Table of contents

• The Surgical Landscape: Procedures for Glaucoma
• Best Clinics in Korea for Secondary Glaucoma Treatment
• A Guide to Glaucoma Surgery in South Korea
• Costs and Medical Tourism
• Patient Narratives: Living with and Beyond Secondary Glaucoma
• Conclusion
• References

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This report offers an accessible overview of secondary glaucoma treatment, useful for patients and the professionals guiding them. It clarifies what secondary glaucoma is, explores the latest surgical treatments, provides practical advice for seeking care as a medical tourist in South Korea, and captures real patient experiences. The key findings are that secondary glaucoma often stems from a reversible cause, that surgery plays an essential role in stopping further vision loss (though it cannot restore lost sight), and that South Korea presents an attractive medical tourism option, marked by advanced technology and comprehensive patient support, even as prices vary.

Defining the Condition

Secondary glaucoma is any glaucoma form triggered by a clear cause that raises eye pressure, ultimately harming the optic nerve and threatening vision. This condition arises when the eye's natural drainage system, the trabecular meshwork, is blocked or damaged, preventing proper outflow of the aqueous humor. As fluid accumulates, intraocular pressure (IOP) climbs, leading to nerve damage either by physical compression or decreased blood flow.

A vital distinction for secondary glaucoma is that addressing the root cause can sometimes normalize eye pressure, reducing or even ending the need for long-term medication—unlike primary glaucoma, which develops without an identifiable cause. Any damage to the optic nerve, however, is permanent. The term secondary ocular hypertension (OHT) applies when IOP is elevated but the nerve remains undamaged. The diagnosis shifts to secondary glaucoma once visible nerve damage occurs.

The Spectrum of Causes and Their Pseudonyms

Secondary glaucoma has a wide range of causes, each shaping treatment decisions.

Traumatic Glaucoma

Traumatic glaucoma results from significant eye injuries—including both blunt and penetrating trauma—and may develop immediately or years after the incident. Blunt trauma can damage inner structures and clog drainage channels with blood or debris, temporarily or permanently raising IOP. Delayed angle recession glaucoma, caused by scarring years after injury, underscores the need for long-term monitoring after serious eye injuries.

Uveitic Glaucoma

Uveitic glaucoma is linked to uveitis, or inflammation of the eye’s middle layer. Inflammation both blocks the drainage system and causes scarring, further hampering outflow. Ironically, steroids prescribed to manage inflammation can increase IOP, adding complexity and highlighting the importance of collaborative, careful treatment.

Neovascular Glaucoma

Neovascular glaucoma is a serious type associated with abnormal blood vessel growth on the iris and drainage channels. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy and central retinal vein occlusion often trigger it, as poor retinal blood supply spurs the release of VEGF, promoting vessel proliferation and impeding fluid drainage. Controlling the underlying systemic disease is crucial for prevention and management.

Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma

Also called pseudoexfoliation syndrome, this variant develops when flaky protein deposits from the lens block drainage. More common with age and among certain ethnic groups, its demographic patterns make early, targeted screening valuable.

Pigmentary Glaucoma

Pigmentary glaucoma involves pigment granules from the iris accumulating in the drainage system, slowly increasing IOP. This form is more frequently seen in young, short-sighted men.

The Surgical Landscape: Procedures for Glaucoma

Surgical intervention does not cure glaucoma or restore lost vision, but it can prevent or slow future vision loss by lowering intraocular pressure. Options fall into three main groups: laser-based, minimally invasive, and traditional filtering surgeries.

Laser-Based Procedures

Laser surgery often comes first for early-to-moderate cases and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT): Target open-angle glaucoma by boosting fluid outflow at the trabecular meshwork. SLT is repeatable; ALT is limited to two sessions.
• Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): Used for narrow-angle glaucoma, this creates a small hole in the iris, improving internal fluid movement and preventing dangerous pressure spikes.
• Cyclophotocoagulation: Reserved for advanced cases, this laser procedure damages parts of the ciliary body to reduce fluid production.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS uses tiny incisions and micro-instruments for faster recovery and reduced risk, often combined with cataract surgery for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.

