Treatment Overview
The iStent Inject W Procedure in Korea is an advanced Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) designed to enhance natural aqueous outflow by bypassing the trabecular meshwork using two ultra-small biocompatible micro-stents. The iStent Inject W is one of the world’s tiniest medical implants, engineered to create direct openings from the anterior chamber into Schlemm’s canal, improving fluid drainage and reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).
Korean ophthalmology centers perform this procedure using OCT-guided canal imaging, real-time gonioscopic visualization, AI-based stent placement mapping, femtosecond-enhanced cataract surgery integration, and precision micro-stent delivery systems. These innovations deliver highly accurate positioning, superior long-term safety, and consistent IOP control.
The iStent Inject W is commonly implanted during cataract surgery but can also be performed as a standalone MIGS procedure.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Enhance natural outflow by bypassing trabecular meshwork resistance.
- Reduce IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
- Provide effective, minimally invasive glaucoma management.
- Reduce or eliminate the need for topical glaucoma medications.
Benefits
- Dual-Stent Design: Two micro-stents increase access to multiple collector channels.
- Biocompatible Titanium: Long-lasting and well-tolerated.
- Micro-Scale Implant: Minimizes tissue disruption and inflammation.
- Strong IOP Reduction: Effective for mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Ideal Combination with Cataract Surgery: Enhances postoperative IOP control.
- Fast Recovery: Very little discomfort and rapid visual restoration.
- Long-Term Stability: Implants remain functional for decades.
Ideal Candidates
The iStent Inject W Procedure in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Individuals undergoing combined cataract + MIGS.
- Patients intolerant to glaucoma medications or requiring improved pressure control.
- Individuals wanting an implant-based, low-trauma MIGS option.
- Those with healthy angle anatomy and visualized collector channels.
- Patients seeking durable, medication-sparing treatment.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although extremely safe, mild effects can occur:
- Temporary hyphema (blood reflux)
- Mild inflammation
- Short-lived blurred vision
- Rare stent malposition
- Early postoperative IOP fluctuations
Korean surgeons minimize risks using:
- High-definition intraoperative gonioscopy
- AI-assisted stent spacing and placement planning
- OCT confirmation of Schlemm’s canal entry
- Micro-incision techniques
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based Canal & Collector Mapping
Identifies optimal stent placement zones to maximize flow.
Micro-Incision Access
A 1.8–2.0 mm incision allows insertion of the iStent injector.
Dual-Stent Deployment
Two implants are inserted into Schlemm’s canal at strategic points to enhance drainage.
Stent Spacing Optimization
Ensures maximum coverage of collector channel regions.
OCT-Guided Position Verification
Confirms correct angle, depth, and placement of each stent.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Includes gonioscopy, OCT, IOP measurement, visual fields, and canal analysis.
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
AI tools determine ideal placement angles and spacing for the two micro-stents.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Entry
A small corneal incision is created (or already made during cataract surgery).
Step 4 – iStent Inject W Implantation
Two micro-stents are inserted into Schlemm’s canal using a precision injector.
Step 5 – Postoperative Monitoring
Surgeons check IOP reduction, stent positioning, and healing progress.
Treatment Duration:
- Standalone: 5–8 minutes
- Combined with cataract surgery: 20–30 minutes total
Setting: Outpatient, same-day discharge
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid heavy activity, swimming, and eye rubbing for several days.
- Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Continue glaucoma medications unless instructed to taper.
- Attend follow-up visits at Day 1, Week 1, Month 1, and Month 3.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild redness or irritation; early IOP reduction begins.
Week 1: Clearer vision and improved canal outflow.
Weeks 2–4: Strong IOP reduction; potential medication reduction.
1–3 Months: Full healing and long-term stent performance.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant and stable reduction in intraocular pressure.
- Enhanced natural outflow through multiple collector channels.
- Reduced reliance on glaucoma medications.
- Quick recovery with minimal discomfort.
Longevity
- The iStent Inject W provides years to decades of stable outflow enhancement.
- Titanium implants remain structurally intact and biocompatible.
- Korean clinics ensure long-term success using high-resolution imaging and regular monitoring.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-Class MIGS Expertise: Korean surgeons lead in implant-based MIGS procedures.
- State-of-the-Art Imaging: OCT and 3D angle imaging ensure precise placement.
- AI-Enhanced Stent Planning: Personalized targeting for optimal IOP results.
- Minimally Invasive Protocols: Tiny implants, fast recovery, high comfort.
- Outstanding Surgical Outcomes: Strong, consistent, and long-lasting IOP reduction.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided stent placement modeling.
- Canal segmentation analysis for maximizing collector channel access.
- OCT-based real-time surgical verification.
- Hybrid MIGS strategies (iStent + KDB, iStent + Hydrus, iStent + ELT).
- Long-term IOP progression tracking with deep-learning analytics.
These innovations make iStent Inject W Implantation in Korea one of the most advanced, precise, and effective MIGS options for open-angle glaucoma.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard iStent Inject W | ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,200,000 | ~$1,500 – $2,400 | Dual-stent insertion with basic imaging |
| Premium OCT-Guided iStent Package | ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,000,000 | ~$2,600 – $3,800 | AI planning, OCT targeting, advanced after-care |
| Hybrid MIGS iStent Program | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,000,000+ | ~$4,100 – $6,000+ | iStent + additional MIGS for enhanced IOP control |
Final pricing varies based on clinic, surgeon expertise, and whether combined with cataract surgery.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Experts in iStent-based MIGS and canal outflow enhancement.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for OCT-guided stent placement precision.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Specialists in combined cataract + MIGS including iStent.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on minimally invasive stent procedures with fast recovery.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Leaders in AI-optimized MIGS strategies.
