Glaucoma care in Seoul: protect sight before it is lost
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve gradually and usually without symptoms until vision is lost. Early detection and consistent treatment protect the vision you have, and that is what our glaucoma care focuses on.
Understanding glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve, the cable carrying images from eye to brain. Raised eye pressure is a major risk factor, but glaucoma can also occur with normal pressure, which is common in Korea and East Asia.
Lost vision cannot be restored, so the goal is to find glaucoma early and slow or stop it. Diagnosis combines eye pressure measurement, optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the nerve fibers, visual field testing and examination of the drainage angle.
Treatment usually starts with pressure-lowering eye drops. Laser treatment and surgery are options when drops are not enough or not tolerated.
Who should be checked for glaucoma
Glaucoma often has no early symptoms. These factors make a check-up worthwhile.
Higher risk, get checked
- Age over 40, especially with family history
- High myopia
- Raised eye pressure found at a check-up
- Diabetes or long-term steroid use
- A suspicious optic nerve noted by an optometrist
Tell us first
- Sudden eye pain with nausea and halos needs emergency care
- Recent eye injury: tell us before testing
- Pregnancy changes medication choices
- Some drops are not suitable with certain heart or lung conditions
- Stopping drops without advice risks progression
Your glaucoma visit
- History Family history, medications and symptoms reviewed.
- Pressure Eye pressure and corneal thickness measured.
- Imaging OCT scans the optic nerve and nerve fiber layer.
- Visual field A test maps any blind spots.
- Plan Your doctor explains results and a monitoring or treatment plan.
Living with glaucoma
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Starting treatment | Pressure-lowering drops; check-up after a few weeks to confirm they work. |
| Every 3–6 months | Pressure checks and medication review. |
| Every 6–12 months | Repeat OCT and visual field tests to detect change. |
| If progressing | Laser, adjusted medication or surgery may be recommended. |
| Abroad | We can share results in English for your home ophthalmologist. |
Typical experience only. Your ophthalmologist sets the schedule that fits your results.
Other services
SMILE Pro
The newest generation of SMILE on the VisuMax 800.
Learn about SMILE Pro → Flapless · laserSMILE LASIK
Small-incision correction with no corneal flap.
Learn about SMILE LASIK → Flap · laserLASIK
Proven laser correction with very fast recovery.
Learn about LASIK → Surface · laserLASEK
Surface treatment that preserves corneal tissue.
Learn about LASEK →Common questions
Can glaucoma be cured?
It cannot be reversed, but with treatment most people keep useful vision for life.
Can I have LASIK or SMILE if I have glaucoma?
Sometimes, but it needs careful assessment. Tell us about your diagnosis before your exam.
Does normal eye pressure mean no glaucoma?
No. Normal-tension glaucoma is common, which is why imaging of the optic nerve matters.
Can you send my results to my doctor at home?
Yes, we can provide an English report of your tests.
Book a glaucoma check
Send your prescription and travel dates. A coordinator replies in English and books your 50+ test examination with a board-certified surgeon.
