Treatment Overview
Novel Schlemm’s Canal Dilation in Korea is an advanced Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) technique designed to enhance natural aqueous humor outflow by mechanically and viscodynamically expanding Schlemm’s canal. Unlike traditional canaloplasty, this next-generation canal dilation uses microcatheters, viscoadaptive materials, and flow-optimized dilation systems to stretch the canal, open collapsed segments, and restore the natural drainage pathway without incisions into the conjunctiva.
Korean ophthalmology centers have refined this approach using:
- OCT-guided canal imaging
- AI-based canal patency mapping
- Microcatheter pressure modulation systems
- 360° viscodilation delivery
- Femtosecond-assisted incision precision (optional)
- Digital canal resistance profiling
This technique is particularly beneficial for early-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma and is commonly combined with other MIGS procedures for a synergistic effect.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reopen and dilate Schlemm’s canal to improve natural outflow.
- Reduce IOP in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
- Restore function of collapsed or resistant canal segments.
- Reduce reliance on topical medications.
- Provide a minimally invasive alternative to filtering or stent-based procedures.
Benefits
- Physiological Approach: Enhances the eye’s natural drainage system.
- Non-Implant MIGS: No foreign body left in the eye.
- 360° Dilation: Expands the entire canal rather than a small segment.
- Low Trauma: Minimal bleeding, reduced inflammation, rapid healing.
- High Safety Profile: Much safer than traditional incisional surgeries.
- Medication Reduction: Many patients decrease or eliminate drop usage.
- Repeatable and Combinable: Works well with trabecular and goniotomy-based MIGS.
Ideal Candidates
Novel Schlemm’s Canal Dilation in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
- Individuals with Schlemm’s canal collapse or resistance.
- Patients preferring a device-free MIGS alternative.
- Those undergoing combined cataract + MIGS procedures.
- Individuals intolerant or unresponsive to glaucoma medications.
- Patients with healthy conjunctiva and visible angle structures.
Possible Risks & Complications
This modern dilation technique is extremely safe. Minimal temporary effects may include:
- Mild hyphema (tiny blood reflux)
- Slight pressure fluctuations
- Mild irritation or redness
- Transient blurred vision
- Rare canal micro-tears (usually self-limiting)
Korean surgeons minimize risks by using:
- AI-calibrated viscodilation pressures
- OCT-based canal integrity screening
- Ultra-flexible microcatheters
- Precision micro-incision entry systems
Surgical Techniques
1. AI-Guided Canal Mapping
Assesses canal resistance, collapsed segments, and predicted outflow improvement.
2. Micro-Incision Access
A small corneal incision (1.8–2.2 mm) provides access to Schlemm’s canal.
3. Probe or Microcatheter Canal Entry
A flexible microcatheter is inserted into the canal for 180° or full 360° treatment.
4. Viscodilation (Viscoelastic Expansion)
Specialized viscoelastic is injected to gently expand the canal walls.
5. Pressure-Controlled Expansion
Korean systems monitor and adjust pressure to avoid micro-damage.
6. OCT Verification
Surgeons confirm canal patency and dilation completeness in real time.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Includes OCT imaging, gonioscopy, canal patency analysis, and IOP measurement.
Step 2 – Personalized Dilation Planning
AI determines optimal dilation volume, pressure, and microcatheter route.
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Entry
A tiny, self-sealing corneal incision is made.
Step 4 – Schlemm’s Canal Dilation
Microcatheter is threaded into the canal and viscoelastic is injected for uniform dilation.
Step 5 – Postoperative Monitoring
Follow-up visits ensure canal stability, healing, and pressure reduction.
Treatment Duration: 10–15 minutes
Setting: Outpatient, same-day discharge
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory drops for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid eye rubbing and strenuous activity for several days.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce light sensitivity.
- Continue glaucoma medications only as instructed.
- Attend follow-ups at Day 1, Week 1, Month 1, and Month 3.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild redness or hyphema; early IOP reduction begins.
Week 1: Vision stabilizes; canal maintains its expanded shape.
Weeks 2–4: Strong IOP reduction; medication taper may begin.
1–3 Months: Full stabilization with long-term outflow enhancement.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant improvement in natural aqueous outflow.
- Reduction in intraocular pressure for mild to moderate glaucoma.
- Decreased reliance on glaucoma drops.
- Improved canal patency and collector channel activation.
- Smooth, comfortable postoperative recovery.
Longevity
- Effects typically last years, especially in early-stage disease.
- Repeat dilation or additional MIGS can reinforce long-term outcomes.
- Korean deep-learning monitoring systems maintain long-term stability.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Innovators in Canal-Based MIGS: Korean clinics lead in microcatheter and viscodilation technology.
- Advanced Imaging Integration: OCT and high-resolution canalography guide precise dilation.
- AI-Enhanced Planning: Determines ideal dilation pressure and direction.
- Low-Trauma Approach: Minimally invasive with minimal postoperative discomfort.
- High Success Rate: Strong and predictable IOP reduction with excellent safety.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven canal resistance mapping
- Precision-controlled viscodilation pressures
- 360° microcatheter dilation with OCT verification
- Hybrid MIGS models (Dilation + KDB / Dilation + iStent)
- Long-term IOP trend prediction using machine learning
These advancements make Novel Schlemm’s Canal Dilation in Korea one of the most effective and physiologically aligned MIGS options available today.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Schlemm Canal Dilation | ₩1,200,000 – ₩2,000,000 | ~$900 – $1,500 | Partial or 180° dilation with basic imaging |
| Premium 360° Viscodilation Package | ₩2,400,000 – ₩3,800,000 | ~$1,800 – $2,900 | Full canal dilation + AI-guided planning + OCT verification |
| Hybrid MIGS Canal Strategy | ₩4,000,000 – ₩6,500,000+ | ~$3,000 – $4,900+ | Dilation + additional MIGS (KDB, iStent, GATT, etc.) |
Costs vary depending on technology level, surgeon expertise, and use of combination MIGS.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Specialists in advanced canal dilation and microcatheter-based MIGS.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for OCT-guided Schlemm’s canal procedures.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Leaders in hybrid canal-based MIGS combinations.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Experts in ultra-precise viscodilation.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Pioneers in AI-calibrated canal dilation planning.
