Treatment Overview
The OCT-Guided Glaucoma Assessment Program in Korea is an advanced diagnostic platform that uses high-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to evaluate, detect, and monitor glaucomatous damage with exceptional precision. OCT technology allows clinicians to visualize the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), macular structure, optic nerve head, and deep optic nerve layers in micron-level detail.
Korea is recognized globally for its cutting-edge approach to OCT-based glaucoma evaluation, integrating:
- High-definition spectral-domain and swept-source OCT
- RNFL/GCC thinning analysis with AI progression algorithms
- Optic nerve head (ONH) 3D reconstruction
- Lamina cribrosa evaluation for deep damage
- Widefield imaging for global structural assessment
- Vascular OCTA mapping for blood flow analysis
This program provides unmatched accuracy in diagnosing early glaucoma, tracking progression, and guiding long-term treatment decisions.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect early glaucomatous damage before functional symptoms appear
- Measure RNFL and GCC thickness to assess optic nerve health
- Track progression using serial OCT comparisons
- Evaluate optic nerve anatomy and detect subtle structural risks
- Guide personalized glaucoma therapy based on objective imaging
- Improve early detection in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG)
Benefits
- Ultra-early detection of structural thinning
- Highly reproducible measurements with consistent accuracy
- AI-enhanced trend analysis for predicting progression
- Better correlation with visual field changes
- Deep analysis of lamina cribrosa health
- Improved treatment precision and timely intervention
- Objective comparison over months and years
Ideal Candidates
The OCT-Guided Glaucoma Assessment Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with suspected or early-stage glaucoma
- Individuals with normal-tension glaucoma requiring sensitive imaging
- High-risk patients (family history, thin corneas, diabetes, high myopia)
- Patients showing visual field defects with unclear origin
- Individuals with asymmetric optic nerve appearance
- Patients with progressing glaucoma despite medication
- Anyone needing precise, long-term imaging for glaucoma monitoring
Possible Risks & Complications
OCT testing is entirely non-invasive and carries no medical risks. However, clinical risks arise if glaucoma is not closely monitored:
- RNFL/GCC thinning may progress unnoticed
- Structural damage may precede visual field loss
- Misinterpretation without serial OCT can delay treatment
- Vascular compromise may require OCTA to identify underlying issues
Korean specialists minimize these risks with:
- AI-supported analysis
- Serial imaging for accurate comparisons
- Layer-by-layer structural segmentation
- Combined functional–structural assessments (OCT + VF)
Surgical Techniques
(Surgery may be recommended if OCT findings show significant progression.)
1. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Used when OCT shows early structural loss that warrants stronger pressure control.
2. MicroPulse Laser Therapy
Ideal for NTG patients with OCT-confirmed RNFL thinning.
3. MIGS Procedures
If OCT shows progressive thinning:
- iStent Inject
- Hydrus Microstent
- KDB Goniotomy
- GATT
- Canaloplasty
4. Filtration or Shunt Surgeries
For advanced structural damage:
- Trabeculectomy
- PreserFlo MicroShunt
- Glaucoma drainage implants
5. Neuroprotective Treatment Strategies
Considered when OCT reveals deep-layer vulnerability.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline OCT Imaging
High-definition scans evaluate RNFL, GCC, ONH, and macular structures.
Step 2 – Structural Analysis
AI software measures thinning patterns, asymmetry, and optic nerve contour.
Step 3 – OCTA Vascular Mapping
Assesses optic nerve blood flow and microvascular health.
Step 4 – Progression Comparison
Serial OCT scans evaluated for month-to-month or year-to-year change.
Step 5 – Treatment Planning
Clinicians adjust medication, laser therapy, or surgical recommendations based on OCT findings.
Program Duration: 20–45 minutes
Setting: High-tech glaucoma imaging and diagnostic center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- No recovery time needed—OCT is non-invasive
- Follow imaging intervals recommended by your specialist
- Discuss any sudden vision changes or discomfort
- Maintain IOP control through prescribed treatments
- Return for repeat scans for accurate progression tracking
Recovery Timeline
Immediate: Results are available the same day
1–6 Months: Serial scans reveal trend patterns
Long-Term: Annual or semiannual imaging ensures lifelong nerve protection
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear, measurable insight into optic nerve and retinal health
- Early detection of glaucomatous thinning
- Identification of progression long before functional loss
- Improved therapeutic decision-making
- Strong correlation with visual field stability
- Enhanced long-term visual preservation
Longevity
- OCT imaging supports decades-long structural monitoring
- Progression algorithms improve accuracy over time
- Continuous imaging prevents unnoticed optic nerve deterioration
- Long-term OCT datasets guide lifelong glaucoma care
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class OCT and OCTA technologies
- Leading specialists skilled in structural glaucoma interpretation
- AI-based progression detection tools
- High diagnostic accuracy in normal-tension glaucoma cases
- Integrated imaging programs combining OCT, OCTA, and visual fields
- Consistent and reliable follow-up systems
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-based RNFL/GCC progression algorithms
- Enhanced lamina cribrosa deep-layer evaluation
- Widefield structural–vascular fusion imaging
- Automated cross-year RNFL and GCC comparison technology
- Structural–functional correlation dashboards
- OCTA-guided optic nerve blood flow risk mapping
These innovations make Korea’s
OCT-Guided Glaucoma Assessment Program
one of the most advanced diagnostic and monitoring systems for glaucoma worldwide.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic OCT Glaucoma Scan | ₩80,000 – ₩150,000 | ~$60 – $110 | RNFL/GCC imaging |
| Advanced OCT + OCTA Program | ₩250,000 – ₩500,000 | ~$190 – $380 | OCTA + ONH analysis + AI review |
| Comprehensive OCT Monitoring Plan | ₩700,000 – ₩1,400,000+ | ~$520 – $1,050+ | Full structural mapping + progression tracking |
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)
