Treatment Overview
The Laser Glaucoma Follow-up Care Program in Korea is a specialized post-laser management system designed to ensure stable intraocular pressure (IOP), monitor healing, and optimize long-term outcomes after glaucoma laser procedures. This program supports patients who have undergone treatments such as:
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)
- MicroPulse Laser Therapy
- Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC / MicroPulse CPC)
Korean glaucoma centers use advanced imaging, AI-supported trend analysis, and structured follow-up schedules to ensure that laser results remain stable and effective while detecting early signs of fluctuation or complications.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Monitor IOP response after laser treatment
- Detect early inflammation, pressure spikes, or incomplete response
- Adjust medications according to post-laser pressure patterns
- Evaluate long-term effectiveness and determine if retreatment is needed
- Maintain optic nerve stability through continuous monitoring
- Provide patient education on symptoms and care after laser therapy
Benefits
- Stable post-laser IOP control
- Prevention of complications through early detection
- Personalized medication tapering
- Reduced risk of progression due to precise monitoring
- AI-assisted pressure trend evaluation
- Enhanced comfort through structured care protocols
- Better prediction of retreatment timing
Ideal Candidates
The Laser Glaucoma Follow-up Care Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients who recently underwent SLT, ALT, LPI, or MicroPulse therapy
- Individuals with fluctuating or borderline IOP after laser treatment
- Patients with normal-tension glaucoma needing vascular follow-up
- High-risk patients requiring close monitoring
- Individuals with advanced optic nerve damage
- Patients considering repeat laser or MIGS
- Those needing medication adjustments after laser procedures
Possible Risks & Complications
Post-laser complications are uncommon, but the program is designed to manage and prevent issues such as:
- Mild inflammation
- Transient IOP elevation
- Dryness or irritation
- Incomplete pressure lowering
- Residual angle closure after LPI
- Need for retreatment
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Tight follow-up schedules
- Customized anti-inflammatory drop regimens
- OCT/OCTA evaluation of optic nerve status
- Angle and IOP trend monitoring
- Rapid intervention when necessary
Surgical Techniques
(These may be considered if follow-up reveals insufficient laser response.)
1. Repeat SLT
Safe and effective for patients who respond partially to initial treatment.
2. MicroPulse Laser Therapy
Useful for NTG or patients with minimal inflammation.
3. MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
Recommended when pressure remains above target:
- iStent Inject
- Hydrus Microstent
- Canaloplasty
- KDB Goniotomy
- GATT
4. Filtration Surgeries
For advanced or laser-resistant glaucoma:
- Trabeculectomy
- PreserFlo MicroShunt
- Ahmed/Baerveldt implants
5. Medication Optimization
Adjusting drop combinations or introducing new agents for stable control.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Initial Post-Laser Check (Day 1–7)
Includes IOP measurement, inflammation assessment, and symptom review.
Step 2 – Short-Term Monitoring (1–6 Weeks)
Pressure trends are evaluated to determine early response.
Step 3 – Structural & Functional Imaging
OCT/OCTA and visual field testing help assess nerve stability.
Step 4 – Medication Adjustment
Tapering or enhancing medications depending on IOP trends.
Step 5 – Long-Term Care (3–12 Months)
Regular follow-up ensures laser effects remain stable.
Follow-up Schedule:
Day 1 → Week 1 → Month 1 → Month 3 → Month 6 → Every 6–12 months
Setting: Outpatient glaucoma center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory drops as instructed
- Avoid rubbing the eyes for at least 1 week
- Report pain, redness, or blurred vision immediately
- Follow IOP check schedule precisely
- Maintain proper hydration and avoid excessive caffeine
- Keep consistent medication routines
- Avoid strenuous activity for several days if advised
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild redness or soreness possible
Week 1: Early IOP response becomes apparent
Weeks 2–4: IOP normalizes or stabilizes
1–3 Months: Full effect of laser treatment observed
3–12 Months: Ongoing evaluation for long-term stability
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant reduction in IOP for many patients
- Reduced need for medications (especially after SLT)
- Improved angle function after LPI
- Better long-term optic nerve protection
- Enhanced comfort and reduced pressure-related symptoms
Longevity
- SLT effects typically last 1–5 years
- LPI may provide lifelong prevention of angle closure
- MicroPulse therapy offers stable reductions with repeatability
- Precise follow-up extends laser effectiveness through early adjustments
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced laser technology with highly trained specialists
- AI-based monitoring of post-laser changes
- Superior imaging systems for nerve and angle evaluation
- Structured follow-up protocols ensuring long-term success
- Expertise in SLT, LPI, ALT, and MicroPulse techniques
- High patient satisfaction and strong outcome predictability
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-generated post-laser IOP prediction modeling
- MicroPulse + SLT hybrid follow-up strategies
- OCTA vascular recovery tracking
- Digital post-laser symptom monitoring apps
- Customized medication tapering based on response curves
- 24-hour home IOP integration for enhanced accuracy
These innovations make Korea’s
Laser Glaucoma Follow-up Care Program
one of the most precise and effective post-laser management systems available.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Post-Laser Follow-up | ₩80,000 – ₩150,000 | ~$60 – $110 | IOP check + inflammation review |
| Advanced Post-Laser Monitoring Package | ₩250,000 – ₩450,000 | ~$190 – $340 | OCT + AI IOP trend analysis |
| Comprehensive Laser Follow-up Program | ₩600,000 – ₩1,200,000+ | ~$450 – $900+ | Full imaging + long-term monitoring + treatment adjustment |
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)
