Treatment Overview
The Neovascular Glaucoma (NVG) Surveillance Program in Korea is an intensive, high-precision monitoring system designed for patients at risk of or diagnosed with neovascular glaucoma. NVG is a severe and rapidly progressing form of glaucoma caused by abnormal blood vessel growth on the iris and drainage angle, typically associated with diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, ocular ischemia, and other vascular diseases.
Korean glaucoma specialists are internationally recognized for their advanced, integrated management of NVG, combining:
- OCTA imaging for iris and angle neovascularization
- Widefield retinal angiography for ischemia mapping
- Regular IOP and angle status monitoring
- AI-assisted progression prediction for NVG onset
- Coordinated retina–glaucoma care models
- Post-laser and post-anti-VEGF follow-up systems
This program prioritizes early detection, rapid stabilization, and continuous monitoring to prevent catastrophic vision loss.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect early neovascularization of the iris (NVI) or angle (NVA)
- Monitor treatment response after anti-VEGF injections or PRP
- Prevent angle closure and IOP spikes
- Identify ischemic triggers and coordinate retina care
- Establish rapid intervention pathways
- Protect optic nerve function through aggressive monitoring
Benefits
- Early diagnosis of pre-NVG changes
- Prevention of sudden IOP crises
- Integrated retina–glaucoma management
- Accurate treatment timing for anti-VEGF and laser therapy
- OCTA-based evaluation of vascular changes
- Reduced risk of blindness from NVG
- Tailored follow-up intervals for high-risk patients
Ideal Candidates
The Neovascular Glaucoma Surveillance Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Individuals with central or branch retinal vein occlusion
- Patients with ocular ischemic syndrome
- Individuals experiencing unexplained IOP spikes
- Patients with new iris vascular tufts or rubeosis
- Post-PRP or post-anti-VEGF patients needing close monitoring
- High-risk patients with severe vascular disorders
Possible Risks & Complications
NVG is a high-risk condition. Without close monitoring, patients may develop:
- Rapid IOP elevation
- Painful acute glaucoma attacks
- Permanent optic nerve damage
- Extensive angle closure
- Corneal edema
- Neovascularization recurrence
Korean centers reduce risks using:
- High-frequency surveillance
- OCTA imaging for microvascular tracking
- Coordinated retina–glaucoma treatment planning
- Early laser or surgical interventions
- AI-supported progression alerts
Surgical Techniques
(Often required when NVG progresses despite medical or laser treatment.)
1. Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP)
Essential for reducing ischemia and suppressing neovascular growth.
2. Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy
Rapidly regresses neovascular vessels and stabilizes acute NVG.
3. Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC / MicroPulse CPC)
Used for painful, uncontrolled IOP or advanced NVG.
4. Aqueous Shunt Surgery
Implant options include:
- Ahmed Valve
- Baerveldt Implant
- PreserFlo MicroShunt (select cases)
5. Trabeculectomy
Performed when angle anatomy still allows filtration, combined with anti-VEGF support.
6. MIGS (Limited Role)
Sometimes used in early NVG or post-regression cases, but only selectively.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline Vascular & Glaucoma Evaluation
Includes OCTA, widefield angiography, IOP check, angle assessment, and retina imaging.
Step 2 – Risk Categorization
AI models determine risk of NVG progression based on ischemia patterns.
Step 3 – Intensive Surveillance Schedule
High-risk patients monitored every 1–4 weeks depending on disease severity.
Step 4 – Rapid Intervention Pathway
Includes anti-VEGF injection scheduling, PRP sessions, or IOP-lowering treatment.
Step 5 – Long-Term Stability Monitoring
Monthly→quarterly evaluations to ensure no recurrence.
Program Duration: Ongoing for several months to lifelong
Setting: Integrated retina–glaucoma clinic
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Adhere strictly to follow-up schedules
- Monitor symptoms such as pain, redness, or sudden vision loss
- Use prescribed drops and medications as instructed
- Control systemic diseases (diabetes, hypertension) closely
- Report new floaters, flashes, or dimming immediately
- Avoid missed anti-VEGF appointments
Recovery Timeline
Week 1: Anti-VEGF reduces early neovascularization
Weeks 2–6: IOP stabilizes; PRP effects become noticeable
2–4 Months: Neovascular regression maintained
6–12 Months: Long-term stabilization with continued surveillance
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Reduced neovascular vessel growth
- Stabilized IOP and controlled inflammation
- Prevention of angle closure
- Reduced pain and discomfort
- Improved long-term vision preservation
- Better retinal oxygen balance after PRP or anti-VEGF
Longevity
- NVG requires lifelong monitoring
- Recurrence is possible without consistent care
- Anti-VEGF and PRP significantly reduce long-term risk
- Surgical interventions may provide years of stability when needed
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced specialists in NVG and ischemic eye diseases
- Advanced OCTA and widefield angiography systems
- Fast-track coordination between glaucoma and retina teams
- AI-assisted risk scoring for early detection
- Precision surgical and laser protocols
- Strong long-term stability outcomes
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-based neovascular progression prediction
- OCTA-guided microvascular tracking
- Hybrid PRP + anti-VEGF monitoring schedules
- IOP variability mapping for ischemic glaucoma
- Digital recurrence alerts and follow-up automation
- Integrated management across retina, glaucoma, and systemic disease care
These innovations make Korea’s
Neovascular Glaucoma Surveillance Program
one of the most advanced detection and stabilization systems for this dangerous form of glaucoma.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic NVG Screening Package | ₩120,000 – ₩250,000 | ~$90 – $180 | IOP + OCT + basic angiography |
| Advanced NVG Surveillance Program | ₩400,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$300 – $600 | OCTA + widefield FA + AI risk analysis |
| Comprehensive NVG Management Plan | ₩1,200,000 – ₩2,500,000+ | ~$900 – $1,900+ | Full retina–glaucoma integration + long-term monitoring |
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)
