Treatment Overview
Aflibercept Intravitreal Injection Therapy in Korea is an advanced, image-guided retinal treatment designed to block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin pathways responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth and retinal fluid accumulation. Aflibercept (Eylea / Eylea HD) is a high-potency anti-VEGF agent providing strong drying power and long durability, making it especially effective for conditions such as AMD, DME, and retinal vein occlusion.
Korean retina centers lead globally in precision-guided aflibercept therapy, integrating:
- High-resolution OCT for detailed macular thickness measurement
- OCTA imaging for vascular activity and blood flow mapping
- Ultra-widefield angiography for global leakage assessment
- AI-supported treatment response tracking
- Personalized Treat-and-Extend (T&E) and PRN schedules
- Micro-precision intravitreal injection systems
This program ensures exceptional accuracy in reducing macular edema, suppressing neovascularization, and preserving long-term central vision.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reduce or eliminate macular edema
- Block abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage
- Control active neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Treat diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy
- Manage macular swelling caused by retinal vein occlusion (BRVO/CRVO)
- Maintain central vision stability and prevent irreversible loss
- Monitor therapeutic response with OCT and OCTA imaging
Benefits
- Rapid reduction of retinal fluid
- Strong, long-lasting therapeutic effect (especially with Eylea HD)
- Predictable and reliable drying response shown in OCT imaging
- AI-enhanced monitoring for interval optimization
- High safety profile with minimal procedural discomfort
- Extended dosing intervals possible through T&E protocol
- Effective for both early and advanced retinal vascular diseases
Ideal Candidates
The Aflibercept Intravitreal Injection Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Individuals with diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Patients with diabetic retinopathy requiring vascular control
- Individuals with BRVO or CRVO-related macular swelling
- Patients with myopic CNV needing rapid stabilization
- Individuals experiencing central vision distortion or sudden blurring
- Patients showing persistent fluid despite other anti-VEGF agents
- Anyone requiring long-term retinal monitoring and precision management
Possible Risks & Complications
Aflibercept injections are highly safe when performed by experienced retina specialists. However, potential risks include:
- Mild eye irritation or redness
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage
- Temporary floaters
- Transient intraocular pressure rise
- Infection (extremely rare)
- Retinal tear or detachment (very rare)
Clinical risks of not treating active retinal disease include:
- Persistent macular edema
- Irreversible central vision loss
- Increased vascular leakage and bleeding
- Expansion of abnormal blood vessels
Korean specialists reduce risks through:
- Sterile injection suites
- Ultra-fine micro-needle techniques
- OCT/OCTA-guided treatment evaluation
- Strict pre- and post-injection protocols
- Customized interval adjustments based on AI-supported imaging analysis
Treatment Techniques
- Aflibercept (Eylea)
Standard-dose treatment for AMD, DME, and RVO. - Aflibercept 8 mg (Eylea HD)
High-dose formulation offering extended dosing intervals and stronger drying effect. - Treat-and-Extend Protocol (T&E)
Gradually increased interval based on fluid resolution. - PRN (Pro Re Nata) Regimen
Injections administered only when OCT shows fluid return. - Fixed-Interval Therapy
Ideal for patients needing predictable scheduling.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline Retinal Imaging
High-definition OCT evaluates macular thickness, fluid pockets, and structural changes.
Step 2 – Vascular Activity Assessment
OCTA and/or angiography determine neovascular activity and leakage patterns.
Step 3 – Personalized Treatment Plan
Clinicians select standard or high-dose aflibercept and determine the optimal dosing schedule.
Step 4 – Image-Guided Intravitreal Injection
A painless, sterile intravitreal injection delivers the medication directly into the vitreous cavity.
Step 5 – Post-Injection Monitoring
IOP check and, if required, immediate follow-up imaging to confirm treatment safety.
Program Duration: 15–30 minutes
Setting: Retina-super specialty clinic with dedicated injection rooms
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Do not rub or touch the eye for 24 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic drops if needed
- Expect mild irritation that resolves quickly
- Report sudden pain, flashes, or decreased vision
- Follow the scheduled imaging and injection intervals
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Procedure takes minutes; patient can go home right away
- 24 Hours: Redness or irritation typically resolves
- 1–2 Weeks: Most fluid reduction becomes visible on OCT
- Long-Term: Regular treatment maintains retinal stability
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant reduction in macular edema
- Improved visual clarity and sharpness
- Suppression of abnormal blood vessels
- Stabilization or improvement of central vision
- Strong OCT correlation for objective progress tracking
- Long-term vision preservation with consistent therapy
Longevity
- Effects typically last 4–16 weeks, depending on dose
- Eylea HD allows longer treatment intervals (sometimes 12–16+ weeks)
- Continuous imaging ensures accurate adjustments
- Long-term aflibercept therapy is proven to maintain visual function for years
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly skilled retina specialists with extensive anti-VEGF expertise
- Access to both standard and high-dose aflibercept (Eylea / Eylea HD)
- Advanced OCT, OCTA, and ultra-widefield angiography systems
- AI-driven treatment response and disease progression analysis
- High safety standards with consistently low complication rates
- Efficient follow-up systems for long-term retinal care
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-based fluid dynamics and OCT thickness prediction
- Widefield OCTA–angiography fusion imaging
- Auto-matched multi-visit OCT comparison technology
- Extended-interval prediction models for aflibercept dosing
- Micro-precision, low-pain injection techniques
- OCT-guided therapeutic response scoring systems
These innovations make Korea’s
Aflibercept Intravitreal Injection Program
one of the most advanced retinal treatment systems in the world.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Aflibercept Injection | ₩250,000 – ₩600,000 | ~$190 – $450 | Injection + exam |
| High-Dose Aflibercept (Eylea HD) | ₩350,000 – ₩900,000 | ~$265 – $690 | Injection + OCT imaging |
| Comprehensive Retina Monitoring Plan | ₩1,300,000 – ₩2,100,000+ | ~$1,000 – $1,620+ | OCT/OCTA + treatment planning + follow-ups |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- K-Cure Vision Center (Gangnam)
- Seoul Retina Eye Center
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
