Treatment Overview
Subretinal Fluid Drainage Vitrectomy in Korea is an advanced microsurgical procedure designed to treat retinal detachments where fluid accumulates beneath the retina, threatening central or peripheral vision. The procedure involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to remove vitreous traction and subretinal fluid drainage to flatten the retina, often combined with laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, and gas or silicone oil tamponade to maintain retinal reattachment.
Korean retina centers are recognized for their expertise in precise subretinal fluid management, integrating microincision vitrectomy, intraoperative OCT guidance, and AI-assisted surgical planning to ensure safe, effective, and durable outcomes.
Korea’s subretinal fluid drainage vitrectomy programs include:
- 25G/27G microincision vitrectomy for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Controlled subretinal fluid drainage techniques
- Laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy to secure retinal breaks
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade for internal retinal support
- Intraoperative OCT for real-time retinal visualization
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical protocols
- High success rates with low complication incidence
This approach ensures efficient retinal reattachment, restores retinal anatomy, and helps preserve vision.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Drain subretinal fluid in retinal detachments
- Reattach the retina to the underlying tissue
- Reduce vitreoretinal traction
- Prevent progression to permanent vision loss
- Provide a platform for adjunctive procedures such as laser or tamponade
Benefits
- Minimally invasive microincision vitrectomy
- Precise fluid drainage with OCT guidance
- Faster visual recovery compared to traditional approaches
- Can be combined with scleral buckle or cataract surgery if needed
- Reduced risk of recurrent detachment
Ideal Candidates
Subretinal Fluid Drainage Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with subretinal fluid
- Eyes with persistent fluid despite conservative management
- Individuals with retinal tears requiring surgical intervention
- Cases with tractional or combined retinal detachment
- High-risk eyes requiring combined procedures such as cataract surgery or scleral buckle
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Minor retinal edema
- Transient increase in intraocular pressure
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal tear during surgery
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Macular edema
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Severe vision loss in complicated cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for low trauma
- OCT-guided fluid drainage and retinal alignment
- Precise laser or cryotherapy application
- Careful gas or silicone oil tamponade positioning
- Postoperative OCT and fundus monitoring
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Subretinal Fluid Drainage – Controlled removal of fluid
- Laser Photocoagulation – Secures retinal breaks
- Cryotherapy – Reinforces retinal adhesion
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Maintains retinal reattachment
- Intraoperative OCT – Real-time retinal visualization
- Cataract Surgery – Optional combined procedure
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Mapping retinal tears and extent of subretinal fluid
- Planning microincision vitrectomy and drainage strategy
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Selection of vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Decide on need for adjunctive laser, cryotherapy, or tamponade
- Plan combined procedures (scleral buckle or cataract) if indicated
Step 3 – Subretinal Fluid Drainage Vitrectomy
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction
- Controlled subretinal fluid drainage
- Repair retinal breaks using laser or cryotherapy
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade if required
- Optional combined cataract or scleral buckle surgery
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
- Routine 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 head positioning if gas tamponade is used
- Avoid eye rubbing, heavy lifting, or bending
- Use all prescribed eye drops
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Blurred vision due to gas or surgery
- 1–2 Weeks: Reduction in inflammation; early visual recovery
- 4–6 Weeks: Retinal reattachment confirmed; improving vision
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures no recurrence
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful drainage of subretinal fluid
- Complete retinal reattachment
- Stabilized retinal anatomy
- Improved visual outcomes and reduced risk of recurrent detachment
Longevity
- Permanent repair at treated retinal sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical and adjunctive therapies ensure durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided precision in fluid drainage and retinal alignment
- Expertise in combined surgical procedures
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
- Seamless care for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal fluid drainage
- OCT-guided subretinal cannula placement
- Microcannula-assisted drainage for delicate retina
- Integration with laser or cryotherapy for complete repair
- Customized postoperative positioning protocols
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Subretinal Fluid Drainage | ₩6,000,000 – ₩10,000,000 | ~$4,600 – $7,800 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + fluid drainage + OCT follow-up |
| Drainage + Gas/Silicone Tamponade | ₩8,000,000 – ₩12,500,000 | ~$6,200 – $9,600 | Vitrectomy + drainage + gas/silicone oil + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (Drainage + Cataract/Scleral Buckle) | ₩10,000,000 – ₩14,500,000 | ~$7,700 – $11,100 | Vitrectomy + drainage + adjunctive 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
