Treatment Overview
Image-Guided Trabeculectomy in Korea is an advanced, precision-enhanced glaucoma filtration surgery that utilizes high-resolution imaging technologies—such as anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT), ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and intraoperative digital microscopes—to guide every stage of the procedure. These imaging tools allow Korean surgeons to visualize scleral thickness, conjunctival layers, angle anatomy, and filtration pathways with exceptional accuracy, resulting in safer flap construction, more predictable aqueous flow, and enhanced long-term success.
Korea is a global leader in ophthalmic imaging integration, combining AI-assisted surgical planning, real-time intraoperative imaging, and OCT-guided bleb formation, making image-guided trabeculectomy one of the most precise glaucoma surgeries available today.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Enhance trabeculectomy accuracy and reduce surgical variability.
- Achieve long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control via optimized filtration pathways.
- Guide flap construction, ostium formation, and anti-scarring agent placement.
- Improve outcomes in complex or high-risk patients.
- Minimize complications such as hypotony, flap misplacement, or bleb failure.
Benefits
- Superior Surgical Precision: Imaging ensures highly accurate tissue dissection.
- Predictable Filtration: Guided flap thickness reduces flow uncertainties.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Avoids tissue perforation and reduces hypotony.
- Enhanced Bleb Quality: Produces diffuse, stable, and long-lasting blebs.
- Ideal for High-Risk Eyes: Particularly helpful in secondary glaucoma or previously failed surgeries.
- Improved Anti-Scarring Management: Imaging localizes exact MMC application zones.
Ideal Candidates
Image-Guided Trabeculectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to severe glaucoma needing strong filtration control.
- Individuals with complex ocular anatomy (thin sclera, large vessels, irregular conjunctiva).
- Patients with previous failed trabeculectomy requiring refined surgical targeting.
- High-risk scarring patients, including younger individuals and secondary glaucoma cases.
- Patients with deep-set eyes, narrow palpebral fissures, or difficult surgical access.
- Individuals desiring the most technologically advanced filtration surgery available.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although imaging significantly enhances safety, potential risks include:
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Temporary IOP fluctuation
- Small hyphema
- Conjunctival swelling
- Scar formation (reduced with guided MMC placement)
- Rare bleb leak
Korean centers minimize risks using real-time imaging, precise flap control, and postoperative OCT monitoring.
Types of Image-Guided Techniques in Korea
AS-OCT–Guided Trabeculectomy
OCT mapping of scleral depth and conjunctival layers pre- and intraoperatively.
UBM-Guided Trabeculectomy
Ultrasound imaging used for deeper angle and scleral structure visualization.
Microscope-Integrated OCT (MIOCT) Trabeculectomy
Real-time 3D visualization of flap creation and bleb formation.
Image-Guided MMC Application
Targeted antifibrotic placement for optimal scarring control.
Image-Guided Flap Architecture Adjustment
Flap thickness and length modified using live imaging.
Hybrid Image-Guided + Implant-Supported Trabeculectomy
Combines implants with imaging to optimize outflow geometry.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Assisted Preoperative Mapping
Analyzes patient anatomy and predicts ideal flap location, size, and depth.
OCT-Guided Scleral Flap Creation
Ensures uniform flap thickness to regulate flow precisely.
Guided Trabecular Block Excision
Imaging identifies ideal ostium site and ensures controlled entry.
Peripheral Iridectomy Under Visualization
Reduces risk of iris obstruction.
MMC Application Guided by Imaging
Micro-dosed MMC applied to exact high-risk scarring zones.
OCT-Assisted Bleb Formation
Surgeon confirms bleb height, distribution, and flow direction before completing surgery.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Advanced Diagnostic Evaluation
Includes OCT, UBM, IOP testing, visual fields, and anatomical mapping.
Step 2 – AI-Enhanced Surgical Planning
Determines optimal flap geometry, MMC concentration, and drainage site.
Step 3 – Image-Guided Trabeculectomy
Performed under local anesthesia with real-time intraoperative OCT or UBM.
Step 4 – Immediate Postoperative Care
Use of anti-inflammatory drops, antibiotics, and IOP monitoring.
Step 5 – Postoperative Imaging Follow-Up
OCT confirms bleb structure, flow stability, and flap position.
Treatment Duration: 30–50 minutes
Setting: Hospital or specialized surgical center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use all prescribed drops as directed.
- Avoid rubbing the eye and strenuous activities.
- Keep the eye dry and avoid exposure to contaminants.
- Use protective eyewear while sleeping during the first week.
- Attend all imaging-based follow-up visits.
- Report sudden pain, redness, or vision decline promptly.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Reduced inflammation and early flow stability.
- Week 1: Bleb begins to stabilize; IOP decreases significantly.
- Weeks 2–4: Imaging confirms optimal filtration control.
- Months 1–3: Long-term bleb structure fully established.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- 35–65% reduction in intraocular pressure.
- Lower complication rates due to precise flap and ostium creation.
- Stable and diffuse bleb formation.
- Reduced need for glaucoma medications.
- Successful outcomes even in complex and high-risk cases.
Longevity
- Results often last 10–20 years or more with proper care.
- Imaging ensures improved flap architecture and bleb formation.
- Korean anti-scarring protocols extend filtration durability.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-leading technology integration in glaucoma surgery.
- Microscope-integrated OCT widely available in Korean centers.
- AI-guided surgical planning allows fully personalized trabeculectomy.
- Extremely low complication rates due to precision imaging.
- Comprehensive imaging-based postoperative management ensures long-term success.
Unique Korean Innovations
- Real-time 4D OCT visualization of filtration pathways.
- AI-driven optimization of flap design and MMC dosing.
- Image-guided micro-suturing for flow titration.
- Postoperative bleb analytics using AI imaging platforms.
- Hybrid imaging + implant-supported filtration techniques.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Procedure Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Image-Guided Trabeculectomy | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,000,000 | ~$3,400 – $5,300 | OCT-guided surgery + follow-up |
| MIOCT (Microscope OCT)–Guided Surgery | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,150 – $6,400 | Real-time imaging + MMC |
| Hybrid Image-Guided + Implant Technique | ₩6,500,000 – ₩9,000,000 | ~$4,900 – $6,750 | Implant + imaging + extended care |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in OCT-guided filtration surgery.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Experts in microscope-integrated image-guided techniques.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Leaders in advanced imaging-based glaucoma surgery.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Renowned for UBM + OCT-guided trabeculectomy.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-assisted surgical planning.
