Treatment Overview
Mitomycin-C Assisted Trabeculectomy in Korea is a widely used, refined filtration surgery that incorporates the anti-fibrotic agent Mitomycin-C to reduce scar formation and increase long-term surgical success. MMC is applied during surgery to inhibit fibroblast activity, ensuring that the new drainage pathway remains open and functional for years. This makes the procedure especially effective for patients at risk of excessive wound healing or trabeculectomy failure.
Korean glaucoma surgeons are internationally recognized for their precise MMC dosing strategies, OCT-guided tissue assessment, and AI-assisted fibrosis prediction, allowing custom-tailored MMC application that maximizes safety and long-term IOP control.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Prevent excessive scarring that can block the filtration site.
- Maintain long-term aqueous outflow through the surgically created drainage pathway.
- Provide stronger and more durable intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction than trabeculectomy alone.
- Improve outcomes in high-risk or complex glaucoma cases.
- Reduce the need for glaucoma medications or additional surgeries.
Benefits
- Improved Long-Term Success Rates: MMC dramatically reduces postoperative fibrosis.
- Customized Anti-Scarring Therapy: Tailored to the patient’s tissue characteristics.
- Lower Risk of Bleb Failure: Helps maintain a diffuse, functioning bleb.
- Enhanced Pressure Reduction: More predictable and sustained IOP control.
- Ideal for High-Risk Eyes: Especially beneficial for secondary glaucoma or young patients.
- Minimally Increases Surgical Complexity: MMC is applied quickly and safely during surgery.
Ideal Candidates
MMC-Assisted Trabeculectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with moderate to severe glaucoma needing strong, long-term IOP reduction.
- Individuals at high risk of scarring, including:
- Younger patients
- Asian or African descent
- Previous failed trabeculectomy
- Thick Tenon’s capsule
- Secondary or inflammatory glaucoma
- Patients requiring stable, sustained IOP control to prevent vision loss.
- Individuals with progressive glaucoma despite maximum medical therapy.
Possible Risks & Complications
While MMC improves trabeculectomy outcomes, potential risks include:
- Conjunctival thinning
- Transient hypotony
- Shallow anterior chamber
- Small bleb leaks
- Delayed wound healing
- Rare bleb-related infection
- Avascular filtering bleb (rare)
Korean surgeons minimize risks through precise MMC dosage, controlled exposure time, and imaging-guided postoperative care.
Types of MMC-Assisted Techniques in Korea
Standard MMC Application
Applied under the scleral flap or conjunctiva using a micro-sponge.
Focal MMC Placement
Targets regions of highest scarring risk for precise fibrosis control.
Wide-Area MMC Application
Used in extreme scarring-prone eyes to maintain broader filtration.
Low-Dose MMC Technique
For patients needing scarring control but at risk of excessive thinning.
High-Dose MMC Protocol
Used in secondary or refractory glaucoma requiring aggressive modulation.
Layered MMC Application
MMC applied in stages for balanced anti-fibrotic effect.
Hybrid MMC + Implant Technique
Combines MMC with collagen/gel implants to maintain filtration space.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based Fibrosis Prediction
Calculates ideal MMC concentration and exposure based on patient profile.
Scleral Flap Creation
Flap thickness adjusted to optimize flow resistance and MMC penetration.
Trabecular Block Excision
Creates a clear drainage channel for aqueous humor.
Precise MMC Application
Delivered via sponge or injection with strict timing control.
Conjunctival Closure
Secured watertight to protect the filtering area.
Postoperative 5-FU or MMC Boost (if needed)
Used to prevent early scarring during healing.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Includes IOP testing, OCT imaging, visual fields, and scarring risk analysis.
Step 2 – Customized Surgical Planning
MMC dosing strategy chosen using AI-supported modeling and tissue assessment.
Step 3 – MMC-Assisted Trabeculectomy
Performed under local anesthesia in a precision-guided surgical environment.
Step 4 – Early Postoperative Care
Includes steroids, antibiotics, and possible 5-FU injections to prevent fibrosis.
Step 5 – Long-Term Monitoring
Regular visits with bleb assessment and OCT imaging ensure stable filtration.
Treatment Duration: 30–45 minutes
Setting: Hospital or specialized surgical center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed eye drops consistently.
- Avoid rubbing the eye or heavy lifting.
- Wear protective eyewear during sleep in the first week.
- Keep the eye dry and avoid contaminated environments.
- Attend all follow-up visits for pressure checks and bleb evaluation.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild irritation; IOP begins to decrease noticeably.
- Week 1: Bleb forms and filtration becomes stable.
- Weeks 2–4: Scar control monitored and adjusted.
- Months 1–3: Long-term filtration pathway fully established.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- 35–55% reduction in intraocular pressure.
- More reliable outcomes than trabeculectomy without MMC.
- Reduced need for postoperative needling or revision surgeries.
- Stable, diffuse bleb morphology.
- Improved long-term visual field preservation.
Longevity
- Results often last 10–20+ years, depending on healing characteristics.
- Korean MMC protocols significantly extend filtration lifespan.
- Re-application or touch-up anti-fibrotic therapy available if needed.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Global pioneers in MMC-based trabeculectomy techniques.
- Advanced dosing strategies designed for each patient’s healing profile.
- High-resolution OCT monitoring ensures optimal bleb formation.
- Low complication rates due to micro-precision surgical techniques.
- Comprehensive glaucoma care programs ensure long-term success.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven MMC dosage algorithms.
- Ultra-precise micro-sponge delivery systems.
- MMC layering and hybrid anti-fibrotic protocols.
- 4D OCT-guided bleb architecture modeling.
- Implant-enhanced filtration strategies combined with MMC.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Procedure Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard MMC-Assisted Trabeculectomy | ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,500,000 | ~$2,650 – $4,150 | MMC + surgery + follow-up |
| High-Dose MMC Protocol | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,000,000 | ~$3,400 – $5,300 | Enhanced anti-scarring + imaging |
| Hybrid MMC + Implant Technique | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,150 – $6,400 | Implant + MMC + extended care |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Leaders in advanced MMC trabeculectomy.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in customized MMC dosing protocols.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Experts in hybrid MMC + implant filtration.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Renowned for OCT-guided bleb monitoring.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in AI-assisted anti-scarring strategies.
