creating a new drainage pathway for aqueous humor to exit the eye. The most common form is trabeculectomy, where a small channel is created under the sclera, allowing fluid to drain into a controlled reservoir (bleb). This procedure is especially effective for patients with moderate to severe glaucoma or those unresponsive to medications and laser treatments.
Korean ophthalmology centers use AI-based surgical planning, OCT-guided flap creation, advanced anti-scarring protocols, and micro-surgical tools to enhance precision, reduce complications, and improve long-term success rates.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Create an alternate drainage pathway to significantly lower IOP.
- Prevent further optic nerve damage in cases of uncontrolled glaucoma.
- Provide long-term pressure control for moderate to advanced disease.
- Reduce reliance on topical glaucoma medications.
Benefits
- Strong IOP Reduction: More effective than MIGS for advanced cases.
- Long-Term Stability: Often provides years or decades of pressure control.
- Customized Flow Control: Surgeons adjust the scleral flap for ideal drainage.
- Versatile: Helps patients who failed medications, SLT, or MIGS.
- Advanced Anti-Scarring Techniques: Improve long-term success.
- Proven Effective: Considered a gold-standard surgery worldwide.
Ideal Candidates
Filtering surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to severe glaucoma needing major IOP reduction.
- Individuals not controlled with medications, MIGS, or laser treatments.
- Patients with progressive optic nerve damage.
- Glaucoma with high IOP spikes or rapid visual deterioration.
- Individuals with limited access to long-term eye drop use.
- Patients with open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma requiring strong pressure control.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although highly effective, filtering surgery can involve:
- Hypotony (low pressure): Typically temporary.
- Bleb leaks: Managed with sutures or medication.
- Infection risk: Reduced through Korea’s strict follow-up protocols.
- Scarring of the bleb: Managed with anti-fibrotic treatments.
- Temporary vision fluctuations: Common during early healing.
- Inflammation: Controlled with postoperative drops.
Korean surgeons minimize risks via MMC/anti-fibrotic application, OCT-guided bleb assessment, and AI-calibrated flap design.
Types of Filtering Surgery in Korea
Trabeculectomy
Classic filtering surgery forming a controlled drainage bleb.
Enhanced Trabeculectomy With Anti-Scarring Agents
Uses mitomycin-C or similar agents for long-term patency.
Combined Cataract + Trabeculectomy
Performed simultaneously for patients with cataracts and glaucoma.
Laser-Assisted Filtering Surgery
Femtosecond or holmium lasers guide flap creation or sclerostomy entry.
Revisional Filtering Surgery
Performed for previously failed trabeculectomies.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Enhanced Surgical Planning
Analyzes scleral thickness, conjunctival mobility, and risk of scarring.
Micro-Scleral Flap Creation
A controlled flap is fashioned to regulate fluid flow.
Sclerostomy Formation
A small channel is made allowing aqueous humor to exit the eye.
Iridectomy (When Needed)
Prevents blockage of the filtering channel.
Anti-Fibrotic Medication Application
Mitomycin-C or 5-FU prevents long-term scarring.
Bleb Formation and Titration
Surgeon adjusts the flap to achieve ideal drainage.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Detailed Examination
Includes OCT, IOP testing, visual field analysis, and drainage angle evaluation.
Step 2 – Surgical Design
AI tools assist in determining flap location, thickness, and anti-scarring regimen.
Step 3 – Filtering Surgery
A scleral flap and sclerostomy are created, forming a controlled drainage bleb.
Step 4 – Immediate Postoperative Care
Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops begin; IOP checked within hours.
Step 5 – Follow-Up Monitoring
Regular visits ensure bleb stability and fluid flow.
Treatment Duration: 20–35 minutes
Setting: Outpatient surgical center or short-stay clinic
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use postoperative drops for 4–6 weeks.
- Avoid eye rubbing and strenuous activities.
- Wear protective shields at night initially.
- Prevent water exposure to the eye for several days.
- Attend frequent follow-ups for bleb monitoring.
- Continue glaucoma drops only if instructed.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild discomfort; drainage begins stabilizing.
- Week 1: IOP significantly reduced.
- Weeks 2–4: Bleb matures; vision stabilizes.
- Months 1–3: Long-term pressure stability achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant and lasting IOP reduction.
- Reduced dependence on glaucoma medications.
- Slowed or halted optic nerve progression.
- High clinical success, especially in moderate to severe disease.
Longevity
- Filtering surgery often lasts 10–20+ years depending on healing and scarring.
- Bleb maintenance ensures long-term success.
- Korea’s anti-scarring protocols improve durability.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class glaucoma surgeons with high filtering surgery success rates.
- Advanced imaging (OCT/UBM) for flap and bleb planning.
- AI-assisted surgery design for personalized precision.
- Strict infection-control systems for safer outcomes.
- Comprehensive postoperative care with close long-term monitoring.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-calibrated flap geometry for ideal flow control.
- OCT-based bleb visualization during and after surgery.
- Enhanced anti-fibrotic delivery systems for lasting patency.
- Hybrid laser + manual filtering techniques.
- Predictive modeling for long-term IOP behavior.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Trabeculectomy | ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,500,000 | ~$1,500 – $2,700 | Scleral flap + bleb creation + postoperative care |
| Anti-Scarring Enhanced Surgery | ₩3,800,000 – ₩5,200,000 | ~$2,900 – $4,000 | MMC/5-FU + imaging + bleb modulation |
| Combined Cataract + Filtering Surgery | ₩5,500,000 – ₩7,800,000+ | ~$4,100 – $5,800+ | Phaco + trabeculectomy + extended monitoring |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Advanced filtering surgery specialists.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Experts in trabeculectomy and anti-scarring protocols.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Skilled in complex and revisional filtering surgeries.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Precision imaging for flap and bleb architecture.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Leaders in AI-assisted glaucoma filtration.
