Level A Evidence

6 Treatment Options Available

Glaucoma Treatment

Medical and surgical management of intraocular pressure

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that can lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated. Management focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) through medications, laser, or surgery. Chinese glaucoma centers offer the full spectrum of treatment from minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to complex filtering procedures, with advanced diagnostic technology for early detection and monitoring.

JCI Accredited

Advanced Imaging

Laser Technology

Condition Overview

Conditions We Treat

Primary Open-Angle GlaucomaAngle-Closure GlaucomaNormal-Tension GlaucomaSecondary GlaucomaPediatric GlaucomaPseudoexfoliative Glaucoma

Core Technologies

OCT ganglion cell analysis • Visual field testing • MIGS (iStent, Hydrus) • Trabeculectomy with MMC • Glaucoma drainage devices • SLT/ALT laser • 24-hour IOP monitoring

适宜人群

•Newly diagnosed glaucoma needing treatment optimization
•Patients intolerant to glaucoma medications
•Progressive disease despite maximum medical therapy
•Angle-closure glaucoma requiring intervention
•Candidates for MIGS combined with cataract surgery
•Pediatric or secondary glaucoma cases

Regular monitoring is essential for all glaucoma patients

建议在本地考虑

•Patients requiring very frequent IOP monitoring
•Those with advanced disease in one eye needing cautious approach
•Patients needing close coordination with local glaucoma specialist
•Cases with complex post-op management requirements

Evidence: Trabeculectomy achieves 60-80% IOP reduction with 60-80% success at 5 years. MIGS provides modest 15-30% IOP reduction with excellent safety. SLT effective in 70-80% of open-angle cases.

Treatment Options

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

激光

适合：Open-angle glaucoma, alternative or adjunct to drops

技术：Low-energy laser improves drainage through trabecular meshwork

优势：Non-invasive, repeatable, reduces medication burden

10 minutes per eyeFrom $200 per eye

Effective in 70-80% of cases

MIGS (iStent/Hydrus)

微创

适合：Mild-moderate glaucoma, often with cataract surgery

技术：Microscopic stent bypasses trabecular resistance

优势：Extremely safe, quick recovery, reduces drops

5 minutes added to cataract surgeryFrom $1,500 per eye

Growing adoption combined with cataract surgery

Trabeculectomy with MMC

手术

适合：Moderate-advanced glaucoma, failed other treatments

技术：Creates filtration bleb with antimetabolite

优势：Most potent IOP reduction (60-80%), long-lasting

45-60 minutesFrom $2,000

Gold standard filtering surgery

Glaucoma Drainage Device (Tube)

手术

适合：Failed trabeculectomy, neovascular glaucoma, uveitic

技术：Ahmed or Baerveldt tube shunt drains fluid to plate

优势：Reliable long-term IOP control

1 hourFrom $3,000

Specialized glaucoma surgery

Cyclodiode Laser (CPC)

激光

适合：Refractory glaucoma, poor surgical candidates

技术：Destroys ciliary body to reduce aqueous production

优势：No incision, for difficult cases

15-30 minutesFrom $800

Endoscopic or trans-scleral approaches

GATT (Gonioscopy-Assisted)

微创

适合：Open-angle glaucoma, failed SLT, alternative to trab

技术：Internal trabeculotomy using microcatheter

优势：More effective than MIGS, less invasive than trab

30-45 minutesFrom $2,000

Advanced MIGS procedure

费用对比

Trabeculectomy with MMC (Filtering Surgery)

US Eye Center$8,000

UK Private$6,000

MediLink China$2,500

Save 69% vs US • Includes: surgery, mitomycin C, first month follow-up. MIGS procedures from $1,500.

计算费用

治疗流程

Evaluation• Day 1-2

Comprehensive glaucoma workup
OCT RNFL and ganglion cell analysis
Visual field testing
Gonioscopy and pachymetry
Treatment planning

Intervention• Day 3-7

Laser or surgery as planned
Post-op medications
First follow-up visit
Activity restrictions explained

Long-term Care• Ongoing

Regular IOP checks
Visual field monitoring
Medication adjustment
Imaging progression assessment

Clinical Outcomes

IOP Reduction

60-80%

with trabeculectomy

Trab Success 5yr

60-80%

with MMC

SLT Effectiveness

70-80%

open-angle

MIGS Safety

>95%

no serious complications

常见问题

Can glaucoma be cured?

No, glaucoma cannot be cured but it can be controlled. Treatment prevents further vision loss but cannot restore damage already done. Lifelong management is required.

Is glaucoma surgery painful?

No, performed with anesthesia. Post-op discomfort is mild and managed with drops and oral medication. MIGS has virtually no discomfort. Trabeculectomy may have mild irritation for 1-2 weeks.

How long does trabeculectomy last?

Success rates are 60-80% at 5 years. Some patients need revision or additional surgery years later. Regular monitoring is essential to catch failure early.

Can I have cataract surgery if I have glaucoma?

Yes, often beneficial. Cataract surgery alone lowers IOP modestly. Combined cataract-MIGS procedures are increasingly common for dual benefit.

What does glaucoma surgery cost in China for international patients?

Glaucoma surgery China cost (MIGS, trabeculectomy, tube shunts) is typically 50–60% lower than in the US or UK. Our partner centers offer comprehensive diagnostics and JCI-level care. Get a personalized quote via our cost calculator.