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Medical Care in China

glaucoma
Treatment in China

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Precision ENT diagnosis and treatmentcovers diseases of the nose, ears, throat and head and neck.

Comprehensive ophthalmological treatmentcovers cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases, etc.

Comprehensive oral restorationcovers implants, prosthodontics, and maxillofacial diseases.

Functional reconstruction supportsthe recovery of hearing, vision, and chewing functions.

Condition Guide

About glaucoma

Understand the condition, common triggers and treatment options that may require specialist assessment.

Disease Introduction

Glaucoma is a blinding eye disease caused by elevated intraocular pressure or insufficient blood supply to the optic nerve, leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve and a gradual narrowing of the visual field. It is often called the "thief of sight." It is common in middle-aged and elderly people, those with high myopia, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those who use hormones long-term. In its early stages, it is often asymptomatic, and by the time it is discovered, irreversible damage has usually already occurred. While lost vision cannot be reversed at present, early intervention can effectively preserve remaining vision and slow the progression of blindness, making it a top priority in blindness prevention.

Cutting-edge high-precision diagnostic and treatment technologies

1. Minimally invasive drainage tube implantation : A biocompatible drainage tube is implanted into the eye through a tiny incision to continuously and steadily lower intraocular pressure without damaging the conjunctiva and scleral flap. It falls under the category of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The incision is only a few millimeters long, recovery is fast, complications are few, and the amount of eye drops used after surgery is significantly reduced. It has been gradually and routinely performed in many centers in China.
2. Second-generation microcatheter incision : Microcatheter-guided 360-degree trabeculotomy eliminates the need for creating a separate drainage channel. Instead, it circularly opens up the natural trabecular meshwork of the eye to drain aqueous humor. It is suitable for all types of primary open-angle glaucoma, is minimally invasive, does not rely on external filtering blebs, can be performed simultaneously with cataract surgery, and has good safety and repeatability.
3. Improved XEN stent : By optimizing the length, placement angle, and primary trimming technique of the gel stent, the intraocular pressure lowering effect is more stable and the risk of complications such as low intraocular pressure is further reduced. This provides a more mature technical improvement option for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and helps patients reduce their long-term dependence on eye drops after surgery.
4. AI-powered early fundus screening : Large-scale population studies have confirmed that the accuracy of AI models in identifying glaucoma optic nerve damage in fundus images is comparable to or even exceeds that of experienced human image interpreters. It can detect signs such as optic disc cupping and optic nerve fiber layer defects, providing a scalable and replicable efficient solution for large-scale community screening and early detection of glaucoma.
5. AI-powered visual field progression prediction : By training a deep learning model using OCT optic nerve fiber layer thickness data, it is possible to directly predict the progression map of visual field damage, helping doctors to detect disease deterioration in advance before patients experience subjective symptoms such as blurred vision, thus enabling earlier intervention and more precise protection of residual visual function.
6. Long-acting sustained-release drug delivery : The integration of intraocular pressure-lowering drugs into the sustained-release system of the intraocular lens is currently in Phase III clinical trials. It is expected that a single surgery can provide long-term and stable drug release, significantly reducing the burden of long-term daily eye drops and compliance issues, and providing a new approach for long-term glaucoma management.

Care Overview

glaucoma Treatment in China

The medical team will develop a personalized protocol based on the pathology type, stage, genetic test, previous treatment history, and the patient's physical condition.

