Treatment Overview
The Follow-up Visual Function Monitoring Program in Korea is a specialized glaucoma management system designed to track visual function over time using advanced imaging, functional assessments, and AI-driven progression analysis. Since glaucoma causes gradual visual field deterioration, ongoing monitoring is essential for protecting long-term sight.
Korean glaucoma centers offer one of the world’s most comprehensive follow-up monitoring systems, integrating:
- High-precision visual field testing (VF, HVF, Matrix, or FDT)
- AI-assisted progression trend and rate-of-change analysis
- OCT and ganglion cell complex (GCC) monitoring
- Contrast sensitivity and visual quality screening
- Functional tests for early scotoma detection
- Digital tracking tools to compare changes over time
This program ensures timely treatment adjustments, early identification of visual decline, and strong optic nerve preservation.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Monitor visual field stability over time
- Detect early functional decline before noticeable symptoms
- Evaluate treatment effectiveness in preserving visual function
- Identify subtle changes not apparent in structural exams alone
- Modify glaucoma management plans based on functional progression
- Provide long-term protection of visual quality and daily performance
Benefits
- Accurate visual field monitoring with repeated high-quality tests
- AI-enhanced detection of slow or subtle progression
- Integration of structure + function for complete glaucoma evaluation
- Improved treatment precision using trend-based adjustments
- Long-term preservation of central and peripheral vision
- Customized follow-up schedules based on disease stability
- Reduced risk of unnoticed deterioration
Ideal Candidates
The Follow-up Visual Function Monitoring Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients diagnosed with glaucoma at any stage
- Individuals with progressive or unstable visual fields
- Patients undergoing new treatment plans (medication, SLT, MIGS)
- Individuals with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG)
- Those with visual field defects that require close observation
- Patients with structural progression but unclear functional impact
- Anyone requiring precise long-term monitoring of visual capacity
Possible Risks & Complications
The program is entirely non-invasive and safe, though limitations include:
- Test fatigue affecting accuracy
- False positives from patient inattention
- Variable results if not performed consistently
- Anxiety-related performance changes
- Minor discomfort from bright stimuli
Korean clinics minimize these factors through:
- Patient training before each test
- AI correction for unreliable data points
- Repeat testing when needed
- Use of multiple functional modalities to confirm results
Surgical Techniques
(These techniques may be recommended if monitoring indicates functional decline.)
1. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
To reduce IOP spikes linked to functional loss.
2. MicroPulse Laser Therapy
Ideal for early NTG-related functional decline.
3. MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
Recommended when function worsens despite medication:
- iStent Inject
- Hydrus Microstent
- KDB goniotomy
- Canaloplasty
- GATT
4. Advanced Filtration Surgeries
For moderate to advanced cases with rapid functional decline:
- Trabeculectomy
- PreserFlo MicroShunt
- Drainage implants
5. Medication Optimization
Adjusting treatment to protect vulnerable visual areas.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline Functional Assessment
Includes HVF testing, contrast sensitivity, and central vision tests.
Step 2 – OCT + Functional Data Integration
Structural (OCT) and functional (VF) results combined for early detection.
Step 3 – AI-Based Progression Analysis
Sophisticated algorithms measure the speed and pattern of visual function changes.
Step 4 – Personalized Monitoring Schedule
Follow-ups every 1–6 months depending on stability.
Step 5 – Treatment Adjustments
Medication modification, SLT, or MIGS recommended based on results.
Monitoring Duration: Ongoing
Setting: Outpatient glaucoma and visual function center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Rest briefly after visual field testing to reduce eye strain
- Maintain regular follow-up visits as scheduled
- Report new symptoms such as dimming, halos, or blind spots
- Follow treatment adjustments closely
- Use lubricating drops if eyes feel fatigued after testing
Recovery Timeline
Immediately: Resume daily activities after testing
Days 1–3: Any eye strain resolves
Weeks 1–4: Changes in treatment begin to stabilize vision
Months 3–12: Ongoing monitoring ensures long-term functional preservation
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Stable and accurate tracking of visual function
- Early detection of worsening visual field
- Enhanced protection of central and peripheral vision
- Strong correlation between structure and function for optimal care
- Better long-term disease management through proactive decisions
Longevity
- Continuous monitoring ensures glaucoma stability for decades
- Functional data serves as a lifelong baseline
- AI-driven analysis improves predictive accuracy over time
- Long-term outcomes significantly improved with consistent tracking
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class visual field technology and OCT integration
- AI-enhanced progression detection with high precision
- Specialist expertise in NTG and functional decline
- Comprehensive structure-function mapping systems
- Customized monitoring plans for optimal visual preservation
- Superior long-term patient outcomes
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided visual field progression prediction
- Functional + vascular OCT integration
- Digital visual field reliability scoring
- Multi-modal functional analysis (contrast, sensitivity, perimetry)
- Longitudinal structure-function mismatch alerts
- Customized intervention timing based on functional vulnerability
These innovations make Korea’s Follow-up Visual Function Monitoring Program one of the most advanced systems for protecting vision in glaucoma patients.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Functional Monitoring Package | ₩120,000 – ₩250,000 | ~$90 – $190 | Visual field + reliability analysis |
| Advanced Structure-Function Integration Program | ₩350,000 – ₩700,000 | ~$260 – $520 | VF + OCT + AI progression |
| Comprehensive Functional Preservation Program | ₩800,000 – ₩1,800,000+ | ~$600 – $1,350+ | Full diagnostics + treatment planning |
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)
