Treatment Overview
Ologen-Assisted MIGS in Korea combines modern Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) techniques with the Ologen Collagen Matrix, a biodegradable scaffold designed to regulate healing, prevent scarring, and promote long-term filtration. Ologen is placed externally (subconjunctivally) or adjacent to the drainage outflow site created during MIGS to ensure that the tissue heals in a controlled, non-fibrotic manner—leading to more predictable, long-lasting intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction.
Korean ophthalmology centers enhance this approach using:
- OCT-guided bleb morphology assessment
- AI-based fibrosis prediction models
- Low-trauma conjunctival manipulation
- Hybrid MIGS filtration techniques
- Precision placement protocols for Ologen
This innovative method bridges the gap between traditional filtering surgery and MIGS, offering safer, more stable outcomes without aggressive wound-modulation drugs.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reduce scarring after MIGS procedures involving subconjunctival filtration.
- Stabilize long-term outflow by modulating tissue healing.
- Enhance IOP reduction beyond what standard MIGS can achieve.
- Provide a gentler alternative to mitomycin-C (MMC) for wound modulation.
- Support bleb formation and prevent fibrosis-related failure.
Benefits
- Biodegradable & Drug-Free: Ologen uses natural collagen structure, avoiding MMC-associated risks.
- Enhanced IOP Reduction: Improves flow stability for long-term effectiveness.
- Reduced Scarring: Controls fibroblast orientation and slows excessive tissue growth.
- Safe Healing Profile: Encourages healthy, diffuse filtration instead of cystic blebs.
- Minimally Invasive: Requires no large incisions and integrates easily into MIGS steps.
- Greater Predictability: Reduces long-term failure rates compared to untreated blebs.
Ideal Candidates
Ologen-Assisted MIGS in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients undergoing subconjunctival MIGS such as Xen-like micro-shunt procedures.
- Individuals with high risk of scarring or fibrosis, including younger patients and those with thick Tenon’s tissue.
- Patients who previously experienced scarring-related glaucoma surgery failure.
- Individuals seeking a drug-free (non-MMC) wound-modulation alternative.
- Patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma who need strong IOP control.
Possible Risks & Complications
Ologen has a strong safety profile. Mild temporary effects may include:
- Subconjunctival swelling
- Mild irritation or foreign-body sensation
- Transient redness
- Slight pressure fluctuations
- Rare partial absorption irregularity (usually self-correcting)
Korean surgeons reduce risks with:
- AI-calibrated placement zone selection
- OCT-guided bleb monitoring
- Microincisional delivery techniques
- Customized postoperative care
Surgical Techniques
1. AI-Assisted Healing & Fibrosis Prediction
Determines ideal placement and filtration pattern to prevent scarring.
2. Micro-Incision Access (MIGS Step)
Performed during a subconjunctival MIGS procedure such as a micro-shunt or controlled filtration tunnel.
3. Ologen Placement
A small Ologen implant is positioned subconjunctivally to encourage diffuse filtration.
4. Controlled Healing Support
Ologen’s porous collagen architecture regulates fibroblast organization and reduces fibrosis.
5. OCT-Based Verification
Surgeons confirm bleb formation, Ologen placement, and tissue adaptation.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Glaucoma Evaluation
Includes IOP measurement, OCT, conjunctival assessment, and fibrosis-risk analysis.
Step 2 – MIGS Procedure Planning
Selection of filtration MIGS technique (micro-shunt, micro-sclerostomy, subconjunctival bypass).
Step 3 – MIGS Procedure Execution
A micro-incision is created, and a controlled filtration tract is established.
Step 4 – Ologen Placement
Ologen is gently inserted to support the bleb and prevent scarring.
Step 5 – Postoperative Monitoring
Regular follow-ups ensure proper healing, bleb morphology, and stable IOP.
Treatment Duration: 15–25 minutes
Setting: Outpatient, same-day discharge
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory drops for 2–4 weeks.
- Avoid pressure on the eye and refrain from rubbing.
- Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Follow scheduled check-ups at Day 1, Week 1, Month 1, and thereafter.
- Medication tapering depends on postoperative IOP response.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Mild conjunctival swelling; early stabilization begins.
Week 1: Bleb and filtration pattern become more defined.
Weeks 2–4: IOP reduction becomes stable as Ologen integrates.
1–3 Months: Ologen biodegrades, leaving a healthier, stabilized filtration bleb.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Strong and sustained IOP reduction.
- Healthier, diffuse bleb formation and reduced fibrosis.
- Less risk of bleb failure compared to surgeries without wound modulation.
- Gentle healing without MMC-related thinning.
Longevity
- Ologen-assisted results often last years, especially in moderate to advanced glaucoma.
- Ologen biodegrades within 90–180 days, leaving a structured space that promotes optimal filtration.
- Korean follow-up protocols ensure long-term stability.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Leaders in Biodegradable Wound Modulation: Korean surgeons are pioneers in drug-free bleb stabilization.
- Advanced Imaging: OCT and UBM guide placement and monitor postoperative healing.
- AI-Guided Fibrosis Control: Predicts individualized scarring patterns.
- Low-Trauma Surgery: Microincisional techniques ensure minimal irritation.
- Exceptional Outcomes: High long-term success in controlling IOP with fewer complications.
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-calibrated Ologen placement and sizing
- OCT-guided bleb and Ologen assimilation monitoring
- Hybrid MIGS models using Ologen + micro-sclerostomy or Ologen + Xen-like MIGS
- Personalized fibrosis-mitigation algorithms
- Long-term drainage modeling using machine-learning systems
These advancements make Ologen-Assisted MIGS in Korea one of the safest, most effective, and most predictable minimally invasive glaucoma treatments available.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Ologen-Assisted MIGS | ₩1,800,000 – ₩3,000,000 | ~$1,350 – $2,250 | MIGS + basic Ologen placement |
| Premium OCT-Guided Ologen Package | ₩3,200,000 – ₩4,800,000 | ~$2,400 – $3,600 | AI planning + OCT monitoring + advanced MIGS technique |
| Hybrid Ologen Filtration Program | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,000,000+ | ~$4,100 – $6,000+ | Ologen + micro-sclerostomy or subconjunctival shunt |
Pricing depends on clinic technology, surgeon expertise, and MIGS combinations.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Leaders in Ologen-assisted filtration MIGS.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Experts in OCT-guided wound modulation and bleb monitoring.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Specialists in hybrid Ologen + MIGS combinations.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Focused on fibrosis-control techniques for long-term success.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Innovators in AI-guided Ologen implantation.
