Treatment Overview
The Glaucoma Disease Progression Analysis Program in Korea is an advanced, long-term monitoring system that evaluates how glaucoma changes over time using integrated structural, functional, and vascular imaging. Because glaucoma progresses silently and at varying speeds, this program provides a scientific, data-driven assessment to identify even subtle progression early.
Korean ophthalmology centers lead in glaucoma progression analysis with:
- AI-powered rate-of-change algorithms
- Serial OCT and RNFL thinning trend tracking
- OCTA microcirculation progression analysis
- Visual field index (VFI) and MD slope monitoring
- Optic nerve head (ONH) 3D structural imaging
- Combined structure-function predictive modeling
This comprehensive approach allows clinicians to adjust treatment plans precisely, ensuring vision preservation for the long term.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect early or subtle progression before noticeable vision loss
- Monitor structural, functional, and vascular changes over time
- Determine the speed of disease progression
- Guide treatment escalation (medications, laser, or MIGS)
- Identify progression in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), where subtle changes are common
- Support long-term glaucoma control with precise data
Benefits
- Early identification of progression, even when changes are minimal
- Highly accurate trend detection using AI algorithms
- Better correlation between OCT and visual field changes
- Customized treatment plans based on progression speed
- Detection of slow, moderate, or fast progressors
- Reduced risk of severe visual field loss
- Improved long-term outcomes through targeted intervention
Ideal Candidates
The Glaucoma Disease Progression Analysis Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients diagnosed with glaucoma at any stage
- Individuals with suspected progression
- Patients with normal-tension glaucoma
- Cases with fluctuating IOP or optic nerve head instability
- Individuals undergoing new medications, SLT, or MIGS
- Patients with early glaucoma needing baseline trend tracking
- Anyone requiring long-term monitoring for optic nerve health
Possible Risks & Complications
This diagnostic program is safe and non-invasive. Potential issues include:
- Anxiety from learning about progression
- Interpretation variability without AI support (minimized in Korea)
- Visual field fatigue affecting functional test accuracy
- Measurement variability from ocular surface dryness
Korean clinics reduce risks through:
- AI-assisted stability analysis
- Multi-layered imaging for cross-verification
- Education and proper testing conditions
- Repeat testing if variations occur
Surgical Techniques
(These interventions may be recommended if progression is detected.)
1. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Used for early or moderate progression with open-angle glaucoma.
2. MicroPulse Laser Therapy
Helpful for NTG-type progression where tissue-friendly treatment is required.
3. MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
Recommended if progression persists despite medication:
- iStent Inject
- Hydrus Microstent
- KDB Goniotomy
- Canaloplasty
- GATT
4. Filtration Surgeries
For advanced or rapidly progressing cases:
- Trabeculectomy
- PreserFlo MicroShunt
- Drainage implants (Ahmed, Baerveldt)
5. Medication Intensification
Adjusting or increasing drops to lower pressure variability.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline Progression Assessment
Includes OCT, RNFL mapping, visual field screening, and IOP analysis.
Step 2 – Serial Imaging & Functional Testing
Patients undergo repeated tests at scheduled intervals (3–12 months).
Step 3 – AI-Based Trend Analysis
Algorithms measure structural, functional, and vascular change rates.
Step 4 – Risk Stratification
Patients classified as slow, moderate, or fast progressors.
Step 5 – Treatment Adjustment
Medication changes, laser procedures, or MIGS chosen based on progression speed.
Monitoring Duration: Ongoing
Setting: Outpatient glaucoma progression center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Attend regular follow-up schedules strictly
- Report any new visual symptoms such as dimming or blind spots
- Maintain medication adherence consistently
- Avoid missing OCT or visual field tests
- Follow treatment adjustments to slow disease progression
Recovery Timeline
Immediately: Resume daily activities after each test
Week 1: Data evaluated for signs of progression
Months 1–3: Treatment adjustments show measurable impact
3–12 Months: Long-term trend stability verified
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear detection of progression patterns
- Accurate tracking of optic nerve thinning
- Early intervention before significant vision loss
- Personalized treatment intensification
- Better preservation of visual function
- Significant reduction in long-term risk of blindness
Longevity
- Long-term progression data becomes more accurate with time
- Lifelong monitoring ensures excellent disease control
- Predictive AI improves treatment precision yearly
- Stable outcomes achieved through early detection and timely adjustment
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-leading OCT, OCTA, and visual field technology
- AI-enhanced rate-of-change analysis
- Specialist expertise in detecting subtle NTG progression
- Integrated structure-function modeling for precision care
- Extensive follow-up protocols ensuring long-term stability
- Outstanding preservation of visual function in progressive cases
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven progression forecasting
- Longitudinal RNFL and GCC thinning maps
- Structure-function correlation heatmaps
- Perfusion-based progression scoring (OCTA)
- Real-time optic nerve vulnerability models
- Customized escalation protocols based on risk category
These innovations make Korea’s Glaucoma Disease Progression Analysis Program one of the world’s most advanced systems for safeguarding long-term vision.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Progression Check Package | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 | ~$110 – $230 | OCT + VF + baseline comparison |
| Advanced Progression Analysis Program | ₩400,000 – ₩900,000 | ~$300 – $680 | AI trend analysis + OCTA + RNFL/GCC mapping |
| Comprehensive Long-Term Progression Management | ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,500,000+ | ~$750 – $1,900+ | 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)
