Treatment Overview
Tractional Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy in Korea is a highly specialized microsurgical procedure used to treat tractional retinal detachments (TRD), often caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), vitreoretinal membranes, or scar tissue that pulls the retina away from the underlying tissue. Unlike rhegmatogenous detachments, TRDs occur due to fibrovascular traction, making surgical intervention delicate and complex.
The procedure involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to remove the vitreous gel and fibrovascular tissue, relieving traction, followed by laser photocoagulation, membrane peeling, and sometimes gas or silicone oil tamponade to maintain retinal attachment. Korean retina centers utilize microincision vitrectomy, intraoperative OCT, and AI-assisted surgical planning to ensure maximal precision and safety.
Korea’s tractional retinal detachment vitrectomy programs integrate:
- 25G/27G microincision vitrectomy for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Delicate membrane and fibrovascular tissue removal
- Laser photocoagulation to prevent further neovascularization
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade for retinal stabilization
- Intraoperative OCT for real-time retinal visualization
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical protocols
- High anatomical success rates with minimal complications
This modern approach restores retinal anatomy, reduces traction, and preserves central vision in complex TRD cases.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Release vitreoretinal traction causing retinal detachment
- Reattach the retina to the underlying tissue
- Prevent progression to vision-threatening detachment
- Treat fibrovascular proliferation from diabetic retinopathy or other causes
- Serve as a platform for adjunctive laser or pharmacologic therapy
Benefits
- Minimally invasive microincision surgery
- Precise membrane peeling and fibrovascular removal
- Intraoperative OCT ensures accurate retinal reattachment
- Can be combined with gas or silicone oil tamponade if necessary
- Faster visual recovery compared to conventional approaches
Ideal Candidates
Tractional Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with TRD secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Eyes with fibrovascular membranes causing retinal traction
- Individuals with vision loss or risk of macular involvement
- High-risk detachments not amenable to pneumatic or laser therapy alone
- Cases requiring combined procedures such as cataract surgery or silicone oil tamponade
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Transient increase in intraocular pressure
- Minor retinal edema
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal tears or breaks during membrane removal
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Persistent macular edema
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Severe vision loss in complicated cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided membrane peeling and retinal alignment
- Careful application of tamponade when required
- Meticulous postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Fibrovascular Membrane Peeling – Relieves traction
- Laser Photocoagulation – Prevents further neovascularization
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Maintains retinal attachment
- Intraoperative OCT – Real-time retinal monitoring
- Cataract Surgery – Optional combined procedure
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Mapping retinal traction, fibrovascular membranes, and macular involvement
- Planning vitrectomy, membrane peeling, and tamponade strategy
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Select vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for adjunctive laser or tamponade
- Plan for combined procedures (cataract surgery or silicone oil) if indicated
Step 3 – Tractional Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction
- Membrane peeling and fibrovascular tissue removal
- Laser photocoagulation to secure retina
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade if required
- Optional combined cataract surgery
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal reattachment
- Monitor visual acuity and intraocular pressure
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus exams
- Additional intervention only if recurrent traction or detachment occurs
Duration: 120–180 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced vitreoretinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain head positioning if tamponade is used
- Avoid rubbing eyes, heavy lifting, or bending
- Use prescribed medications consistently
- Attend all scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Blurred vision from surgery or tamponade
- 1–2 Weeks: Reduced inflammation and early visual improvement
- 4–6 Weeks: Retinal reattachment and stabilization
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures no recurrence
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful release of retinal traction
- Reattachment and stabilization of the retina
- Improved visual outcomes in complex TRD
- Reduced risk of macular damage or permanent vision loss
Longevity
- Permanent repair of treated areas
- 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 specializing in TRD
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided membrane peeling and retinal alignment
- Expertise in combined procedures with tamponade or cataract surgery
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted surgical planning for fibrovascular membrane removal
- OCT-guided microincision traction release
- Customized tamponade and positioning protocols
- Integration with laser or pharmacologic therapy for diabetic TRD
- Ultra-fine microforceps for delicate membrane peeling
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard TRD Vitrectomy | ₩7,500,000 – ₩12,500,000 | ~$5,800 – $9,600 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + membrane peeling + OCT follow-up |
| TRD + Gas/Silicone Tamponade | ₩9,500,000 – ₩14,500,000 | ~$7,300 – $11,100 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + tamponade + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (TRD + Cataract) | ₩11,000,000 – ₩16,000,000 | ~$8,500 – $12,300 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + 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
