Treatment Overview
Anti-VEGF Combination Therapy involves using anti-VEGF injections (such as Aflibercept, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, or Faricimab) together with complementary treatments—like laser therapy, steroid implants, or vitrectomy—to improve outcomes in complex retinal diseases. This multi-modal approach is especially effective for patients with persistent or refractory macular edema, neovascularization, or tractional retinal pathology.
In Korea, combination therapy is performed using cutting-edge diagnostics, precision-guided delivery, and AI-assisted treatment planning:
- OCT, OCT-A, and widefield angiography to evaluate edema, leakage, and neovascular growth
- AI-driven retinal thickness algorithms to optimize injection intervals
- Micropulse or grid laser for targeted edema reduction
- Steroid implants or intravitreal steroids for inflammation-dominant disease
- Adjunctive vitrectomy for tractional or non-responsive cases
- Ultra-fine microinjection systems to ensure minimally invasive therapy
- Digital treatment dashboards to track long-term outcome patterns
Combination therapy enhances the effect of anti-VEGF agents, especially in conditions where VEGF alone is not the only disease driver.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Provide more complete control of macular edema
- Reduce retinal leakage and abnormal vessel growth
- Address inflammatory, vascular, and tractional components simultaneously
- Prevent vision loss in treatment-resistant retinal diseases
- Extend the interval between anti-VEGF injections
- Achieve better anatomical and functional outcomes
Benefits
- Stronger and more durable edema reduction
- Improved vision compared to monotherapy in resistant cases
- Reduced number of injections over time
- Targets multiple disease pathways (VEGF, inflammation, traction)
- Highly effective for DME, RVO, wet AMD, and myopic CNV
- Customized care through Korea’s AI-based treatment planning
- Faster stabilization of the retina
Ideal Candidates
Anti-VEGF Combination Therapy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with refractory or persistent DME despite anti-VEGF monotherapy
- Wet AMD with incomplete regression of CNV
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) with chronic or recurrent edema
- Myopic CNV needing enhanced control of leakage
- Inflammatory or steroid-responsive edema
- Eyes with tractional components requiring partial surgical intervention
- Patients seeking extended dosing intervals and fewer injections
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild irritation, redness, or tearing
- Temporary floaters after injection
- Brief sensitivity to light
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Rare / Serious Risks
- Infection (endophthalmitis)
- Elevated intraocular pressure (especially with steroids)
- Cataract progression (steroid-related)
- Retinal tear or detachment (very rare)
- Intraocular inflammation
- Laser-induced retinal scarring (rare with micropulse)
- Incomplete response if underlying pathology persists
How Korean Clinics Minimize Risks
- AI-assisted disease profiling to choose the safest combination
- Ultra-sterile injection suites and controlled airflow
- Micropulse laser to avoid thermal damage
- Pre- and post-procedure IOP and OCT monitoring
- Precise technique by highly trained retina specialists
- Tailored combination plans to limit steroid exposure
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Evaluate edema response
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) – Assess abnormal vessel activity
- Fluorescein / Indocyanine Green Angiography – Map leakage patterns
- Micropulse / Grid Laser Photocoagulation – Reduce chronic edema
- Intravitreal Steroid Implants (Ozurdex, Iluvien)
- Intravitreal Steroids (Triamcinolone)
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy for traction or non-resolving edema
- AI-based interval optimization for long-term control
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Full eye examination including VA and IOP
- OCT and OCT-A to determine edema, thickness, and CNV activity
- Angiography for leakage mapping
- AI-assisted analysis for optimal therapy sequence
- Discussion of medication type, laser choice, or steroid options
Step 2 – Combination Treatment
Treatment is customized but may include:
- Anti-VEGF Injection
- Ultra-fine microinjection
- No-touch sterile technique
- Aflibercept, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, or Faricimab
- Laser Therapy (Micropulse or Grid)
- Performed the same day or within days
- Targets chronic leakage or non-responding areas
- Intravitreal Steroid or Steroid Implant
- For inflammation-driven edema
- Used when anti-VEGF alone is insufficient
- Adjunct Vitrectomy
- For traction, persistent edema, or mixed pathology
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- OCT monitoring within 2–4 weeks
- Monthly imaging during the initial phase
- Treat-and-extend follow-up every 1–3 months
- AI-based tracking to identify reactivation early
Duration: 10–30 minutes (procedure-specific)
Setting: Outpatient retina treatment suite
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild discomfort or redness is normal
- Do not rub your eyes for 24 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops
- Avoid swimming for 3–4 days
- Report severe pain, vision loss, or increased redness immediately
- Keep scheduled OCT and follow-up visits
Recovery Timeline
Immediate: Mild irritation or pressure sensation
24–48 Hours: Most discomfort resolves
1–2 Weeks: Edema starts to improve noticeably
1–3 Months: Best visual and anatomical stabilization
Long-Term: Treat-and-extend schedule maintains results
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Enhanced reduction in macular thickness
- Improved or stabilized visual acuity
- Faster resolution of leakage and inflammation
- Reduced recurrence compared to monotherapy
- Effective for chronic or treatment-resistant cases
Longevity
- Combination therapy reduces the frequency of injections
- Korea’s AI protocols aim to extend intervals to 2–4 months
- Long-term monitoring ensures stability
- Some chronic diseases require continuous maintenance
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Retina specialists with global expertise in combination therapy
- AI-assisted edema and CNV activity mapping
- Advanced laser systems (micropulse, pattern lasers)
- Seamless integration of anti-VEGF, steroids, and surgical options
- Ultra-clean injection suites and strict infection control
- English-speaking medical teams for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-based treat-and-extend algorithms
- Micropulse laser protocols for minimal thermal damage
- Custom multimodal regimens tailored to OCT-mapped fluid patterns
- Digital outcome tracking tools for long-term management
- Combined anti-VEGF + steroid implant pathways for severe edema
- Robotic-aligned injection systems in select hospitals
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-VEGF + Laser Combination (Single Session) | ₩700,000 – ₩1,500,000 | ~$530 – $1,140 | Anti-VEGF + micropulse/grid laser + OCT |
| Anti-VEGF + Steroid Implant | ₩1,200,000 – ₩2,800,000 | ~$900 – $2,120 | Anti-VEGF + implant + imaging |
| Triple Therapy Package (Anti-VEGF + Laser + Steroid) | ₩1,500,000 – ₩3,500,000 | ~$1,140 – $2,650 | Multimodal therapy + AI monitoring |
| Combination with Vitrectomy | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,800,000 | ~$3,450 – $5,980 | PPV + anti-VEGF + laser/implant |
| Follow-Up Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩700,000 | ~$230 – $530 | OCT + OCT-A + angiography + consultation |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital Retina Center (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Clinic
- Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH)
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
