Global Economic Times

Daejeon Woori Eye Clinic’s LAK Surgery Innovates Keratoconus Treatment… High Interest at 'Medical Korea 2026': Global Economic Times Reporter / Updated : 2026-03-23 19:28:46

Introducing New Keratoconus Treatment Technology at the Major Medical Exhibition Held at COEX from March 17–22 Director Min Byung-moo: "We aim to grow into a K-Ophthalmology technology recognized by keratoconus patients worldwide."

Daejeon Woori Eye Clinic’s newly developed keratoconus treatment technology, 'LAK (Laser Asymmetric Keratectomy) Corneal Remodeling,' garnered significant attention at the '16th Global Healthcare & Medical Tourism Conference (Medical Korea 2026)' held at COEX in Seoul. During the event, the technology—displayed at the Daejeon Tourism Organization booth—drew continuous inquiries and high interest from both domestic and international medical professionals and visitors.

Providing a New Treatment Paradigm for the Intractable Disease 'Keratoconus'
Keratoconus is an intractable disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. Existing treatments have often had limited efficacy or concerns regarding side effects, narrowing the treatment options for patients. Director Min Byung-moo explained, "Previously, treatment for keratoconus, a severe intractable disease, was very limited and had significant side effects, leading to a tendency to avoid treatment."

Director Min Byung-moo’s research team, through joint research between South Korea and Germany, developed a 'Corneal Biomechanics-Based Customized Remodeling Technology.' This involves a precise analysis of corneal thickness imbalance and selectively ablating only the thicker areas to create a balanced corneal shape. The technology is implemented by transmitting data analyzed via the 'Vision-Up' program (approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2021) to the MICRON M7 laser equipment for automated ablation. In 2022, it was recognized for its technological prowess by receiving the New Excellent Technology (NET) certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Attracting Severe Cases Nationally… Expanding Demand for International Medical Tourism
Currently, patients with severe keratoconus from across the country are visiting Daejeon Woori Eye Clinic for treatment. Through its participation in Medical Korea, the clinic has also established a foundation for attracting overseas patients. Notably, LAK surgery has shown excellent results not only for severe and early-stage keratoconus but also for treating side effects after LASIK. Its academic foundation is solid, with a total of 14 related papers published in international academic journals, five of which specifically focus on keratoconus.

Selected as a 'World Class Product'… "Taking K-Ophthalmology Technology to the World"
Director Min Byung-moo’s research team has continued to advance the technology, leading to its selection as a 'World Class Product' by KOTRA in 2023. Director Min expressed his ambitions, stating, "I want to grow this into a K-Ophthalmology technology that is recognized and trusted by keratoconus patients all over the world."