Treatment Overview
Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) in Korea is a cornerstone microsurgical procedure used to treat a wide range of vitreoretinal disorders, including retinal detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, vitreomacular traction, and complicated retinal tears. The surgery involves removing the vitreous gel through small incisions in the pars plana, relieving traction on the retina, and allowing for the repair of retinal pathology. PPV can be combined with adjunctive techniques such as ILM peeling, laser photocoagulation, gas or silicone oil tamponade, and cataract surgery.
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced PPV programs that integrate:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G/23G) for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for real-time retinal assessment
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized retinal repair
- Combination with adjunctive procedures such as ILM peeling, laser photocoagulation, or tamponade
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical protocols
- High success rates with minimal complications
This approach ensures precise retinal repair, restoration of retinal anatomy, and improved visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Treat retinal detachments, tears, and vitreous hemorrhage
- Relieve vitreomacular traction and epiretinal membranes
- Repair macular holes and prevent progression of retinal disorders
- Stabilize retinal anatomy and prevent vision loss
- Serve as a platform for adjunctive therapies such as laser or anti-VEGF injections
Benefits
- Minimally invasive with small-gauge incisions
- Faster visual recovery and reduced postoperative inflammation
- Intraoperative OCT ensures precise retinal repair
- Can be combined with cataract surgery for optimal outcomes
- Reduced risk of complications compared to traditional large-incision vitrectomy
Ideal Candidates
Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with retinal detachments or tears
- Eyes with macular holes or vitreomacular traction
- Individuals with epiretinal membranes or vitreous hemorrhage
- Patients with diabetic retinopathy requiring vitrectomy
- Individuals requiring combined procedures such as cataract surgery, ILM peeling, or tamponade
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 repair
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided surgery for accurate retinal repair
- Careful intraoperative tamponade placement when required
- Postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) or Epiretinal Membrane Peeling – Relieves traction
- Intraoperative OCT – Real-time retinal visualization
- Laser Photocoagulation – Secures retinal breaks
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Provides internal retinal support
- Anti-VEGF Therapy – Adjunctive treatment for neovascular conditions
- 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
- Identification of retinal pathology and planning for microincision vitrectomy
- Decide on adjunctive procedures such as ILM peeling, laser, or tamponade
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Select vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G/23G)
- Determine need for ILM or membrane peeling
- Plan adjunctive laser or tamponade if required
- Consider combined cataract surgery
Step 3 – Pars Plana Vitrectomy
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction and hemorrhage
- ILM or epiretinal membrane peeling if indicated
- Apply laser photocoagulation or gas/silicone oil tamponade if needed
- Combine with cataract surgery when necessary
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal repair and macular stability
- 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: 60–180 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced vitreoretinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye
- Follow all prescribed medications strictly
- Maintain head positioning if tamponade is used
- Attend scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision due to microincisions or tamponade
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides; initial visual improvement
- 2–4 Weeks: OCT confirms retinal repair and macular alignment
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures retinal stability
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- High success rate for retinal repair and macular stabilization
- Faster visual rehabilitation due to microincision approach
- Reduced risk of postoperative complications
- Stabilization of retinal and macular anatomy
Longevity
- Permanent repair at treated retinal sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical and adjunctive management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons skilled in PPV
- Microincision 25G/27G/23G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided surgery for precise retinal and macular repair
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized treatment
- Access to combination procedures with cataract surgery, ILM peeling, or tamponade
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- OCT-assisted microincision PPV for real-time retinal visualization
- Microforceps-assisted ILM or membrane peeling
- AI-assisted surgical planning and gauge selection
- Personalized postoperative positioning protocols
- Integration with laser, anti-VEGF, or tamponade therapy
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pars Plana Vitrectomy | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,300 – $6,600 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + OCT follow-up |
| PPV + ILM/Membrane Peeling | ₩7,000,000 – ₩10,000,000 | ~$5,500 – $7,700 | Vitrectomy + ILM or membrane peeling + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (PPV + Cataract) | ₩8,500,000 – ₩12,500,000 | ~$6,600 – $9,600 | Vitrectomy + membrane removal + 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
