Treatment Overview
Flap-Extended Trabeculectomy in Korea is an advanced modification of traditional trabeculectomy that creates a wider, longer, or multilayered scleral flap to enhance control over aqueous outflow. By extending the scleral flap beyond the standard size or integrating additional flap layers, surgeons achieve more predictable filtration, reduced early postoperative hypotony, and improved long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) stability.
Korean ophthalmology centers specialize in this technique using OCT-guided flap architecture, AI-assisted flow modeling, and micro-precision dissection tools, providing exceptionally stable and long-lasting filtration results.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Improve filtration control by enhancing scleral flap geometry.
- Reduce risks of postoperative complications such as over-filtration or hypotony.
- Achieve more stable, uniform aqueous humor drainage.
- Offer a more predictable and refined alternative to conventional trabeculectomy.
- Extend long-term success in patients at risk of trabeculectomy failure.
Benefits
- Better Flow Regulation: Larger flap surface ensures smoother, controlled drainage.
- Lower Risk of Hypotony: Extended flap provides improved resistance to rapid flow.
- Enhanced Long-Term Stability: Reduces chance of bleb failure or collapse.
- Stronger Filtration: Effective for moderate to severe glaucoma.
- Ideal for High-Risk Patients: Particularly useful for individuals with aggressive scarring tendencies.
- More Robust Bleb Formation: Leads to well-distributed, diffuse blebs.
Ideal Candidates
Flap-Extended Trabeculectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to severe glaucoma needing strong and stable pressure reduction.
- Individuals with previous trabeculectomy failure or partial filtration collapse.
- Patients with high fibrosis risk, such as younger individuals or those with secondary glaucoma.
- Cases requiring a more controlled postoperative flow to avoid hypotony.
- Patients undergoing combined glaucoma and cataract surgery.
Possible Risks & Complications
While safer than many advanced filtration surgeries, potential risks include:
- Mild inflammation or discomfort
- Temporary IOP fluctuation
- Minor conjunctival swelling
- Scarring that may reduce long-term filtration
- Small hyphema
- Rare bleb leaks
Korean surgeons reduce these risks with extended flap design, precision suturing, and customized anti-scarring therapy.
Types of Flap-Extended Techniques in Korea
Wide-Flap Trabeculectomy
Broader flap increases outflow surface area for smoother filtration.
Long-Flap Trabeculectomy
Extended length adds additional resistance to prevent hypotony.
Double-Layer Flap Construction
Two flap layers enhance control and reduce early complications.
Extended Flap With Implant Support
Includes collagen or gel implants beneath the flap for added stability.
Hybrid Flap-Extended + MMC Technique
Maximizes flow regulation and reduces scarring in high-risk eyes.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based Flow Simulation
Predicts how flap extension will affect drainage and IOP control.
OCT-Guided Scleral Mapping
Determines flap size, thickness, and depth with sub-micron accuracy.
Extended Scleral Flap Construction
Flap is enlarged, elongated, or multi-layered for improved filtration.
Trabecular Block Removal
Creates a controlled pathway for aqueous outflow.
Peripheral Iridectomy
Prevents iris obstruction of the filtration site.
Advanced Suture Modulation
Allows fine-tuning of drainage during the postoperative period.
Anti-Scarring Modulation
MMC or 5-FU applied to enhance long-term filtration.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Includes IOP testing, OCT imaging, visual fields, and conjunctival assessment.
Step 2 – Customized Planning
Flap size, depth, and extension parameters determined based on anatomy and risk.
Step 3 – Flap-Extended Trabeculectomy
Performed under local anesthesia using advanced microsurgical instruments.
Step 4 – Immediate Postoperative Care
Includes anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy with close IOP monitoring.
Step 5 – Long-Term Review
Regular follow-ups assess flap behavior, bleb morphology, and filtration stability.
Treatment Duration: 30–45 minutes
Setting: Surgical center or hospital
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use all prescribed eye drops consistently.
- Avoid eye rubbing, heavy lifting, and unclean water exposure.
- Wear protective eyewear when sleeping during the first week.
- Attend all follow-ups for suture adjustment and bleb review.
- Report sudden vision changes immediately.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild discomfort; flap stabilizes.
- Week 1: Early bleb formation and pressure improvement.
- Weeks 2–4: Bleb becomes more diffuse; IOP stabilizes further.
- Months 1–3: Long-term filtration pathway fully established.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- 30–60% reduction in intraocular pressure.
- More predictable postoperative flow than standard trabeculectomy.
- Low incidence of hypotony due to extended flap resistance.
- Reduced reliance on glaucoma medications.
- Stable, diffuse bleb formation.
Longevity
- Results typically last 10–20 years or more.
- Extended-flap design reduces failure risk and improves durability.
- Duration enhanced by Korean anti-fibrotic protocols and regular imaging.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Expert surgeons skilled in advanced flap modifications.
- AI-enhanced trabeculectomy planning for personalized control.
- OCT-guided flap dissection ensures precise architecture.
- Low complication rates thanks to refined surgical protocols.
- Comprehensive glaucoma centers offering long-term bleb monitoring.
Unique Korean Innovations
- Customized flap extension profiles based on patient anatomy.
- Multi-layer flap engineering for superior flow resistance.
- AI-driven bleb morphology prediction tools.
- MMC microdosing for safer fibrosis control.
- Real-time postoperative OCT evaluation.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Procedure Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Flap-Extended Trabeculectomy | ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,500,000 | ~$2,650 – $4,150 | Surgery + follow-up |
| MMC-Enhanced Extended Flap | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,000,000 | ~$3,400 – $5,300 | MMC + imaging |
| Implant-Assisted Extended Flap | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,150 – $6,400 | Implant + extended care |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Leaders in advanced flap-based trabeculectomy.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in extended flap architecture.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Known for combined implant + flap techniques.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Experts in OCT-guided filtration surgery.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-driven trabeculectomy optimization.
