Glaucoma Screening in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea — protect your sight before symptoms
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve slowly and usually without pain or early symptoms. Detecting it early with eye-pressure measurement, OCT imaging and visual field testing is the best way to protect your vision.
Board-certified ophthalmologist · Updated October 2026
How is glaucoma detected, and can I get screened in Seoul?
Glaucoma is detected with a combination of eye-pressure measurement (tonometry), optic nerve imaging (OCT), a dilated retinal exam and a visual field test. Because early glaucoma has no symptoms, screening is recommended especially after 40 or with a family history. Apgujeong Eye Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea offers comprehensive glaucoma screening with board-certified ophthalmologists and English-speaking staff.
- Early symptoms
- Usually none
- Key tests
- IOP, OCT, visual field
- Screen from
- Age 40, or earlier if at risk
- Exam time
- About 60–90 min
A silent condition that is very manageable when found early
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve — the cable that carries images to the brain — is gradually damaged, often linked to raised eye pressure. Side vision is usually lost first, so many people do not notice anything until the disease is advanced.
Lost vision cannot be restored, but treatment with eye drops, laser or surgery can slow or stop further damage. That makes regular screening one of the most valuable eye checks you can have.
- Eye-pressure measurement (tonometry) and corneal thickness
- OCT imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer
- Automated visual field testing
- Personalised monitoring and treatment plan
Who should be screened for glaucoma?
Final eligibility is confirmed only after a full diagnostic exam with your surgeon.
Usually a good fit if you…
- Are over 40 years old
- Have a parent or sibling with glaucoma
- Are highly nearsighted
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Use steroid medication long-term
We may suggest another option if…
- You notice sudden eye pain, redness and blurred vision — seek emergency care immediately
- You see sudden flashes or a curtain over your vision — this needs urgent retinal assessment
- You recently had eye surgery elsewhere — bring your records
- You cannot stop contact lenses before testing (we will advise)
- You need a same-day result for a flight — book ahead
What happens during your glaucoma check
History
Family history, medications and previous eye findings.
Eye pressure
Quick, painless tonometry and corneal thickness measurement.
Imaging
OCT scan of the optic nerve and nerve fibre layer.
Visual field
A computerised test of your peripheral vision.
Results
Your ophthalmologist explains findings and next steps in English.
Main types of glaucoma
A simplified overview — your ophthalmologist will explain your specific findings.
| Open-angle | Angle-closure | Normal-tension | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How common | Most common type | Less common | Common in East Asia |
| Symptoms | Gradual, often none | Can be sudden: pain, redness, halos | Gradual, often none |
| Eye pressure | Often raised | Often very high in attacks | Within normal range |
| Typical treatment | Drops, laser, surgery | Laser iridotomy, surgery | Drops, laser, risk-factor control |
Jun Hyun Kim, M.D.
Representative Director · Board-Certified Ophthalmologist. Former Professor & Head of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Hospital; Clinical Fellow, Harvard Medical School / Mass Eye and Ear; reviewer for the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery; ZEISS Global Partnership Award. Member of American Academy of Ophthalmology, ASCRS, ESCRS, Korean Ophthalmological Society.
Frequently asked questions
Does glaucoma have symptoms?
Most types have no early symptoms. Side vision is lost slowly, so screening is the only reliable way to find it early.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Lost vision cannot be restored, but treatment can usually slow or stop further damage when glaucoma is detected early.
Is normal eye pressure a guarantee I don’t have glaucoma?
No. Normal-tension glaucoma is common in East Asia, which is why we also image the optic nerve with OCT and test your visual field.
How often should I be checked?
Without risk factors, every 1–2 years after 40. With risk factors or suspicious findings, your ophthalmologist may recommend every 3–6 months.
Can I have LASIK or SMILE if I have glaucoma?
It depends on the severity and stability. Some patients with well-controlled glaucoma can have vision correction; we assess each case individually.
Explore other options
Get a free assessment before you fly
Send your current prescription on WhatsApp. An English-speaking coordinator replies with suitability notes and available dates.
Closed Thu, Sun & public holidays