• Drainage Enhancement Devices: The iStent and Hydrus Microstent are small implants that bypass blockages. The Trabectome removes part of the drainage channel, and Ab Interno Canaloplasty (ABiC) and VISCO360 expand the drainage canal without removing tissue.
• New Drainage Pathways: The Preserflo Microshunt and XEN gel implant create alternate routes for fluid, resulting in a subconjunctival “bleb” that signals successful surgery, usually hidden beneath the eyelid.
• Fluid Production Reduction: Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) uses a laser probe to lower fluid production at its source.

Traditional Filtering Surgery

For cases resistant to other treatments, traditional surgery provides new drainage channels.

• Trabeculectomy: This gold standard procedure creates a new hole in the sclera for fluid drainage, forming a bleb under the conjunctiva, with medications like mitomycin-c applied to prevent scarring.
• Tube Shunt Surgery: A small tube directs fluid from the eye to a reservoir outside, typically used in challenging cases or when previous surgery has failed. Devices include Molteno, Baerveldt, Krupin, and Ahmed shunts.

Glaucoma Surgery at a Glance

Procedure Name	Category	Primary Mechanism	Typical Application	Key Advantages	Key Limitations
SLT/ALT	Laser-Based	Drainage Enhancement	Early-Moderate Glaucoma	Outpatient, repeatable (SLT)	Effect may be temporary, ALT only twice
LPI	Laser-Based	New Drainage Pathway	Narrow-Angle Glaucoma	Prevents glaucoma attacks	Only for narrow-angle glaucoma
Cyclophotocoagulation	Laser-Based	Production Reduction	Severe Glaucoma	Option after failed surgeries	Reserved for severe cases, temporary effect
MIGS (iStent, Hydrus)	Minimally Invasive	Drainage Enhancement	Mild-Moderate Glaucoma	Quick recovery, less invasive	Less effective in severe glaucoma, often paired with cataract surgery
MIGS (Preserflo, XEN)	Minimally Invasive	New Drainage Pathway	Moderate Glaucoma	Less invasive than conventional approaches	Can cause bleb; case-specific suitability
Trabeculectomy	Traditional	New Drainage Pathway	Advanced Glaucoma	Highly effective at reducing IOP	More invasive, longer recovery/follow-up
Tube Shunt Surgery	Traditional	New Drainage Pathway	Complex/Failed Cases	Effective for previous surgery failures	Most invasive, possible complications

Best Clinics in Korea for Secondary Glaucoma Treatment

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for secondary glaucoma treatment:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
BnVIIT Eye Clinic Website	Over 30 years of experience and 550,000 successful eye surgeries; A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System guiding individualized treatment planning; Comprehensive surgical and non-surgical options across refractive surgery, implantable lenses, cataract surgery, and orthokeratology; Minimally invasive refractive procedures: SMILE, All-laser LASIK, and All-laser LASEK (PRK); PIOL (Phakic Intraocular Lenses) for high refractive errors when laser is not ideal; Cataract surgery capability for glaucoma-adjacent cases with intraocular lens replacement; Customized treatment and lifestyle alignment for conservative planning, close monitoring, and long-term ocular protection	A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System; SMILE; All-laser LASIK; All-laser LASEK (PRK); PIOL (Phakic Intraocular Lenses); Modern cataract surgery and intraocular lens replacement
Keye Eye Clinic Website	Evidence-based, disease-focused care designed around accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning; Dedicated Glaucoma Clinic for continuous monitoring and treatment to manage intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage; Strong capability to address underlying causes linked to secondary glaucoma through integrated services, including Cataract Surgery and Lens Dislocation treatment; Retina Clinic support for comorbid conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy and other retinal disorders that may complicate glaucoma care; Advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge technology to support precise assessment and treatment decisions; Comprehensive eye disease coverage (including corneal and conjunctival diseases and dry eye treatment) to support overall ocular health during glaucoma management; Broad surgical and non-surgical expertise through specialized clinics, enabling coordinated care when secondary glaucoma requires multi-faceted treatment	Glaucoma monitoring and treatment (Dedicated Glaucoma Clinic); Cataract Surgery and Lens Dislocation treatment; Retina Clinic support for Diabetic Retinopathy and other retinal disorders; Advanced diagnostics and technology; Comprehensive eye disease management and coverage; Coordinated care through specialized clinics

