Treatment Overview
Healon-Assisted Canaloplasty in Korea is a refined Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) technique designed to enhance natural trabecular outflow by dilating Schlemm’s canal using Healon (a premium viscoelastic gel). This procedure is a variation of traditional canaloplasty but focuses specifically on viscodilation—expanding the canal and collector channels without placing a tensioning suture or implant.
Korean ophthalmology centers combine this technique with microcatheter navigation, OCT-guided canal imaging, AI-assisted outflow mapping, 360º canal cannulation, and digital flow analytics, ensuring highly precise viscodilation and long-term IOP reduction with minimal tissue trauma.
This makes Healon-assisted canaloplasty an excellent MIGS option for patients desiring a gentle, physiological, and implant-free approach to glaucoma management.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reopen and expand Schlemm’s canal using viscoelastic injection (Healon).
- Reduce intraocular pressure by restoring natural aqueous drainage.
- Provide a less invasive alternative to traditional canaloplasty.
- Minimize need for glaucoma medications.
Benefits
- 360º Viscodilation: Healon expands the canal uniformly for optimized outflow.
- Implant-Free: No suture tensioning or device placement.
- Natural Drainage Restoration: Improves flow through Schlemm’s canal and collector channels.
- Minimal Trauma: No tissue removal; gentle hydraulic expansion.
- Fast Recovery: Very mild postoperative discomfort.
- Medication Reduction: Many patients require fewer drops after surgery.
- Safe & Repeatable: Can be combined with other MIGS procedures if needed.
Ideal Candidates
Healon-assisted canaloplasty in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Individuals seeking an implant-free, physiologic MIGS option.
- Patients intolerant to glaucoma medications.
- Those undergoing combined cataract + MIGS procedures.
- Individuals with preserved angle anatomy and Schlemm’s canal integrity.
- Patients looking for minimal postoperative downtime.
Possible Risks & Complications
Healon-assisted canaloplasty has a very low risk profile due to its non-penetrating, viscodilation-based approach. Mild effects may include:
- Small hyphema (blood reflux; temporary and expected)
- Transient IOP fluctuations
- Mild irritation or redness
- Brief blurred vision
- Rare canal micro-tears (self-resolving)
Korean surgeons further minimize risks with:
- AI-based viscodilation volume calculation
- Microcatheter visualization lights
- OCT-guided real-time canal assessment
- High-precision injection pressure control
Surgical Techniques
AI-Enhanced Canal Mapping
Determines canal patency, resistance points, and ideal dilation zones.
Microcatheter-Assisted Cannulation
A flexible illuminated catheter navigates Schlemm’s canal 360 degrees.
Healon Viscodilation
Viscoelastic is injected to expand the canal and collector channels without suture tension.
Hydraulic Flow Enhancement
Improves outflow by reducing segmental canal collapse and obstruction.
OCT-Guided Verification
Surgeons confirm canal dilation, catheter placement, and flow improvement.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Glaucoma Evaluation
Includes IOP measurement, angle OCT, gonioscopy, and AI-based canal analysis.
Step 2 – Planning & Mapping
Surgeons determine viscoelastic volume, canal entry point, and dilation strategy.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Access
A 1.8–2.0 mm incision is used for catheter entry.
Step 4 – Healon Viscodilation
The microcatheter advances through Schlemm’s canal, delivering Healon to expand it.
Step 5 – Postoperative Monitoring
Follow-up ensures canal stability, IOP reduction, and long-term outflow improvement.
Treatment Duration: 12–20 minutes per eye
Setting: Outpatient, same-day discharge
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid heavy exercise, eye rubbing, and water exposure for several days.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors.
- Continue or taper medications as instructed.
- Attend follow-up visits at Day 1, Week 1, and Month 1.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild redness or blood reflux; early flow restoration begins.
Week 1: Vision improves; IOP begins stabilizing.
Weeks 2–4: Significant IOP reduction; medication taper may start.
1–3 Months: Fully stable canal function and long-term outflow enhancement.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Effective IOP reduction via restored natural drainage pathways.
- Minimal inflammation and rapid visual recovery.
- Reduced dependence on glaucoma medications.
- Natural, balanced outflow without implants or sutures.
Longevity
- Results typically last years, especially when angle anatomy is healthy.
- Repeatable or combinable with other MIGS if additional IOP reduction is required.
- Korean clinics enhance long-term success with image-guided precision and low-scarring protocols.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Leading Canal-Based MIGS Expertise: Korean surgeons specialize in advanced canaloplasty variants.
- High-Resolution Imaging: OCT and digital gonioscopy ensure precise canal mapping.
- AI-Driven Outflow Modeling: Predicts resistance and flow outcomes.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Gentle procedure with fast recovery and minimal discomfort.
- Reliable Clinical Outcomes: High long-term success with stable IOP control.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted viscodilation volume planning.
- Microcatheter illumination for enhanced 360º navigation.
- OCT-based real-time canal diameter measurement.
- Hybrid MIGS combinations (Healon canaloplasty + goniotomy / SLT).
- Long-term canal flow monitoring with deep-learning analytics.
These enhancements make Healon-Assisted Canaloplasty in Korea one of the safest, most physiologic, and most effective MIGS options for restoring natural aqueous outflow.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Healon-Assisted Canaloplasty | ₩1,500,000 – ₩2,300,000 | ~$1,100 – $1,700 | Basic viscodilation canaloplasty with standard follow-up |
| Premium OCT-Guided Healon Canaloplasty | ₩2,500,000 – ₩3,800,000 | ~$1,900 – $2,900 | OCT planning, AI mapping, 360º microcatheter navigation |
| Hybrid MIGS Canaloplasty Program | ₩4,000,000 – ₩6,500,000+ | ~$3,000 – $4,900+ | Canaloplasty combined with KDB, ELT, or goniotomy |
Final cost varies based on technology platform, surgeon expertise, and combined procedures.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Leaders in canal-based MIGS and viscodilation procedures.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for precise OCT-guided canaloplasty techniques.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Specialists in hybrid MIGS including Healon-assisted canaloplasty.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on gentle minimally invasive canal procedures with rapid recovery.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Experts in AI-optimized MIGS and canal flow modeling.