1. Early medication to lower blood pressure : Prostaglandin eye drops are the first choice, used once daily at night. They lower intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the uvea and sclera. They are suitable for mild to moderate early-stage patients. During medication, intraocular pressure and ocular irritation response need to be monitored regularly.
2. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT): Suitable for open-angle glaucoma patients who have poor drug control or do not wish to take medication for a long time. It improves aqueous humor outflow by reshaping the trabecular mesh with laser. The effect of lowering intraocular pressure can last for several years and can be repeated.
3. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery : MIGS minimally invasive glaucoma surgery has a small incision, fast recovery, and fewer complications. It is suitable for mild to moderate glaucoma, or can be performed in conjunction with cataract surgery at the same time, significantly reducing the types and frequency of postoperative eye drops.
4. Traditional filtration surgery : Trabeculectomy is suitable for patients with mid-to-late stage intraocular pressure or those whose intraocular pressure cannot be controlled by medication, laser, or minimally invasive procedures. It powerfully lowers intraocular pressure by establishing a new external drainage channel for aqueous humor, protecting residual optic nerve function. It is suitable for patients with mid-to-late stage intraocular pressure that is difficult to control.
5. Lifelong follow-up monitoring : Glaucoma requires lifelong follow-up, with intraocular pressure, OCT optic nerve fiber layer and visual field checked every 3 to 6 months. The treatment plan is dynamically adjusted according to the condition to ensure that the optic nerve is continuously protected and visual field loss is delayed.

1. Minimally invasive and faster recovery : The incision for MIGS surgery is only a few millimeters, and patients can return to normal life 1-2 days after the operation, which is far superior to the hospitalization period of traditional filtration surgery;
2. Reduce medication burden : After minimally invasive surgery or laser treatment, most patients can significantly reduce the types and frequency of eye drops, avoiding side effects such as red eyes and dry eyes caused by long-term medication;
3. Early screening seizes the golden window : AI-assisted screening can detect optic nerve damage before patients show symptoms, and timely intervention can preserve the vast majority of usable vision;
4. Personalized and precise blood pressure reduction : Based on the patient's intraocular pressure level, visual field progression rate, and degree of optic nerve damage, we customize the optimal combination of medication, laser, and surgery.
5. Extensive medical insurance coverage : Commonly used intraocular pressure-lowering drugs and mainstream laser treatments are covered by medical insurance, and most minimally invasive surgical procedures are also gradually being included in the reimbursement scope.

Network of partner hospitals

Recommended Hospitals

Selected leading medical centers with strong specialties and international patient services.

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

RehabilitationOrgan TransplantRare & Complex DiseasesOncologyGastroenterologyNeurologyUrologyInternal MedicineSurgeryHepatobiliaryOrthopedicsObstetrics & GynecologyENTCosmetic Surgery

In the ranking of Chinese hospitals released by the Fudan University Hospital Management Institute, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has topped the comprehensive ranking for more than ten consecutive years, and has twice ranked first in the national performance evaluation of tertiary public hospitals. Among the 42 specialties covered in the comprehensive specialty ranking, 28 of Peking Union Medical College Hospital's specialties are ranked in the top 10. Nine specialties, including pathology, rheumatology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, neurology, nuclear medicine, emergency medicine, critical care medicine, and allergy, rank first in the country; several specialties, including radiology, anesthesiology, endocrinology, laboratory medicine, ultrasound medicine, and gastroenterology, rank second in the country. The hospital is a national center for the diagnosis and treatment of complex, critical, and rare diseases designated by the National Health Commission, a national demonstration base for higher medical education and standardized residency training, and a national core base for clinical medical research and technological innovation.

Year Founded: 1921
Beds: 3000

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Beijing · Partner Hospital

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

ENT

As a "National Center for Stomatology," the hospital boasts a world-leading scale of stomatological medical services. It possesses all eight of the first batch of national key clinical specialty construction projects in stomatology, including Endodontics, Periodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Mucosal Diseases, and Implant Dentistry. The hospital is the National Center for Quality Management and Control of Stomatological Medicine, entrusted by the National Health Commission. It is the only stomatological hospital in China selected for the pilot program of modern hospital management system. It was among the first stomatological medical institutions nationwide to pass the Level 5 certification for electronic medical records, the Level 4A certification for interoperability, and the ISO 15189 international clinical laboratory certification.

Year Founded: 1941
Beds: 363

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

ENT

The hospital's Department of Otolaryngology is a national key clinical specialty and a national quality control center for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, consistently ranking first in the national specialty rankings for over ten years. The Department of Ophthalmology is a key discipline of the Ministry of Education and a national key clinical specialty, consistently ranking among the top three in China and first in East China in the ranking of best hospital specialties for over ten years. The hospital is one of the world's largest centers for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of otolaryngological-head and neck diseases.

