Treatment Overview
Fluid-Gas Exchange Vitrectomy in Korea is a microsurgical procedure used to treat retinal detachments, macular holes, vitreous hemorrhage, and other vitreoretinal disorders. The procedure involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to remove the vitreous gel, followed by the replacement of intraocular fluid with a sterile gas bubble. This gas bubble acts as an internal tamponade, pressing the retina against the underlying tissue to promote reattachment and healing.
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced fluid-gas exchange vitrectomy programs that integrate:
- Microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G) for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Precise intraocular gas selection and application for controlled tamponade
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for real-time retinal visualization
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal gas positioning
- Combination procedures with membrane peeling, laser photocoagulation, or endophotocoagulation if needed
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical protocols
This approach provides effective retinal reattachment, stabilization of macular structures, and improved visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reattach the retina in cases of retinal detachment
- Promote healing of macular holes or other vitreoretinal pathologies
- Stabilize the retina after membrane peeling or retinal tear repair
- Reduce the risk of recurrent detachment or vision loss
- Complement other retinal procedures such as laser photocoagulation
Benefits
- Minimally invasive, high-precision microsurgical technique
- Controlled gas tamponade allows internal retinal support
- Reduced risk of complications compared to long-term silicone oil in selected cases
- Intraoperative OCT ensures accurate retinal alignment
- Shorter recovery period for patients
- Can be combined with cataract surgery if necessary
Ideal Candidates
Fluid-Gas Exchange Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- Individuals with macular holes requiring internal tamponade
- Eyes with vitreous hemorrhage or persistent traction
- Patients undergoing membrane peeling or ILM peeling
- Individuals requiring combined retinal and cataract surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Minor retinal edema or hemorrhage
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal tear or macular injury
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided surgery for precise retinal repair
- Careful intraoperative gas selection and positioning
- Postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling – Reduces traction
- Laser Photocoagulation – Prevents recurrent detachment
- Endophotocoagulation – Seals retinal tears or neovascular areas
- OCT-Guided Monitoring – Ensures accurate retinal alignment
- Anti-VEGF Therapy – Adjunctive treatment if neovascularization is present
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Mapping retinal tears, detachments, or macular involvement
- Planning for vitrectomy and gas tamponade type
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM peeling or membrane removal
- Evaluate adjunctive procedures such as laser, endophotocoagulation, or anti-VEGF therapy
Step 3 – Fluid-Gas Exchange Vitrectomy
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction or hemorrhage
- Repair retinal tears using laser or cryotherapy if required
- Replace intraocular fluid with a sterile gas bubble for tamponade
- Combine with membrane peeling if necessary
- Position patient postoperatively as required (e.g., face-down for macular holes)
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal reattachment
- 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 for tamponade effect
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or eye rubbing
- Follow all medication instructions strictly
- Attend scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision due to gas bubble
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides; partial visual improvement
- 1–4 Weeks: Gas bubble gradually absorbed; OCT confirms retinal alignment
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures retinal stability and macular health
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful retinal reattachment in most cases
- Improved macular stability and visual outcomes
- Prevention of further detachment or macular damage
- Rapid visual rehabilitation compared to long-acting silicone oil tamponade
Longevity
- Permanent repair at treated retinal sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical and medical management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons with expertise in gas tamponade techniques
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for precision
- AI-assisted surgical planning and individualized gas selection
- Access to combination procedures with cataract surgery or membrane peeling
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- Intraoperative OCT-assisted retinal repair
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal gas tamponade
- Microincision 27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Personalized postoperative positioning protocols
- Integration with laser, anti-VEGF, or pharmacologic adjuncts
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Fluid-Gas Exchange Vitrectomy | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,500 – $5,800 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + gas tamponade + OCT follow-up |
| Gas Exchange + Membrane/ILM Peeling | ₩6,000,000 – ₩9,500,000 | ~$4,600 – $7,300 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + gas tamponade + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (Gas Exchange + Cataract) | ₩7,500,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$5,800 – $9,200 | Vitrectomy + gas tamponade + cataract surgery + 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
