Treatment Overview
Phaco-MIGS Combo Surgery in Korea combines modern cataract removal (phacoemulsification) with Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in one unified procedure. This dual-approach is one of the most effective ways to manage patients who have both cataracts and glaucoma, providing improved vision while simultaneously reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreasing the need for glaucoma medications.
Korea is a global leader in advanced Phaco-MIGS due to its integration of:
- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS)
- OCT-guided angle imaging
- AI-powered MIGS selection and planning
- High-precision micro-incision systems
- State-of-the-art MIGS devices and canal-based tools
This combined procedure maximizes visual improvement and long-term glaucoma stability while offering faster recovery and greater safety than traditional filtration surgeries.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove cataracts and improve overall vision clarity.
- Reduce IOP by enhancing natural aqueous humor drainage.
- Decrease or eliminate the need for glaucoma medications.
- Provide a minimally invasive approach for glaucoma + cataract patients.
- Slow or prevent glaucoma progression.
Benefits
- Dual Treatment in One Procedure: Restores vision and lowers IOP at the same time.
- Medication Reduction: Many patients reduce or eliminate glaucoma drops.
- Low Trauma & Fast Healing: Small incisions result in minimal irritation.
- Enhanced Outflow: MIGS targets trabecular, canal-based, or subconjunctival pathways.
- Better Long-Term Stability: Reduces damage from fluctuating IOP.
- Safer Than Traditional Surgeries: Very low complication risk with high success rates.
- Improved Visual Quality: Cataract removal significantly enhances clarity and color perception.
Ideal Candidates
Phaco-MIGS Combo Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with coexisting cataracts and glaucoma (mild to moderate stage).
- Individuals whose cataracts are decreasing visual quality.
- Patients seeking spectacle reduction along with glaucoma control.
- Individuals who want to reduce long-term dependency on eye drops.
- People with open-angle glaucoma or angle narrowing who need angle-based MIGS.
- Patients suitable for micro-incisional surgery rather than filtration surgery.
Possible Risks & Complications
Phaco-MIGS is extremely safe. Minor, temporary effects may include:
- Mild irritation or redness
- Transient IOP fluctuations
- Small hyphema (blood reflux)
- Temporary blurred vision
- Inflammation
- Rare device malposition (if implants are used)
Korean surgeons reduce risks through:
- AI-based angle and canal mapping
- Femtosecond laser precision in cataract steps
- OCT-guided MIGS targeting
- Micro-incision stability systems
- Careful postoperative monitoring protocols
Types of MIGS Commonly Paired With Phaco in Korea
1. Trabecular MIGS
- iStent Inject W
- Hydrus Microstent
- KDB Goniotomy
- KDB Glide
These enhance outflow through the trabecular meshwork.
2. Canal-Based MIGS
- GATT
- 360° Canaloplasty
- Novel Schlemm Canal Dilation
These improve flow through Schlemm’s canal and collector channels.
3. Subconjunctival MIGS
- Micro-sclerostomy
- Ologen-assisted MIGS
These create gentle filtration without traditional bleb surgery.
4. Micro-laser MIGS
- ELT (Excimer Laser Trabeculotomy)
- MicroPulse Cyclophotocoagulation
Korea frequently customizes combination MIGS depending on glaucoma severity.
Surgical Techniques
1. AI-Enhanced Preoperative Planning
Determines ideal MIGS type based on canal resistance, angle configuration, and predicted IOP goals.
2. Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery (Optional)
Provides bladeless incisions, capsulotomy, and lens fragmentation.
3. Micro-Incision Phacoemulsification
Removes the cataract through a 2.0–2.2 mm incision with minimal trauma.
4. MIGS Procedure Integration
Performed immediately after cataract removal, targeting one or multiple outflow pathways.
5. Intraoperative OCT Verification
Ensures precise implant placement or canal opening.
6. Postoperative Stability Protocols
Monitor IOP, angle position, and healing progression.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation
Includes OCT, corneal imaging, visual fields, angle analysis, TM mapping, and biometry.
Step 2 – Personalized MIGS Selection
AI-based modeling determines optimal MIGS technique(s) to combine with phaco.
Step 3 – Cataract Surgery (Phaco or FLACS)
Lens removal is performed with micro-incision techniques.
Step 4 – MIGS Procedure Integration
One or multiple MIGS procedures are performed to enhance outflow.
Step 5 – Postoperative Follow-Up
Vision and IOP stabilization are monitored over several weeks.
Treatment Duration: 15–25 minutes (depending on MIGS complexity)
Setting: Outpatient, same-day discharge
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops for 2–4 weeks.
- Avoid eye rubbing, heavy lifting, and swimming for 1 week.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Follow IOP checks precisely as scheduled.
- Continue or taper glaucoma medications only as advised.
Recovery Timeline
Day 1: Vision brighter; mild irritation possible.
Week 1: Vision stabilizes; canal and trabecular outflow pathways open.
Weeks 2–4: Strong IOP reduction; medication tapering may begin.
1–3 Months: Full stabilization with improved vision and steady pressure reduction.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant improvement in vision following cataract removal.
- Moderate to strong IOP reduction depending on MIGS type.
- Decreased reliance on glaucoma medications.
- Improved long-term glaucoma stability and reduced progression risk.
- Fast, comfortable recovery compared to filtration surgeries.
Longevity
- Cataract improvement is permanent.
- MIGS benefits last years, especially with canal-based or hybrid MIGS.
- Korean clinics use AI-based monitoring to maintain long-term pressure control.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-Class MIGS + Cataract Expertise
- Cutting-edge technologies: AI planning, femtosecond lasers, OCT guidance
- Highest surgical precision standards
- Low complication rates and excellent recovery
- Customized, patient-specific MIGS combinations
- Integrated eye-care systems for seamless diagnosis to follow-up
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-calibrated MIGS selection and cataract lens planning
- Hybrid dual- and triple-MIGS combinations with phaco
- Micro-incision stability algorithms
- Digital canal and TM resistance mapping
- Long-term IOP projection through machine learning
These innovations make Phaco-MIGS Combo Surgery in Korea one of the most effective, safe, and future-focused treatments for patients with cataract and glaucoma.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Phaco + Single MIGS | ₩3,500,000 – ₩5,500,000 | ~$2,600 – $4,200 | Cataract surgery + basic MIGS procedure |
| Premium Phaco + Dual MIGS Combo | ₩6,000,000 – ₩9,000,000 | ~$4,500 – $6,800 | Dual MIGS with AI planning + OCT verification |
| Luxury Phaco + Hybrid MIGS Program | ₩10,000,000 – ₩14,000,000+ | ~$7,500 – $10,500+ | Femtosecond phaco + canal-based or subconjunctival MIGS |
Costs vary depending on clinic, MIGS type, imaging technology, and lens choice.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul): Leaders in Phaco-MIGS hybrid surgeries.
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul): Known for precision MIGS combined with femtosecond cataract surgery.
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan): Specialists in multi-MIGS customized Phaco combos.
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic: Expertise in canal-based MIGS integrated with cataract removal.
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam): Advanced AI-enhanced Phaco-MIGS planning.
