Treatment Overview
Pediatric Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is a specialized microsurgical procedure designed to treat vitreoretinal disorders in children, such as congenital retinal detachments, persistent fetal vasculature, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) complications, vitreous hemorrhage, and traumatic retinal injuries. The surgery involves the removal of the vitreous gel through small-gauge pars plana incisions, allowing precise management of retinal pathology while minimizing trauma to the developing eye.
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced pediatric vitrectomy programs that integrate:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) suitable for pediatric eyes
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for real-time retinal visualization
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized pediatric care
- Combination with lensectomy, laser photocoagulation, or gas/silicone oil tamponade if required
- Short anesthesia times and rapid postoperative recovery protocols
- Multidisciplinary care including pediatric ophthalmology and anesthesia specialists
This approach ensures safe and precise retinal repair, stabilization of visual function, and long-term ocular health in children.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Treat congenital or acquired pediatric vitreoretinal disorders
- Repair retinal detachments, vitreous hemorrhage, or tractional membranes
- Prevent vision loss and optimize visual development
- Relieve vitreomacular traction or membrane-induced distortion
- Provide a platform for adjunctive laser or pharmacologic therapy
Benefits
- Minimally invasive with small-gauge incisions
- Shorter anesthesia and surgical time suitable for children
- Intraoperative OCT ensures accurate retinal repair
- Reduces postoperative inflammation and complications
- Can be combined with lensectomy or tamponade for comprehensive care
Ideal Candidates
Pediatric Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Children with congenital retinal detachments or persistent fetal vasculature
- Patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) complications
- Eyes with traumatic retinal injury or vitreous hemorrhage
- Pediatric patients with vitreomacular traction or epiretinal membranes
- Children requiring combined retinal and cataract/lens surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision postoperatively
- Mild inflammation or intraocular pressure fluctuations
- Minor retinal edema
Rare/Serious Risks
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cataract development if lens is preserved
- 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 pediatric surgery for precise membrane and retinal management
- Careful anesthesia and intraoperative monitoring
- Postoperative follow-up with pediatric retinal 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 or ablates abnormal vessels
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Provides internal retinal support
- Lensectomy – Combined lens removal when necessary
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive pediatric ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity/behavioral assessment
- Identification of retinal pathology and planning for microincision vitrectomy
- Determine need for adjunctive laser, tamponade, or lensectomy
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Select appropriate vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G) for pediatric eye size
- Plan for ILM or membrane peeling, laser therapy, or tamponade
- Coordinate with pediatric anesthesia for safe surgery
Step 3 – Pediatric Vitrectomy Surgery
- General anesthesia suitable for children
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction and hemorrhage
- ILM or epiretinal membrane peeling if indicated
- Apply laser photocoagulation or gas/silicone oil tamponade if required
- Combine with lensectomy if needed
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal repair
- Visual function and intraocular pressure monitoring
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus exams
- Visual development monitoring
- Additional interventions only if complications or persistent pathology occur
Duration: 90–180 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced pediatric vitreoretinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye
- Administer medications as prescribed
- Follow postoperative head positioning if tamponade used
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits for visual development monitoring
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision and inflammation
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides; initial visual improvement
- 2–6 Weeks: OCT confirms retinal repair and macular alignment
- Long-Term: Regular monitoring ensures visual development and retinal stability
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful retinal repair in pediatric eyes
- Improved or preserved visual function
- Reduced risk of amblyopia or permanent vision loss
- Stabilization of macular and peripheral retinal anatomy
Longevity
- Permanent repair of treated retinal areas
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for high-risk pediatric patients
- Combined surgical and adjunctive management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced pediatric vitreoretinal surgeons
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma in children
- OCT-guided surgery for precise retinal repair
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized pediatric care
- Access to combination procedures such as lensectomy, laser therapy, or tamponade
- Multidisciplinary pediatric ophthalmology and anesthesia teams
- High success rates with rapid recovery protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- OCT-assisted pediatric microincision vitrectomy
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized pediatric retinal repair
- Microforceps-assisted ILM or membrane peeling
- Integration with laser, anti-VEGF, or gas/silicone oil tamponade
- Personalized postoperative positioning protocols for children
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pediatric Vitrectomy | ₩6,500,000 – ₩10,500,000 | ~$5,000 – $8,100 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + OCT follow-up |
| Pediatric PPV + ILM/Membrane Peeling | ₩8,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$6,200 – $9,300 | Vitrectomy + ILM or membrane peeling + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (PPV + Lensectomy/Tamponade) | ₩9,500,000 – ₩14,000,000 | ~$7,300 – $10,800 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + lensectomy/tamponade + 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