Year Founded: 1952
Beds: 894

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

RehabilitationInternal MedicineOrthopedicsENT

The hospital is a national orthopedic medical center, with orthopedics and sports medicine being two national key clinical specialties. Orthopedics is a national key discipline, one of the first batch of national key clinical specialties designated by the Ministry of Health, the Shanghai Clinical Medical Center for Trauma Orthopedics, and a key construction unit in Shanghai. In the Fudan University's ranking of Chinese hospital specialty reputation, orthopedics has consistently ranked among the top two nationwide for many years, placing it in the first tier. In the comprehensive ranking of China's hospital science and technology (STEM) values, it ranks around 25th nationwide.

Year Founded: 1904
Beds: 2556

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

ENTCosmetic Surgery

The Ninth People's Hospital boasts three national key disciplines: Stomatology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Orthopedics; nine national key clinical specialties; and four national "211 Project" key disciplines. It houses the National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and the National Stomatological Center (Shanghai) will officially be established there in 2026. In the Fudan University ranking of Chinese hospitals, its Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department has consistently ranked first nationwide for many years, its Stomatology department third, and its Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology departments among the top. It is a member of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS) and has multiple international training center designations.

Year Founded: 1920
Beds: 1820

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Guangzhou · Partner Hospital

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

ENT

The center is the only ophthalmology hospital directly under the National Health Commission of China. It is China's only WHO Collaborating Centre for Eye Health and Vision and the only headquarters of international medical academic organizations in China (Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asian Office of the Asian-African Academy of Ophthalmology). For many consecutive years, the center has ranked first in ophthalmology among Chinese hospital specialty reputation rankings and has also ranked first in ophthalmology among Chinese hospital science and technology influence rankings. Furthermore, it is among the top ophthalmology institutions globally according to the Nature Index.

Year Founded: 1965
Beds: 320

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Liu Yunsong

Professor and Vice Dean, specializing in prosthodontics and digital diagnosis and treatment

ENT

Research areas: Clinical, teaching and research in prosthodontics, digital restoration, and implant restoration. Cutting-edge technology: Has long been engaged in clinical, teaching, and research work in prosthodontics. Has led 15 national and provincial-level research projects as principal investigator, published over 0 papers as first/corresponding author, including 2 ESI highly cited papers, and was consecutively listed among the top 2% of scientists globally in 2023 and 2024. Has obtained over 30 nati

Affiliated Hospital National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Xu Gezhi

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Former Director of Ophthalmology

ENT

-Research areas : vitreoretinal diseases, complex fundus surgery, severe ocular trauma; - Areas of expertise: 3D-navigated complex vitreoretinal surgery, repair of macular holes/recurrent retinal detachment; - Areas of expertise: Complex retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, high myopia macular degeneration, severe ocular rupture injury; - Academic Highlights & Core Values: Top domestic fundus surgeon, has completed numerous failed recurrent retinal detachment surgeries at other hospital

Affiliated Hospital Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Zhuo Yehong

Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, and Leader of Glaucoma Department

ENT

-Research areas : Glaucoma optic nerve protection, hereditary glaucoma, and surgery for refractory glaucoma. - Cutting-edge technology: Glaucoma drainage valve/drainage pin implantation, comprehensive optic nerve protection program for advanced glaucoma. - Areas of expertise: Primary angle-closure/open-angle glaucoma, refractory glaucoma with multiple postoperative relapses, and congenital glaucoma. - Academic Highlights: Led the compilation of the Chinese expert consensus on glaucoma diagnosis and treatm

Affiliated Hospital Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Yi Hongliang

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

ENT

Research areas : obstructive sleep apnea, pharyngeal and head and neck tumors; Cutting-edge technology: Bimaxillary advancement (MMA) surgery for severe OSA; Areas of expertise: Severe snoring, pharyngeal tumors, pediatric snoring; Academic highlights: Leading expert in snoring surgery in China; Core value: Promoting precise OSA obstruction plane assessment to improve the surgical efficacy of severe snoring. Zhang Zhichang Associate Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor Research areas : Sacral and deep pel

