Treatment Overview
Ologen-Assisted Trabeculectomy in Korea is an advanced filtering surgery that incorporates the Ologen collagen matrix implant, a biodegradable, porous scaffold designed to control wound healing and promote a healthy, diffuse bleb. The Ologen implant replaces or supplements traditional anti-fibrotic medications by acting as a spacer that prevents conjunctival and scleral tissues from adhering and scarring too tightly.
Korean glaucoma specialists use the Ologen implant to achieve more natural filtration, lower long-term scarring, and improved bleb architecture, supported by OCT-guided bleb monitoring, AI-enhanced healing prediction, and refined microsurgical techniques.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Modulate wound healing without relying solely on chemical anti-scarring agents.
- Maintain space between sclera and conjunctiva to ensure long-term filtration.
- Reduce scarring that leads to trabeculectomy failure.
- Create a diffuse, low-lying, physiologic bleb.
- Provide safer and more controlled aqueous drainage.
Benefits
- Natural Anti-Scarring: Ologen provides a physical scaffold instead of cytotoxic agents.
- Reduced Complication Risk: Less risk of bleb leaks, avascular blebs, or excessive thinning.
- Diffuse and Stable Bleb Formation: Promotes healthier, long-term filtration.
- Biodegradable: Implant dissolves over 90–180 days, leaving behind an organized filtration space.
- Lower Risk of Hypotony: More controlled initial flow.
- Ideal for Patients Sensitive to MMC or 5-FU: Avoids medication-related side effects.
Ideal Candidates
Ologen-Assisted Trabeculectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients undergoing primary trabeculectomy who need safe scar control.
- Individuals who cannot tolerate or should avoid MMC or 5-FU.
- Patients with mild to moderate scarring risk.
- Those desiring a more physiologic and natural bleb structure.
- Patients with a history of surgical complications from anti-fibrotic agents.
- Eyes with thin conjunctiva that may be sensitive to chemical agents.
Possible Risks & Complications
Ologen is safe and biocompatible, but potential risks include:
- Mild inflammation
- Temporary bleb irregularities
- Delayed initial flow adjustment
- Scar formation requiring additional intervention
- Rare implant displacement
Korean surgeons minimize these risks through precise implant placement, microsurgical flap control, and postoperative bleb monitoring.
Types of Ologen-Assisted Techniques in Korea
Ologen Under the Conjunctiva
Placed above the scleral flap to maintain conjunctival elevation.
Ologen Under the Scleral Flap
Provides structural support and prevents flap collapse.
Dual-Layer Ologen Technique
Implants placed above and below the flap for enhanced modulation.
Ologen + Low-Dose MMC Combination
Uses minimal MMC for patients with higher scarring risk.
Ologen-Assisted Mini-Trabeculectomy
For minimally invasive filtration procedures requiring scar control.
OCT-Guided Ologen Placement
Ensures exact implant positioning and alignment.
Surgical Techniques
AI-Based Healing Prediction
Determines optimal implant configuration and size.
Scleral Flap Creation
Performed with precise thickness to match Ologen mechanics.
Ologen Implant Insertion
Positioned to prevent direct tissue adhesion and encourage filtration.
Trabecular Block Removal
Creates the aqueous drainage pathway.
Flap Closure with Controlled Tension
Balancing outflow with structural stability.
Conjunctival Closure
Ensures a secure environment for implant integration.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Detailed Preoperative Assessment
Includes IOP testing, OCT imaging, conjunctival evaluation, and scarring risk analysis.
Step 2 – Customized Surgical Planning
Surgeon selects implant size, position, and method based on anatomy.
Step 3 – Ologen-Assisted Trabeculectomy
Performed under local anesthesia using minimally traumatic micro-surgical tools.
Step 4 – Postoperative Healing Management
Involves steroids, lubrication, and imaging-based monitoring.
Step 5 – Long-Term Bleb Follow-Up
Ensures proper implant biodegradation and stable filtration.
Treatment Duration: 30–45 minutes
Setting: Outpatient surgical center or hospital
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes or applying pressure.
- Wear protective eyewear at night for one week.
- Attend scheduled follow-ups for OCT imaging and bleb evaluation.
- Report any sudden pain, vision loss, or unusual discharge immediately.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild swelling; implant begins integrating.
- Week 1: Early bleb development becomes visible.
- Weeks 2–4: Controlled filtration stabilizes; implant softens.
- Months 3–6: Ologen biodegrades, leaving a well-organized filtration space.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- 25–45% IOP reduction.
- Diffuse, natural bleb formation without excessive thinning.
- Reduced reliance on anti-scarring medications.
- Lower rates of bleb-related complications.
- Enhanced long-term filtration stability.
Longevity
- Results commonly last 10–15+ years.
- Implant-supported healing reduces early fibrosis and enhances long-term success.
- Additional revision procedures rarely needed.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Pioneers in Ologen-assisted filtration surgery with high global success rates.
- Precision implant positioning using OCT guidance.
- Experience with advanced wound modulation for long-lasting filtration.
- AI-enhanced surgical planning for personalized healing profiles.
- Comprehensive glaucoma care with long-term follow-up.
Unique Korean Innovations
- Biomechanical Ologen placement algorithms.
- Dual-layer implant techniques for extreme healing control.
- Hybrid Ologen + minimal MMC micro-dosing systems.
- 4D OCT monitoring of implant biodegradation.
- Custom-shaped collagen matrix trimming for ideal fit and flow.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Procedure Type | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Ologen-Assisted Trabeculectomy | ₩4,000,000 – ₩6,000,000 | ~$3,000 – $4,500 | Surgery + Ologen implant |
| Dual-Layer Ologen Technique | ₩5,000,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,750 – $5,600 | Two implants + imaging |
| Hybrid Ologen + Low-Dose MMC | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,150 – $6,400 | Ologen + MMC + extended follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul) – Leaders in Ologen-enhanced trabeculectomy.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul) – Specialists in natural bleb modulation with Ologen.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Busan & Seoul) – Experts in collagen-matrix supported filtration.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic – Renowned for OCT-guided implant positioning.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam) – Innovators in hybrid Ologen + MMC techniques.