BnVIIT Eye Clinic

BnVIIT Eye Clinic (B&VIIT Eye Center) is a premier ophthalmology clinic in Gangnam, Korea, recognized for combining deep clinical experience with advanced technology to support safe, individualized care for complex eye conditions, including cases where secondary glaucoma coexists with cataract, refractive error, or other ocular problems that require careful planning and long-term follow-up. With over 30 years of experience and 550,000 successful eye surgeries, the clinic emphasizes precision-driven decision-making through its cutting-edge A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System and a full spectrum of vision correction and lens-based options—an advantage when secondary glaucoma patients need a conservative, customized approach that prioritizes ocular health alongside visual outcomes.

• Extensive expertise and proven surgical volume: Over 30 years of experience and 550,000 successful eye surgeries, supporting consistent safety standards and refined clinical protocols for patients who need extra caution due to elevated eye-pressure risk factors.
• Technology-driven personalization: The A.I. Vision Correction Prediction System helps guide individualized treatment planning—especially valuable when secondary glaucoma requires careful selection of procedures and attention to corneal and anterior segment considerations.
• Comprehensive surgical and non-surgical options under one roof: Broad capability across refractive surgery, implantable lenses, cataract surgery, and orthokeratology allows tailored pathways for patients whose secondary glaucoma is related to, or complicated by, lens changes, prior surgery, or coexisting refractive needs.
• Advanced refractive procedures with minimally invasive choices: SMILE, All-laser LASIK, and All-laser LASEK (PRK) provide multiple routes to vision correction, enabling doctors to choose the most appropriate approach based on corneal thickness, ocular surface status, and overall eye condition.
• Lens-based solutions for complex prescriptions: PIOL (Phakic Intraocular Lenses) can be considered for patients with high refractive errors who are not ideal candidates for laser procedures, offering additional flexibility in individualized care planning.
• Cataract surgery capability for glaucoma-adjacent cases: Since secondary glaucoma commonly overlaps with cataract-related issues, access to modern cataract surgery and intraocular lens replacement supports integrated management when lens opacity or lens-related factors affect vision and eye health.
• Customized treatment and lifestyle alignment: The clinic’s customization options help match treatment intensity and visual goals to each patient’s clinical needs—an important priority for secondary glaucoma patients who often require conservative planning, close monitoring, and long-term ocular protection.

Find more about this clinic here: BnVIIT Eye Clinic Website

Keye Eye Clinic

Keye Eye Clinic in Seolleung provides state-of-the-art eye care with a strong focus on treating eye diseases based on medical evidence and clinical knowledge. For patients seeking Secondary Glaucoma Treatment in Korea, the clinic stands out for its comprehensive, diagnosis-driven approach and its ability to coordinate care across related eye conditions that often contribute to secondary glaucoma, such as cataract, lens dislocation, and retinal disease. With cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment planning, Keye Eye Clinic prioritizes precise evaluation, careful monitoring of intraocular pressure, and tailored management to help protect the optic nerve and preserve long-term vision.

• Evidence-based, disease-focused care designed around accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning
• Dedicated Glaucoma Clinic for continuous monitoring and treatment to manage intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage
• Strong capability to address underlying causes linked to secondary glaucoma through integrated services, including Cataract Surgery and Lens Dislocation treatment
• Retina Clinic support for comorbid conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy and other retinal disorders that may complicate glaucoma care
• Advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge technology to support precise assessment and treatment decisions
• Comprehensive eye disease coverage (including corneal and conjunctival diseases and dry eye treatment) to support overall ocular health during glaucoma management
• Broad surgical and non-surgical expertise through specialized clinics, enabling coordinated care when secondary glaucoma requires multi-faceted treatment

Find more about this clinic here: Keye Eye Clinic Website

A Guide to Glaucoma Surgery in South Korea

As a world leader in medical tourism, South Korea offers streamlined access to advanced glaucoma surgery. Through dedicated platforms, patients get assistance with logistics and receive one-on-one help from a medical coordinator, reducing travel-related stress.