Affiliated Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Liu Yizhi

Representative of the discipline's founders, Level 2 Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

ENT

-Research areas : ocular stem cells and lens regeneration; pathogenesis and treatment of cataracts. - Cutting-edge technology: Twisting-mode phacoemulsification cataract surgery, bimanual micro-incision phacoemulsification. Human lens regeneration (a major global medical breakthrough in 201). - Areas of expertise: Congenital cataracts, traumatic cataracts, complex cataracts complicated with glaucoma/uveitis, and lens diseases. - Academic Highlights: Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophtha

Affiliated Hospital Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Feng Guodong

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Deputy Director of Department, Leading Person in Otolaryngology

ENT

-Research areas : Middle ear diseases, lateral skull base diseases, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus; - Areas of expertise: Cochlear implantation, ossicular chain reconstruction, and lateral skull base surgery; - Areas of expertise: Chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, lateral skull base tumors, refractory tinnitus; - Academic Highlights & Core Values: Experts in promoting ear microsurgery techniques, focusing on multimodal comprehensive assessment of tinnitus and establishing individuali

Affiliated Hospital Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

CASE 01

PATIENT JOURNEY

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

ENTCosmetic Surgery

Patient records Name: Nguyen Thi Lan Age: 22 years old Nationality: Vietnamese Diagnosis: Skeletal Class III malocclusion (underbite) Treatment Hospital: Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Shanghai) Lan, a 22-year-old university student from Hanoi, Vietnam, is about to graduate. Despite her excellent grades, she suffers from severe underbite, which prevents her from smiling confidently and even affects her chewing and pronunciation. She dreams

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Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

CASE 02

PATIENT JOURNEY

Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

ENT

Patient records Name: Budi Santoso Age: 45 Nationality: Indonesia Diagnosis: Cholesteatoma-type otitis media (involving the ossicular chain) Treatment Hospital: Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai) Budi, a 45-year-old high school music teacher from Jakarta, Indonesia, had been suffering from recurring ear discharge and hearing loss for nearly a year. Worse still, he began to lose his ability to distinguish pitch, a devastating blow to his career. Local doctors diagn

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Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

CASE 03

PATIENT JOURNEY

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

ENT

Patient records Name: Arif bin Ismail Age: 58 Nationality: Malaysia Diagnosis: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) Treatment Hospital: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou) Arif, 58, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a watch repairer. His world consists of intricate gears and delicate hairsprings, requiring exceptional vision. However, a week ago, a fixed black shadow suddenly appeared in his right eye's field of vision, like a giant curtain obscuring half the s

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Service Process

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

01
Pre-Visit Services
Contact us for help organising and translating medical records, planning consultations, and finding suitable hospitals and specialists.
02
Remote Consultations
A remote consultation helps establish an initial approach to diagnosis and treatment, with a cost estimate available within 48 hours.
03
Travel Arrangements
We assist with visa applications, book flights and hotel or apartment accommodation, and arrange airport pick-up, private transport and check-in.
04
Comprehensive Support in China
We accompany you to medical appointments and provide interpreting services, help arrange specialist consultations or surgery, assist with hospital admission and discharge, and help settle medical bills.
05
Post-Visit Services
We assist with notarisation of medical expense documents, airport drop-off, organisation and translation of medical records, remote rehabilitation guidance, and coordination of international referrals.

Next Step

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and Cost Estimate.

Tell us about your diagnosis and needs, and our team will help screen the right hospital and explain the next steps.

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glaucomaTreatment in China

glaucoma Treatment in China

Recommended Hospitals

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

Pre-Visit Services

Remote Consultations

Travel Arrangements

Comprehensive Support in China

Post-Visit Services

Get a Care Planand Cost Estimate.

Get a Care Plan and Estimate

glaucoma
Treatment in China

Get a Care Plan
and Cost Estimate.