Treatment Overview
KDB Glide Goniotomy in Korea is a next-generation Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedure that enhances natural aqueous outflow by precisely excising a controlled strip of trabecular meshwork (TM). The KDB Glide, an evolution of the original Kahook Dual Blade, features a contoured footplate and smoother dual-blade design that reduce friction, enhance stability, and minimize trauma during TM removal.
Korean ophthalmology centers elevate KDB Glide outcomes with 3D gonioscopy, OCT-guided angle imaging, AI-assisted TM resistance mapping, micro-incision entry systems, and stability-enhanced surgical workflows. This ensures clean, uniform TM excision, improved access to Schlemm’s canal, fast healing, and dependable IOP reduction for open-angle glaucoma patients.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Cleanly remove diseased trabecular meshwork to open Schlemm’s canal.
- Improve natural outflow through collector channels.
- Reduce intraocular pressure in early-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Provide an implant-free, minimally invasive alternative to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Benefits
- Smoother, Safer Glide: Contoured footplate improves tracking and reduces tissue drag.
- Uniform TM Excision: Dual-blade design removes tissue cleanly and consistently.
- Minimal Trauma: Low bleeding and reduced postoperative inflammation.
- Fast Procedure Time: Typically completed within minutes with rapid recovery.
- Medication Reduction: Many patients reduce or discontinue glaucoma drops.
- Implant-Free MIGS: No foreign material permanently placed in the eye.
- Repeatable: Additional segments can be treated in future if needed.
Ideal Candidates
KDB Glide Goniotomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Individuals undergoing combined cataract + MIGS surgery.
- Patients intolerant to glaucoma medications.
- Individuals desiring an implant-free, low-risk MIGS option.
- Those with good angle visibility and preserved ocular anatomy.
Possible Risks & Complications
KDB Glide Goniotomy has a strong safety record. Mild, temporary effects may include:
- Small hyphema (blood reflux)
- Transient inflammation
- Minor irritation or redness
- Temporary blurred vision
- Rare segmental scarring
Korean surgeons further reduce risks through:
- AI-calibrated excision planning
- OCT-guided TM thickness analysis
- Enhanced-stability Glide footplate tracking
- Precision-controlled micro-incision access
Surgical Techniques
AI-Guided TM Resistance Analysis
Identifies optimal TM segments for excision to maximize outflow.
Micro-Incision Angle Access
A 1.8–2.0 mm incision provides access for the Glide instrument.
KDB Glide Dual-Blade Excision
The contoured footplate lifts the TM, while the dual blades excise a uniform strip.
Schlemm’s Canal Restoration
Removal of TM improves canal access and collector channel function.
OCT-Based Surgical Verification
Ensures proper depth, position, and completeness of TM removal.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Glaucoma Evaluation
Includes OCT, gonioscopy, IOP measurement, and TM mapping.
Step 2 – Customized Surgical Planning
AI determines incision length, resistance points, and ideal TM removal arc.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Entry
A tiny corneal incision allows entry for the KDB Glide.
Step 4 – TM Excision Using KDB Glide
The surgeon removes a clean, controlled strip of TM to open Schlemm’s canal.
Step 5 – Postoperative Monitoring
Healing, canal openness, and IOP stabilization are checked regularly.
Treatment Duration: 5–10 minutes per eye
Setting: Outpatient, same-day procedure
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, and strenuous activity for several days.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Follow IOP monitoring as scheduled.
- Continue glaucoma medications only if advised.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild redness or hyphema; initial IOP reduction begins.
Week 1: Vision stabilizes; pronounced outflow improvement.
Weeks 2–4: Strong IOP reduction; medication taper may begin.
1–3 Months: Complete stabilization with long-term, improved drainage.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant and stable IOP reduction.
- Cleaner excision and less trauma than earlier TM removal tools.
- Durable enhancement of natural aqueous outflow.
- Reduced medication dependence.
- Rapid recovery with excellent comfort.
Longevity
- Benefits typically last years, particularly in mild-to-moderate glaucoma.
- Uniform excision reduces risk of scarring and improves long-term canal patency.
- Additional MIGS can be added later if needed.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced MIGS Expertise: Korean surgeons excel in modern goniotomy techniques.
- State-of-the-Art Imaging: OCT and 3D angle imaging ensure precise TM removal.
- AI-Enhanced Planning: Optimizes TM excision pattern for maximum IOP benefit.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: Gentle procedure with minimal downtime.
- Proven Results: High success rates and stable long-term pressure control.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven TM segmentation and excision mapping.
- High-definition OCT for intraoperative TM guidance.
- Enhanced footplate-tracking algorithms for the KDB Glide.
- Hybrid MIGS approaches (KDB Glide + canaloplasty / ELT / iStent).
- Long-term IOP progression tracking with deep-learning analytics.
These innovations make KDB Glide Goniotomy in Korea one of the most precise, effective, and minimally traumatic MIGS solutions available for open-angle glaucoma.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard KDB Glide Goniotomy | ₩1,000,000 – ₩1,600,000 | ~$750 – $1,200 | TM excision with basic imaging |
| Premium OCT-Guided Glide Package | ₩1,800,000 – ₩2,800,000 | ~$1,350 – $2,100 | AI planning, OCT verification, extended after-care |
| Hybrid MIGS Enhancement Program | ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,000,000+ | ~$2,600 – $3,800+ | KDB Glide + combined MIGS for greater IOP reduction |
Pricing varies depending on surgeon expertise, technology level, and combined procedures.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Leading specialists in advanced goniotomy, including KDB Glide.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for precise, OCT-guided angle surgeries.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Experts in hybrid MIGS combining KDB Glide with canal-based procedures.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focuses on clean TM excision and rapid healing.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Leaders in AI-enhanced surgical planning for MIGS.
