Treatment Overview
Air Tamponade Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is a microsurgical procedure used to repair retinal detachments, macular holes, and other vitreoretinal disorders. The procedure involves the removal of the vitreous gel (vitrectomy) and the injection of a sterile air bubble into the eye to provide internal tamponade, pressing the retina against the underlying tissue to promote reattachment and healing.
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced air tamponade vitrectomy programs that integrate:
- Microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G) for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for real-time retinal visualization
- Precise air tamponade application for controlled retinal support
- Combination procedures with gas or silicone oil tamponade if required
- AI-assisted surgical planning and imaging
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical options
This program provides effective retinal reattachment, restoration of retinal anatomy, and improved visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reattach the retina in cases of retinal detachment
- Promote healing of macular holes and other vitreoretinal pathologies
- Stabilize the retina after membrane peeling or retinal tear repair
- Reduce the risk of recurrent detachment or vision loss
- Complement other retinal procedures such as laser photocoagulation
Benefits
- Minimally invasive, high-precision microsurgical technique
- Controlled tamponade with air allows rapid absorption and visual rehabilitation
- Reduced risk of complications compared to long-acting gas or silicone oil in selected cases
- Intraoperative OCT ensures accurate retinal alignment
- Shorter recovery period for patients
- Can be combined with cataract surgery if necessary
Ideal Candidates
Air Tamponade Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- Individuals with macular holes requiring internal tamponade
- Patients with small to moderate vitreous hemorrhage
- High-risk patients needing vitreoretinal membrane peeling
- Individuals requiring combined retinal and cataract surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
While generally safe, potential risks include:
Common/Moderate Risks
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Temporary blurred vision
- Minor retinal edema or hemorrhage
Rare/Serious Risks
- Retinal tear or recurrent detachment
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Persistent macular edema
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided surgery for precise membrane and retinal management
- Careful intraoperative tamponade positioning
- Postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Retinal Break Cryotherapy – Secures peripheral tears
- Laser Barricade or Panretinal Photocoagulation – Prevents recurrent detachment
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling – Reduces traction
- Adjunctive Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Used when prolonged support is required
- OCT-Guided Monitoring – Ensures accurate retinal alignment
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Identification of retinal tears, detachment extent, or macular involvement
- Planning for microincision vitrectomy and tamponade type
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM peeling or membrane removal
- Evaluate if air tamponade alone is sufficient or adjunctive gas/oil needed
Step 3 – Air Tamponade Vitrectomy Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction and hemorrhage
- Repair retinal tears with laser or cryotherapy
- Inject sterile air bubble for internal tamponade
- Position patient as required postoperatively (e.g., face-down for macular holes)
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal reattachment
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure monitoring
- Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops prescribed
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus exams
- Adjustment of patient positioning if needed
- Additional intervention 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 prescribed head positioning for tamponade effect
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or eye rubbing
- Use prescribed medications consistently
- Attend all scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision due to air bubble
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides; partial visual improvement
- 1–4 Weeks: Air bubble absorbed, OCT confirms retinal alignment
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures no recurrence or macular complications
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful retinal reattachment in most cases
- Improved anatomical stability of the retina
- Prevention of further detachment or macular damage
- Rapid visual rehabilitation compared to long-acting tamponades
Longevity
- Permanent repair at treated retinal sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical and medical management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons with expertise in air tamponade techniques
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for precision
- AI-assisted preoperative mapping and surgical planning
- Access to combination procedures with cataract surgery or membrane peeling
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- Intraoperative OCT-assisted retinal repair
- AI-assisted surgical planning for tamponade optimization
- Microincision 27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Personalized patient positioning protocols
- Integration with laser or pharmacologic adjuncts for comprehensive retinal care
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Air Tamponade Vitrectomy | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,500 – $5,800 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + air tamponade + OCT follow-up |
| Air Tamponade + Membrane/ILM Peeling | ₩6,000,000 – ₩9,500,000 | ~$4,600 – $7,300 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (Air Tamponade + Cataract) | ₩7,500,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$5,800 – $9,200 | Vitrectomy + air tamponade + 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
