Treatment Overview
Anti-VEGF Injection-Assisted Vitrectomy in Korea is an advanced microsurgical procedure designed for patients with complex vitreoretinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, macular edema, or neovascular complications. The procedure combines pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections to reduce intraoperative bleeding, control neovascularization, and improve postoperative visual outcomes.
Korea is internationally recognized for integrating anti-VEGF therapy into vitrectomy programs with:
- Microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G) for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Preoperative and intraoperative anti-VEGF injections to regress neovascular vessels
- Intraoperative OCT for real-time retinal visualization
- AI-assisted surgical planning and image-guided intervention
- Combined procedures with membrane peeling, laser photocoagulation, or tamponade if needed
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical options
This program provides effective retinal stabilization, reduced intraoperative bleeding, and improved anatomical and functional outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reduce intraoperative bleeding in eyes with neovascularization
- Reattach the retina and remove vitreous hemorrhage
- Control neovascular proliferation in diabetic or ischemic retinal diseases
- Complement adjunctive procedures such as laser photocoagulation or membrane peeling
Benefits
- Minimally invasive, high-precision microsurgical technique
- Preoperative anti-VEGF reduces neovascular bleeding and surgical complications
- Intraoperative OCT ensures precise retinal manipulation
- Shorter surgical time and faster visual recovery
- Can be combined with cataract surgery or ILM peeling when required
Ideal Candidates
Anti-VEGF Injection-Assisted Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or neovascular glaucoma
- Eyes with vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment
- Individuals with retinal vein occlusion and associated macular edema
- High-risk patients undergoing membrane peeling or retinal reattachment
- Patients requiring combined retinal and cataract surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision post-surgery
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- 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
- Pre- and intraoperative anti-VEGF therapy to reduce bleeding
- OCT-guided surgery for precise membrane and retinal management
- Careful postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection – Reduces neovascularization
- Laser Photocoagulation – Prevents recurrent neovascular complications
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling – Reduces traction
- OCT-Guided Monitoring – Ensures accurate retinal alignment
- Adjunctive Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Provides internal retinal support if needed
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Evaluation of neovascularization, retinal tears, or hemorrhage
- Planning for microincision vitrectomy and anti-VEGF timing
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM peeling or membrane removal
- Evaluate adjunctive tamponade or laser requirements
Step 3 – Anti-VEGF Injection-Assisted Vitrectomy
- Local or general anesthesia
- Preoperative or intraoperative intravitreal anti-VEGF injection
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous hemorrhage and traction
- Repair retinal tears with laser or cryotherapy if required
- Combine with membrane peeling or tamponade as needed
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal stabilization
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure monitoring
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular 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 prescribed head positioning if tamponade used
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or eye rubbing
- Follow all medication instructions strictly
- Attend scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision due to surgical intervention
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides, partial visual improvement
- 1–4 Weeks: OCT confirms retinal stabilization
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring for neovascular recurrence
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Stabilization or reattachment of retina
- Reduced intraoperative and postoperative bleeding
- Improved visual function and anatomical outcomes
- Prevention of further neovascular complications
Longevity
- Long-term retinal stabilization
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical and pharmacologic management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons with anti-VEGF expertise
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Pre- and intraoperative anti-VEGF integration for bleeding control
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for precision
- AI-assisted surgical planning and individualized patient protocols
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- Preoperative and intraoperative anti-VEGF optimization
- Intraoperative OCT-assisted retinal repair
- Microincision 27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- AI-assisted surgical planning for high-risk neovascular cases
- Integration with laser or pharmacologic adjuncts for comprehensive retinal care
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Anti-VEGF-Assisted Vitrectomy | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,300 – $6,600 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + pre/intraoperative anti-VEGF + OCT follow-up |
| Anti-VEGF + Membrane/ILM Peeling | ₩7,000,000 – ₩10,500,000 | ~$5,500 – $8,100 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + anti-VEGF + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (Vitrectomy + Anti-VEGF + Cataract) | ₩9,000,000 – ₩13,500,000 | ~$7,000 – $10,400 | Vitrectomy + anti-VEGF + 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
