Treatment Overview
Glaucoma–Cataract Combined Surgery in Korea is a specialized ophthalmic procedure designed to treat both cataracts and glaucoma in a single, integrated operation, reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) while simultaneously restoring visual clarity.
This approach eliminates the need for separate surgeries and ensures optimal control of both lens opacity and ocular pressure. Korean ophthalmologists combine femtosecond laser-assisted cataract extraction, microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and AI-guided pressure regulation systems to provide safe, efficient, and long-term vision preservation.
By addressing both conditions concurrently, this dual-procedure approach reduces surgical stress, improves postoperative recovery, and enhances visual outcomes—making it the preferred choice for patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove the clouded cataractous lens while reducing intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma.
- Improve visual clarity, contrast, and brightness.
- Reconstruct or enhance aqueous outflow pathways to prevent optic nerve damage.
- Decrease the need for multiple medications or additional surgeries.
- Provide a long-term, integrated solution for dual ocular conditions.
Benefits
- Dual Benefit Surgery: Treats glaucoma and cataract in one procedure.
- Reduced IOP: Long-lasting pressure control without lifelong dependence on eye drops.
- Improved Vision Quality: Clear sight restoration following lens replacement.
- Minimally Invasive: Modern MIGS and laser systems ensure rapid recovery.
- AI-Precision Safety: Individualized surgical planning based on ocular anatomy and pressure data.
- Long-Term Stability: Maintains optic nerve health and lens clarity over time.
Ideal Candidates
Glaucoma–Cataract Combined Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients diagnosed with both cataract and glaucoma (open-angle, normal-tension, or angle-closure).
- Individuals whose IOP remains elevated despite medication or laser therapy.
- Those seeking fewer medications and long-term glaucoma stability.
- Patients desiring a single surgery to address both vision clarity and pressure control.
- Individuals with controlled systemic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Possible Risks & Complications
The combined procedure is highly safe when performed by experienced Korean surgeons, but potential temporary effects may include:
- Mild Eye Redness or Swelling: Common and resolves quickly.
- Transient Pressure Fluctuations: Closely monitored postoperatively.
- Blurry Vision: Temporary as corneal clarity and IOL adaptation stabilize.
- Bleeding (rare): Controlled intraoperatively with microinstruments.
- Infection or Inflammation: Extremely rare due to strict sterile protocols.
Korean ophthalmologists reduce risks using AI-guided intraocular pressure modeling, real-time OCT visualization, and precision micro-stent insertion systems.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): Provides precise, bladeless incisions and lens fragmentation.
- Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Techniques like iStent, Hydrus Microstent, or XEN Gel Stent create new aqueous outflow channels.
- AI-Guided Ocular Biometry: Calculates IOL power and optimizes surgical parameters.
- Phacoemulsification with IOL Implantation: Removes cataract and replaces it with a premium IOL for clear vision.
- Intraoperative OCT Imaging: Enables real-time visualization of trabecular meshwork and drainage pathways.
- AI-Based Pressure Mapping: Predicts optimal flow resistance for sustained IOP control.
Korean clinics integrate these systems with advanced fluidics platforms such as Centurion Vision System and Zeiss Artevo 800 digital microscopes, ensuring unmatched precision and safety.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Ocular Evaluation:
AI-based biometry, glaucoma mapping (visual field, OCT, IOP analysis), and cataract grading determine surgical parameters.
Step 2 – Surgical Planning:
Customized plan combining cataract extraction with glaucoma correction technique (MIGS, trabeculectomy, or stent).
Step 3 – Cataract Extraction:
Performed using femtosecond laser or phacoemulsification through a micro-incision (2.2 mm or smaller).
Step 4 – Glaucoma Procedure:
Insertion of a micro-stent or creation of a filtration pathway to facilitate aqueous outflow.
Step 5 – IOL Implantation:
A foldable IOL (monofocal, toric, or EDOF) is implanted for long-term visual clarity.
Step 6 – Postoperative Monitoring:
OCT and tonometry are used to verify IOL position and stable intraocular pressure.
Treatment Duration: 30–45 minutes per eye (outpatient).
Follow-Up: 1 day • 1 week • 1 month • 3 months post-surgery.
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic, steroid, and pressure-control drops as directed.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, or water exposure for 1 week.
- Maintain head elevation during rest to promote fluid drainage.
- Wear protective glasses outdoors to prevent irritation.
- Attend all follow-up visits for pressure and visual field monitoring.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1–3: Noticeable vision improvement and mild pressure normalization.
- Week 1: Reduced dependence on glaucoma drops; stable IOP levels.
- Weeks 2–4: Full corneal recovery and visual stabilization.
- 1–3 Months: Long-term IOP control and optimized visual clarity.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Stable or significantly reduced intraocular pressure.
- Clear and sharp vision with enhanced color perception.
- Decreased need for glaucoma medication.
- Long-term optic nerve protection and visual preservation.
Longevity
Combined glaucoma–cataract surgery delivers decades of visual stability when paired with regular check-ups and controlled systemic health.
Korean clinics report over 90–95% success rates in maintaining safe IOP levels and achieving visual clarity for 15–20 years or more.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is globally renowned for its excellence in glaucoma and cataract co-management, integrating advanced laser systems, AI analytics, and micro-surgical techniques to deliver world-class outcomes.
- AI-Calibrated Surgical Precision: Integrates data from both cataract and glaucoma parameters.
- Advanced MIGS Devices: Access to FDA-approved micro-stents and novel Korean microflow systems.
- Highly Skilled Dual-Specialty Surgeons: Trained in both cataract and glaucoma microsurgery.
- Integrated Postoperative Monitoring: AI-based visual field and optic nerve tracking systems.
- Comprehensive Care Approach: Combines ophthalmic, systemic, and metabolic management for diabetic or hypertensive patients.
- International Standards of Excellence: Korean eye hospitals are globally accredited and research-active in glaucoma innovation.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Driven Glaucoma Pressure & Cataract Planning Systems
- Femtosecond + MIGS Hybrid Surgical Workflow
- OCT-Guided Aqueous Outflow Mapping
- Micro-Stent Insertion with Digital Pressure Calibration
- Premium IOL + IOP Control Integration Protocol
- AI-Assisted Long-Term Glaucoma Monitoring Platforms
These advancements make Glaucoma–Cataract Combined Surgery in Korea one of the most comprehensive, technologically advanced, and durable ocular solutions available worldwide.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Combined Surgery (Phaco + MIGS) | ₩4,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 | ~$3,200 – $4,300 | Standard cataract extraction with microinvasive glaucoma stent implantation |
| AI-Guided Laser-Assisted Program | ₩6,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,700 – $6,100 | Femtosecond-assisted cataract removal with AI-calibrated glaucoma micro-surgery |
| Premium Vision & Pressure Control Package | ₩9,000,000 – ₩11,000,000+ | ~$6,500 – $8,000+ | Includes premium IOL, advanced MIGS device, OCT-guided imaging, and long-term IOP monitoring |
Pricing depends on glaucoma type, IOL selection, and clinic technology.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Leading in combined cataract–glaucoma microsurgery and AI-based IOP monitoring.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Experts in femtosecond laser cataract removal with MIGS and toric IOL implantation.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul): Offers advanced hybrid cataract-glaucoma surgery with long-term monitoring.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Specializes in pressure-controlled phaco-MIGS integration and optic nerve preservation.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Pioneers in AI-guided glaucoma management and precision cataract solutions.
