Treatment Overview
Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy in Korea is an advanced, image-guided treatment that uses anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications to stop abnormal retinal blood vessel growth, reduce macular edema, and preserve central vision. Korean retina centers combine next-generation anti-VEGF agents with high-resolution imaging such as OCT, OCTA, and ultra-widefield systems to deliver precise, safe, and effective care.
Korea is recognized globally for its cutting-edge approach to retinal disease management, integrating:
- High-definition OCT for macular thickness and fluid mapping
- OCTA-based vascular activity and flow analysis
- Ultra-widefield angiography for global leakage assessment
- Image-guided intravitreal injection systems
- AI-assisted monitoring of treatment response
- Personalized dosing schedules (T&E, PRN, and fixed-interval planning)
This program provides unmatched accuracy in removing retinal fluid, controlling neovascularization, and protecting long-term vision.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reduce retinal swelling (macular edema)
- Block abnormal vessel growth in retinal diseases
- Prevent further leakage or bleeding
- Improve and stabilize central visual acuity
- Monitor treatment response using detailed OCT/OCTA imaging
- Slow or stop progression of conditions such as AMD, DME, and RVO
Benefits
- Rapid reduction of macular edema
- High safety with minimal discomfort
- AI-guided analysis for precise treatment intervals
- Strong correlation between imaging findings and visual improvement
- Personalized treatment strategies for long-term visual stability
- Reliable month-to-month comparisons with serial imaging
- Better prediction of future retinal changes
Ideal Candidates
The Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy 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 active control
- Individuals with retinal vein occlusion (BRVO/CRVO)
- Patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV)
- Individuals experiencing new or worsening central vision distortion
- Patients with OCT-confirmed retinal fluid or leakage
- Anyone requiring long-term, precise retinal imaging and treatment monitoring
Possible Risks & Complications
Anti-VEGF injections are highly safe, but as with any intraocular procedure, some risks exist:
- Mild redness or irritation
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage
- Temporary floaters
- Short-term intraocular pressure increase
- Infection (very rare)
- Retinal tear or detachment (extremely rare)
Clinical risks of not treating active retinal diseases include:
- Rapid progression of macular edema
- Permanent central vision loss
- Expansion of abnormal blood vessel growth
- Persistent retinal leakage
Korean specialists minimize treatment risks with:
- Sterile, controlled injection environments
- Precision micro-needle injection techniques
- OCT/OCTA monitoring at each visit
- AI-supported disease activity grading
- Tailored follow-up schedules based on individual response
Treatment Techniques
(Specific techniques and medications are selected based on imaging findings.)
- Aflibercept (Eylea / Eylea HD)
Preferred for strong drying effect and extended durability. - Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
Effective for AMD, DME, and RVO with excellent safety. - Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Cost-effective and widely used in Korea. - Faricimab (Vabysmo)
Dual VEGF and Ang-2 inhibition—ideal for long intervals. - Brolucizumab (Beovu)
Used selectively for resistant macular edema. - Sustained-Release Delivery Systems
Available in select centers for long-term therapy reduction.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline Retinal Imaging
High-definition OCT evaluates macular thickness, fluid pockets, and structural changes.
Step 2 – Vascular Activity Analysis
OCTA and/or angiography assess blood flow, leakage, and neovascular activity.
Step 3 – Personalized Treatment Planning
Clinicians select the optimal anti-VEGF medication and dosing strategy (fixed, PRN, or T&E).
Step 4 – Image-Guided Intravitreal Injection
A sterile, painless injection delivers medication directly into the vitreous cavity.
Step 5 – Post-Injection Evaluation
IOP check and optional imaging ensure safety and assess response.
Program Duration: 15–30 minutes
Setting: Retina-specialized injection room in advanced Korean eye centers
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid rubbing the eye for 24 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic drops if provided
- Expect mild irritation or redness
- Report sudden pain, decreased vision, or flashes
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits for imaging and evaluation
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Procedure completed within minutes
- 24 Hours: Mild irritation typically resolves
- 1–2 Weeks: Peak reduction of retinal fluid begins
- Long-Term: Ongoing injections maintain stable vision
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant reduction in retinal edema
- Improved central vision clarity
- Stabilization of abnormal blood vessel activity
- Reduced leakage and bleeding
- Better long-term visual prognosis
- Improved accuracy of treatment decisions using OCT/OCTA
Longevity
- Effects last 4–16 weeks depending on medication
- Long-term consistency is essential for vision preservation
- Treat-and-Extend schedules can reduce injection frequency
- Continuous imaging guides lifelong retinal management
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class retina specialists with extensive anti-VEGF expertise
- Integration of OCT, OCTA, and ultra-widefield imaging
- AI-based prediction and monitoring tools
- Advanced, low-discomfort injection techniques
- Highly standardized safety and sterilization protocols
- Efficient patient pathways and reliable follow-up systems
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven retinal fluid trend analysis
- Automated comparison of prior OCT data
- Widefield OCTA–angiography fusion imaging
- Advanced Treat-and-Extend algorithm modeling
- Precision-guided micro-injection techniques
- Deep vascular activity scoring using OCTA
These innovations make Korea’s
Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy Program
one of the most advanced and effective systems worldwide for managing retinal diseases.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Anti-VEGF Injection | ₩200,000 – ₩450,000 | ~$150 – $340 | Injection + basic exam |
| Advanced Anti-VEGF Program | ₩500,000 – ₩900,000 | ~$380 – $690 | Injection + OCT imaging |
| Comprehensive Retina Monitoring Plan | ₩1,200,000 – ₩2,000,000+ | ~$920 – $1,550+ | OCT/OCTA + follow-ups + treatment assessment |
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)