The Step-by-Step Journey

• Pre-Travel: Patients start with a free remote consultation, after which they receive tailored treatment plans and price quotes from trusted clinics. Upon selecting a clinic, patients set a date and prepare documents like passports, bookings, and financial proof.
• In-Country: After arrival (Day 1), patients undergo clinic consultations and diagnostic tests (Day 2). The chosen procedure typically occurs on Day 3, with recovery at the clinic, followed by a post-op check on Day 4.
• Recovery and Follow-Up: Initial rehab lasts a day, with the return to light duties after one week and more strenuous tasks after three. A final checkup around four weeks later ensures success.

Costs and Medical Tourism

Glaucoma Surgery Costs in South Korea

Detailed pricing for glaucoma surgery in South Korea is usually provided after consultation. Although costs might be less than in the U.S., Korean clinics stand out by offering all-inclusive packages featuring consultations, surgery, anesthesia, and follow-up care. The value comes from advanced medical equipment, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive patient support.

A Global Price Comparison

Prices vary widely across countries, and the exact cost depends on the procedure and provider. Patients should always seek a personalized quote for accurate comparison.

Global Cost Comparison for Glaucoma Treatment

Country	"Glaucoma Treatment" (Range)	Specific Procedures: Prices
South Korea	Provided on Request	Trabeculotomy: from $6,400 (inferred from Turkey)
Turkey	from $2,926	Trabeculotomy: from $6,400, SLT: from $500, Iridotomy: from $3,000
Thailand	from $574	No specific procedures listed
India	$5,500-$6,200	1/3rd - 1/10th price of Western countries
Mexico	$750-$2,299	SLT: $750, Trabeculectomy: $2,000 per eye
Saudi Arabia	from $80	No specific procedures listed

South Korea ranks below Singapore, Japan, and India in the Medical Tourism Index, often for reasons other than care quality or cost. While India is praised for its price advantage and simpler visa process, patients should balance cost with the caliber of technology and expertise found in South Korea.

Patient Narratives: Living with and Beyond Secondary Glaucoma

Clinical data is only part of the story. Patient experiences reveal the personal trials and triumphs associated with secondary glaucoma and the profound impacts—positive and challenging—of surgery.

A Tapestry of Experiences

• Congenital Glaucoma: Debra's life-long battle involved excruciating pain and repeated surgeries. Her decision to have her eye removed (enucleation) brought lasting relief, highlighting how surgery can provide quality-of-life improvements even beyond vision preservation.
• Uveitic Glaucoma: When Niki's IOP soared to 80mmHg, a trabeculectomy rapidly restored pressure to a safe range, saving her remaining sight. Her case demonstrates surgery's potential as a life-altering, emergency intervention.
• Pigmentary Glaucoma: Diagnosed at 35, Colleen's story is upbeat; with surgery and ongoing eye drop use, she maintains her active lifestyle, proving long-term management can be successful and minimally disruptive.
• Escaping Medication Burden: Liz and Fern found new freedom and reduced side effects after glaucoma surgery allowed them to stop daily eye drops, further emphasizing the benefits of surgical intervention beyond vision preservation.

The Realities of Treatment Outcomes

Outcomes vary, and surgery is often just one part of lifelong management. Some patients may need repeated procedures and ongoing care, with true success reflected in relief from pain, decreased dependence on medication, and a regained sense of independence. Ultimately, modern glaucoma treatment focuses as much on improving quality of life as it does on preventing further vision loss.

Conclusion

This report outlines the nature of secondary glaucoma, the diverse treatment options available, and the logistics of surgery in South Korea, grounding these in real patient stories. Secondary glaucoma management is complex, but with the right information and professional guidance, patients can take empowered steps toward preserving remaining vision and enhancing their quality of life.

References

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