Treatment Overview
Retinal Fold Correction Surgery is a specialized vitreoretinal procedure aimed at flattening and repositioning folded retina, which can occur after retinal detachment repair, trauma, or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Retinal folds can cause distorted vision, reduced visual acuity, and metamorphopsia if left untreated.
In Korea, retinal fold correction is performed using advanced microsurgical techniques, high-resolution imaging, and minimally invasive approaches:
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) using 25–27G microincision instruments
- Subretinal fluid drainage and retinal massage to flatten folds
- Intraoperative fluid–air or gas tamponade (SF6 or C3F8) to stabilize the retina
- Endolaser photocoagulation or cryopexy to secure retinal attachment
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) for real-time visualization of retinal layers
- AI-assisted surgical planning for precise fold localization and intervention
This surgery allows restoration of retinal architecture, reduces distortion, and optimizes visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Correct retinal folds resulting from detachment repair or trauma
- Restore normal retinal contour and improve visual function
- Prevent secondary complications such as recurrent detachment or epiretinal membrane formation
- Stabilize the retina using tamponade and photocoagulation
- Optimize macular and peripheral retinal anatomy
Benefits
- Minimally invasive microincision surgery for reduced trauma
- Real-time intraoperative OCT guidance for precise fold correction
- High anatomical success with improved visual acuity and reduced distortion
- Can be combined with laser or cryotherapy for permanent adhesion
- AI-assisted planning ensures accurate targeting and efficient surgery
- Rapid postoperative recovery compared to conventional techniques
- Short procedure duration (~90–150 minutes)
Ideal Candidates
Retinal Fold Correction Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with retinal folds after retinal detachment repair
- Eyes with folds due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
- Post-traumatic retinal folds
- Patients experiencing distorted vision or decreased visual acuity
- Individuals with macula-involving folds affecting central vision
- High-risk patients requiring precise microincision vitrectomy and tamponade
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor/Transient Issues
- Mild blurred or distorted vision immediately postoperatively
- Temporary eye discomfort or redness
- Floaters due to intraocular gas or subretinal fluid manipulation
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal folds or detachment
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Cataract progression in phakic eyes
- Endophthalmitis (rare)
- Tamponade-related complications (gas migration or silicone oil issues)
- Epiretinal membrane formation requiring secondary surgery
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- High-resolution intraoperative OCT for real-time fold assessment
- Microincision 25–27G PPV to minimize retinal trauma
- AI-assisted surgical planning and fold localization
- Experienced vitreoretinal surgeons specializing in complex detachments
- Structured postoperative monitoring for early detection of complications
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- OCT and Widefield Fundus Imaging – Evaluate retinal folds and macular involvement
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Microincision removal of vitreous traction and fold correction
- Subretinal Fluid Drainage & Retinal Massage – Flatten retinal folds
- Fluid–Air or Gas Tamponade – Stabilizes the retina post-correction
- Endolaser Photocoagulation / Cryotherapy – Seals retina and prevents recurrent detachment
- Intraoperative OCT & AI-Assisted Planning – Guides precise surgical intervention
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield imaging to assess fold extent, macula involvement, and retinal traction
- AI-assisted planning for optimal incision, fluid management, and tamponade selection
Step 2 – Surgical Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia applied
- 25–27G microincision PPV performed
- Subretinal fluid drained and retinal folds gently massaged
- Fluid–air or gas tamponade applied to flatten the retina
- Endolaser or cryotherapy applied for permanent adhesion
- Intraoperative OCT confirms fold correction and retinal positioning
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Immediate examination within 24 hours
- Follow-up imaging at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- Additional interventions if folds or detachments recur
Duration: 90–150 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain prescribed head positioning if gas tamponade is used
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or eye trauma
- Attend all follow-up imaging sessions
- Report new flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred or distorted vision
- 1–2 Weeks: Retina stabilizes and folds begin to resolve
- 1–3 Months: Visual function improves as retinal architecture restores
- 3–6 Months: Long-term retinal stability and improved visual acuity confirmed
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Flattened retina with corrected folds
- Improved visual acuity and reduced metamorphopsia
- High anatomical success and reduced risk of recurrent folds
- Can be combined with laser, cryotherapy, or tamponade for optimal results
- Rapid recovery and minimal postoperative complications
Longevity
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Retinal architecture maintained long-term in most patients
- Rare repeat surgery needed for recurrent folds
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced microincision PPV expertise for delicate fold correction
- Intraoperative OCT and widefield imaging for precise surgical guidance
- AI-assisted planning for optimal tamponade and fluid management
- Experienced retinal surgeons specializing in complex detachment sequelae
- Integration with laser, cryotherapy, and gas or silicone oil tamponade
- Efficient outpatient follow-up and monitoring
- English-friendly clinics for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted fold localization and surgical planning
- Microincision 25–27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT for real-time visualization of retinal layers
- Hybrid approaches combining PPV, subretinal fluid drainage, and tamponade
- Digital postoperative dashboards for longitudinal monitoring
- Optimized head positioning and fluid management protocols
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microincision PPV for Fold Correction | ₩10,000,000 – ₩16,000,000 | ~$7,650 – $12,200 | PPV + subretinal fluid drainage + tamponade + laser/cryotherapy |
| PPV + Tamponade Combination | ₩11,000,000 – ₩17,500,000 | ~$8,400 – $13,350 | PPV + gas or silicone oil tamponade + laser/cryotherapy |
| Follow-Up 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)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
