Treatment Overview
The Integrated Glaucoma-Lens Evaluation Program in Korea is a specialized diagnostic and planning system that assesses both glaucoma status and lens health together. This is especially important because many glaucoma patients also develop cataracts, and the interaction between lens changes and glaucoma can significantly affect IOP, visual field quality, angle anatomy, and surgery outcomes.
Korean ophthalmology centers excel in this integrative approach by combining:
- High-resolution cataract and lens opacity grading
- OCT & OCTA evaluation of optic nerve and macula
- AS-OCT and UBM imaging of the anterior chamber and angle
- Visual field and contrast sensitivity testing
- AI-assisted decision modeling for combined cataract–glaucoma management
- Surgical planning for combined cataract + MIGS procedures
This program ensures that glaucoma patients receive the safest and most effective plan for their lens condition, whether it is early cataract, advanced cataract, or refractive lens planning.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Evaluate how cataracts or lens thickness affect glaucoma progression
- Determine the impact of lens opacity on visual field and OCT accuracy
- Assess angle narrowing, lens-induced crowding, or phacomorphic risk
- Provide a unified surgical plan for cataract extraction + glaucoma treatment
- Identify whether MIGS, SLT, or filtration is best combined with cataract surgery
- Create individualized long-term vision planning for glaucoma patients
Benefits
- Accurate evaluation of both lens and glaucoma status
- Improves safety by detecting lens-induced angle narrowing
- More reliable visual field and OCT readings after lens optimization
- Opportunity to combine cataract surgery with MIGS for better IOP control
- Better vision quality through cataract removal
- Reduced medication needs after integrated surgery
- Prevention of angle-closure events caused by lens thickening
Ideal Candidates
The Integrated Glaucoma-Lens Evaluation Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Glaucoma patients with early or moderate cataracts
- Individuals with narrow angles or angle-closure risk
- Patients considering cataract surgery and needing glaucoma intervention
- NTG patients with cataract-related visual quality reduction
- Individuals experiencing glare, blurriness, or dimming
- Patients with inaccurate or inconsistent visual field test results
- High-risk elderly patients needing coordinated treatment plans
Possible Risks & Complications
The diagnostic program is safe, but combined conditions require careful management due to:
- Lens-induced angle narrowing
- Reduced visibility of the optic nerve due to cataract
- Difficulty interpreting structural imaging with dense lenses
- Potential IOP spikes after cataract surgery in high-risk patients
- Need for precise surgical decision-making
Korean specialists minimize risks with:
- AI-supported diagnostic interpretation
- Pre-surgical angle analysis
- Customized MIGS selection
- Gentle cataract extraction techniques
- Enhanced post-op IOP monitoring
Surgical Techniques
(These may be selected or combined based on the integrated evaluation results.)
1. Cataract Extraction (Phacoemulsification)
Improves visual clarity and widens the anatomic angle.
2. MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) with Cataract Surgery
Often combined for better long-term IOP control:
- iStent Inject
- Hydrus Microstent
- KDB Goniotomy
- Canaloplasty
- GATT
3. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
For angle-closure risk caused by lens thickness or pupillary block.
4. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
May be used instead of, or before, combined surgery.
5. Filtration Surgery (if needed)
For advanced glaucoma when cataract surgery alone is insufficient:
- Trabeculectomy
- PreserFlo MicroShunt
- Ahmed/Baerveldt implants
6. Premium IOL Planning (Case Selection Only)
Monofocal, toric, or EDoF IOLs are chosen based on glaucoma severity.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging
Includes OCT, OCTA, AS-OCT, UBM, and lens density analysis.
Step 2 – Functional Testing
Visual field, contrast sensitivity, and glare testing determine functional impact.
Step 3 – Angle & IOP Analysis
Angle width, lens position, and drainage patterns evaluated precisely.
Step 4 – AI-Assisted Treatment Modeling
Predicts benefits of cataract surgery + MIGS vs cataract-only vs glaucoma-only treatment.
Step 5 – Personalized Surgical or Medical Plan
A combined or staged treatment plan is created.
Evaluation Duration: 40–60 minutes
Setting: Outpatient diagnostic glaucoma–cataract center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Follow prescribed medication after cataract or MIGS procedures
- Avoid eye rubbing and strenuous activity
- Report any vision dimming, pain, or pressure spikes
- Maintain regular glaucoma follow-ups
- Use UV-protective eyewear outdoors
- Follow individualized drop schedules carefully
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Early vision improvement after cataract surgery
Week 1: IOP stabilizing, clearer OCT readings
Weeks 2–4: Functional testing becomes more accurate
1–3 Months: Full healing and improved angle anatomy
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clearer vision and improved functional testing
- Better IOP control, especially when combined with MIGS
- Enhanced angle structure and reduced angle-closure risk
- Fewer medications after integrated surgery
- Reliable long-term monitoring due to improved imaging clarity
Longevity
- Cataract removal benefits last lifelong
- MIGS effects may last years with stable IOP
- Structural and functional imaging becomes more accurate over time
- Integrated planning reduces risk of future vision loss
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Leading expertise in combined cataract + glaucoma management
- Advanced AS-OCT and UBM technology for lens–angle analysis
- AI-guided treatment planning systems
- Precision MIGS integration for optimal IOP reduction
- Superior visual and IOP outcomes
- Holistic approach unifying cataract and glaucoma care
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven cataract–glaucoma impact modeling
- Lens-induced angle narrowing prediction tools
- Integrated IOP–angle–vessel analysis dashboards
- Customized MIGS selection based on lens anatomy
- Enhanced transparency for patient decision-making
These innovations make Korea’s
Integrated Glaucoma-Lens Evaluation Program
one of the most advanced, comprehensive, and accurate diagnostic systems for patients with both glaucoma and lens changes.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Combined Evaluation | ₩180,000 – ₩350,000 | ~$140 – $260 | OCT + lens exam + angle imaging |
| Advanced Glaucoma–Lens Diagnostic Package | ₩450,000 – ₩900,000 | ~$340 – $680 | OCTA + UBM + VF + AI modeling |
| Comprehensive Surgical Planning Program | ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,500,000+ | ~$750 – $1,900+ | Full imaging + combined MIGS/cataract plan |
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)
