Treatment Overview
Gas Tamponade Retinal Repair is a specialized procedure performed during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or sometimes combined with scleral buckling to treat rhegmatogenous or complex retinal detachments. In this procedure, the vitreous cavity is filled with a sterile intraocular gas bubble (such as SF6, C3F8, or air) that presses the detached retina against the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), facilitating adhesion and reattachment of the retina.
In Korea, this procedure is performed using state-of-the-art technology and experienced retinal surgeons:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25–27G) for minimally invasive access
- Widefield intraoperative visualization for precise mapping of retinal breaks
- Endolaser photocoagulation or diathermy to seal retinal tears
- AI-assisted surgical planning to optimize gas volume and positioning
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) for real-time monitoring of retinal reattachment
- Combination with cryopexy, scleral buckle, or fovea-sparing techniques if necessary
Gas tamponade is particularly effective in flattening detached retina, supporting retinal breaks, and maintaining retinal reattachment, with minimal invasiveness and high anatomical success.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reattach detached retina by exerting internal tamponade
- Seal retinal tears, holes, or lattice degeneration
- Reduce vitreoretinal traction and prevent recurrent detachment
- Support adjunctive procedures like endolaser, diathermy, or cryopexy
- Restore retinal anatomy and preserve central and peripheral vision
- Treat both primary and recurrent retinal detachments
Benefits
- Minimally invasive with microincision vitrectomy
- Provides internal support for retinal reattachment
- Effective for complex, posterior, or peripheral detachments
- Can be combined with adjunctive retinal repair techniques
- Rapid flattening of detached retina with predictable outcomes
- Shorter recovery time compared to traditional methods
- High anatomical and visual success rates
Ideal Candidates
Gas Tamponade Retinal Repair in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- Eyes with posterior or multiple retinal breaks
- Detachments complicated by vitreous hemorrhage or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
- Individuals undergoing pars plana vitrectomy
- Patients requiring fovea-sparing or macula-on retinal repair
- Trauma-related or recurrent retinal detachments
- Patients needing adjunctive endolaser, diathermy, or cryopexy
Possible Risks & Complications
Gas tamponade is generally safe but may involve potential risks:
Minor/Transient Issues
- Temporary blurred or distorted vision
- Mild eye discomfort or pressure
- Small floaters due to residual vitreous
Rare/Serious Risks
- Cataract progression (in phakic eyes)
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Gas migration to the anterior chamber
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal or choroidal hemorrhage
- Endophthalmitis (very rare)
- Tamponade-related visual distortion or scotomas
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- AI-assisted planning of gas volume and bubble size
- Real-time intraoperative OCT monitoring
- Microincision vitrectomy to reduce retinal trauma
- Experienced retinal surgeons performing complex vitreoretinal procedures
- Careful postoperative follow-up and patient positioning guidance
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Standard microincision vitrectomy
- Endolaser Photocoagulation – Sealing retinal tears under vitrectomy
- Diathermy or Cryopexy – Adjunctive retinal repair techniques
- Scleral Buckling – Provides additional structural support
- Fovea-Sparing Techniques – Protects central vision in macula-on detachments
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) – Real-time monitoring of retinal reattachment
- AI-Assisted Retinal Mapping – Optimizes surgical planning
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield imaging to identify retinal breaks and detachment zones
- AI-assisted surgical planning to determine optimal gas type, volume, and positioning
Step 2 – Gas Tamponade Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia
- 25–27G microincision vitrectomy performed
- Removal of vitreous traction and hemorrhage
- Retinal tears sealed with endolaser, diathermy, or cryopexy
- Sterile gas injected into vitreous cavity to flatten and tamponade retina
- Adjustments made to gas volume to optimize foveal and peripheral reattachment
Step 3 – Optional Adjunct Procedures
- Scleral buckle placement for structural support
- Fovea-sparing techniques if macula remains attached
- Fluid–air exchange or silicone oil tamponade in complex cases
Step 4 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Immediate postoperative exam within 24 hours
- Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- OCT and fundus imaging to monitor retinal reattachment and tamponade effect
Duration: 60–120 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain head positioning as instructed (usually face-down or specific angle)
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending
- Protect the eye from trauma and contaminants
- Attend all scheduled postoperative follow-ups
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Vision may be blurred or distorted due to gas bubble
- 1–2 Weeks: Retina stabilizes; gradual visual improvement
- 1–3 Months: Vision improves as gas resorbs and retinal adhesion solidifies
- 3–6 Months: Long-term retinal stability confirmed
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Effective flattening and reattachment of detached retina
- Sealing of retinal tears and holes with high anatomical success
- Reduced risk of recurrent retinal detachment
- Preservation of central and peripheral vision
- Can be combined with adjunctive procedures for optimal outcomes
Longevity
- Long-term retinal stability achieved in most cases
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Rarely requires additional intervention if procedure is successful
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced microincision vitrectomy and gas tamponade systems
- AI-assisted preoperative planning for precise gas volume and positioning
- Experienced retinal surgeons specializing in complex detachments
- Integration with laser, diathermy, cryopexy, and fovea-sparing techniques
- Efficient outpatient care and multimodal imaging
- English-friendly clinics for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided intraoperative planning for gas tamponade
- Intraoperative OCT monitoring for retinal reattachment
- Microincision techniques for minimal retinal traction
- Hybrid approaches combining gas tamponade, vitrectomy, and adjunctive laser/cryotherapy
- Digital surgical dashboards for postoperative retinal stability tracking
- Optimized head positioning protocols for faster adhesion
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Gas Tamponade + PPV | ₩5,500,000 – ₩9,000,000 | ~$4,250 – $6,900 | Microincision PPV + gas + laser/diathermy + imaging |
| Gas Tamponade + Fovea-Sparing PPV | ₩6,500,000 – ₩10,500,000 | ~$5,000 – $8,000 | PPV + gas + fovea-sparing technique + adjunct repair |
| Postoperative Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$230 – $620 | OCT + fundus + AI-assisted follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Unit
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
