Treatment Overview
Diabetic Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is a specialized microsurgical procedure for patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy who develop vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment, or other vision-threatening complications. The surgery involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to remove the vitreous gel, blood, and fibrovascular tissue while stabilizing and reattaching the retina.
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced diabetic vitrectomy programs that integrate:
- Microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G) for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Preoperative and intraoperative anti-VEGF injections to reduce bleeding
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for real-time visualization of the retina and membranes
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized management
- Combination procedures with membrane peeling, laser photocoagulation, or tamponade as needed
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical options
This approach provides effective hemorrhage clearance, retinal stabilization, and improved visual outcomes for diabetic patients.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove vitreous hemorrhage caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Repair tractional retinal detachment or retinal tears
- Reduce neovascularization and prevent recurrent bleeding
- Stabilize the retina following membrane peeling or laser therapy
Benefits
- Minimally invasive, high-precision microsurgical technique
- Pre- and intraoperative anti-VEGF therapy reduces intraoperative bleeding
- Intraoperative OCT ensures accurate membrane and retinal management
- Shorter recovery period and faster visual rehabilitation
- Can be combined with cataract surgery or ILM peeling if necessary
Ideal Candidates
Diabetic Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and vitreous hemorrhage
- Individuals with tractional retinal detachment
- Eyes with combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- High-risk patients needing fibrovascular membrane removal
- Patients requiring combined retinal and cataract surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision post-surgery
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Minor retinal edema or hemorrhage
Rare/Serious Risks
- Retinal tear or recurrent detachment
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Persistent macular edema
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- Pre- and intraoperative anti-VEGF therapy for bleeding control
- OCT-guided surgery for precise membrane and retinal management
- Careful postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection – Reduces neovascularization and bleeding
- Laser Photocoagulation – Prevents recurrent retinal damage
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling – Reduces traction
- OCT-Guided Monitoring – Ensures accurate retinal alignment
- Adjunctive Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Provides internal retinal support if needed
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Evaluation of hemorrhage, traction, or retinal detachment
- Planning for vitrectomy, anti-VEGF injection, and adjunctive procedures
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM peeling or membrane removal
- Evaluate adjunctive tamponade or laser requirements
Step 3 – Diabetic Vitrectomy Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia
- Preoperative or intraoperative anti-VEGF injection
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove hemorrhage and fibrovascular tissue
- Repair retinal tears with laser or cryotherapy if required
- Apply tamponade (air, gas, or silicone oil) if needed
- Combine with membrane peeling as necessary
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal stabilization
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure monitoring
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus exams
- Additional interventions only if complications or recurrence occur
Duration: 90–180 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced vitreoretinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain prescribed head positioning if tamponade used
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or eye rubbing
- Follow all medication instructions strictly
- Attend scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision due to surgical intervention
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides, partial visual improvement
- 1–4 Weeks: OCT confirms retinal stabilization
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring prevents recurrence and ensures optimal visual outcomes
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clearance of vitreous hemorrhage
- Retinal stabilization and prevention of recurrent detachment
- Improved visual function and anatomical outcomes
- Reduced risk of neovascular complications
Longevity
- Long-term retinal stability with regular monitoring
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk diabetic patients
- Combined surgical and pharmacologic management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons with diabetic vitrectomy expertise
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Pre- and intraoperative anti-VEGF therapy for bleeding control
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for precision
- AI-assisted surgical planning and individualized patient protocols
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- Pre- and intraoperative anti-VEGF optimization for diabetic eyes
- Intraoperative OCT-assisted retinal repair
- Microincision 27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- AI-assisted surgical planning for complex diabetic cases
- Integration with laser or pharmacologic adjuncts for comprehensive care
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Diabetic Vitrectomy | ₩6,000,000 – ₩9,000,000 | ~$4,600 – $6,900 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + anti-VEGF + OCT follow-up |
| Diabetic Vitrectomy + Membrane/ILM Peeling | ₩7,500,000 – ₩11,000,000 | ~$5,800 – $8,500 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + anti-VEGF + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (Vitrectomy + Cataract + Anti-VEGF) | ₩9,500,000 – ₩14,000,000 | ~$7,400 – $10,900 | Vitrectomy + cataract surgery + anti-VEGF + follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Ophthalmology
