Treatment Overview
Myopic Traction Maculopathy Surgery in Korea is a specialized microsurgical procedure aimed at treating macular traction and foveoschisis associated with high myopia. The surgery typically involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and, in selected cases, gas or silicone oil tamponade to relieve retinal traction and promote anatomical restoration of the macula.
Korea is internationally recognized for its advanced MTM surgical programs that integrate:
- Microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G) for minimal invasiveness and faster recovery
- ILM peeling and foveal sparing techniques for traction release
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for real-time macular assessment
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized macular repair
- Combination with adjunctive laser photocoagulation or tamponade as needed
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical protocols
This approach ensures precise release of macular traction, restoration of retinal architecture, and improved central vision.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Release vitreomacular traction in highly myopic eyes
- Flatten macular folds and foveoschisis
- Improve central visual acuity
- Prevent progression to full-thickness macular holes or retinal detachment
- Complement adjunctive therapies such as gas/silicone oil tamponade or laser photocoagulation
Benefits
- Minimally invasive and high-precision microsurgical technique
- Intraoperative OCT ensures accurate ILM peeling and traction release
- Reduces risk of postoperative macular hole formation
- Shorter recovery period compared to traditional vitrectomy
- Can be combined with cataract surgery if needed
Ideal Candidates
Myopic Traction Maculopathy Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with high myopia and macular traction or foveoschisis
- Individuals experiencing central vision distortion or loss
- Eyes at risk of progressing to macular holes or retinal detachment
- Patients suitable for gas or silicone oil tamponade
- Individuals requiring precise macular traction release
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred or fluctuating vision
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Minor retinal edema
Rare/Serious Risks
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Persistent macular edema or incomplete traction release
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided ILM peeling and traction assessment
- Careful postoperative monitoring and positioning
- Adjunctive tamponade or laser therapy when indicated
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling – Relieves traction
- Intraoperative OCT – Real-time macular assessment
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Provides temporary macular support
- Laser Photocoagulation – Stabilizes peripheral retina
- Cataract Surgery – Can be combined if necessary
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Mapping of macular traction, foveoschisis, and retinal thickness
- Planning for vitrectomy, ILM peeling, and tamponade strategy
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM peeling, foveal sparing, and adjunctive tamponade
- Plan combination with cataract surgery if required
Step 3 – MTM Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction
- ILM peeling or foveal sparing ILM technique applied
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade inserted if indicated
- Postoperative positioning prescribed for optimal macular restoration
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm resolution of macular traction and foveoschisis
- 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 persistent traction 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 rubbing or pressing the eye
- Follow all medication instructions strictly
- Attend scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision and visual distortion
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides; initial visual improvement
- 4–6 Weeks: OCT confirms macular flattening and resolution of foveoschisis
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures stable macular anatomy
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Relief of macular traction and flattening of foveoschisis
- Improved central visual acuity
- Prevention of macular hole formation or retinal detachment
- Stabilization of myopic macular architecture
Longevity
- Permanent traction release at treated macular sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk myopic patients
- Combined surgical and adjunctive management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons specializing in high myopia and MTM
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided ILM peeling and foveal sparing techniques
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized macular repair
- Access to combination procedures with cataract surgery or adjunctive tamponade
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- OCT-assisted microincision MTM surgery
- Foveal sparing ILM peeling and traction release
- AI-assisted surgical planning for personalized macular repair
- Integration with gas or silicone oil tamponade
- Personalized postoperative positioning protocols
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard MTM Surgery | ₩7,500,000 – ₩11,500,000 | ~$5,800 – $8,900 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + ILM peeling + OCT follow-up |
| MTM + Gas/Silicone Oil Tamponade | ₩8,500,000 – ₩12,500,000 | ~$6,600 – $9,600 | Vitrectomy + ILM peeling + tamponade + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (MTM + Cataract) | ₩10,000,000 – ₩14,000,000 | ~$7,700 – $10,800 | Vitrectomy + ILM peeling + 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
