Treatment Overview
Bevacizumab Intravitreal Injection is a widely used anti-VEGF therapy applied to treat retinal diseases involving abnormal vessel growth, macular swelling, or vascular leakage. Originally developed as a cancer medication, bevacizumab (Avastin®) is used off-label in ophthalmology due to its strong VEGF-blocking effect and cost-effectiveness. It reduces fluid accumulation, stabilizes vision, and helps prevent disease progression.
In Korea, bevacizumab injections are performed with high precision and advanced safety systems:
- High-resolution OCT and OCT-A to map edema and neovascularization
- AI-based retinal fluid analysis to determine dosing intervals
- Sterile compounding and aliquot preparation under strict safety protocols
- Ultra-fine 30–32G micro-needles for near-painless intravitreal delivery
- No-touch injection technique to minimize infection risks
- Digital treatment tracking platforms for long-term monitoring
- Optional combination therapy with laser or steroids for refractory cases
Bevacizumab is a cost-effective and reliable choice for AMD, DME, RVO, and other neovascular retinal diseases.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reduce macular edema by blocking VEGF
- Prevent growth of abnormal retinal or choroidal vessels
- Stabilize or improve visual acuity
- Slow the progression of retinal diseases requiring long-term therapy
- Provide an affordable alternative to premium anti-VEGF agents
- Enhance outcomes when used with laser or steroid adjuncts
Benefits
- Highly effective at reducing retinal swelling
- Significantly more affordable compared to Aflibercept or Ranibizumab
- Rapid therapeutic effect in most retinal conditions
- Minimally invasive, quick outpatient procedure
- Korean clinics offer AI-optimized treatment intervals
- Suitable for patients needing long-term therapy
- Comparable anatomical outcomes in many disease types
Ideal Candidates
Bevacizumab Intravitreal Injection in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Individuals with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) with macular edema
- Myopic CNV requiring anti-VEGF control
- Patients seeking cost-effective long-term management
- Patients with persistent disease requiring frequent injections
- Individuals combining therapy with laser or steroid implants
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild eye irritation or tearing
- Temporary floaters
- Redness at injection site
- Slight light sensitivity
Rare / Serious Risks
- Infection (endophthalmitis)
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Retinal tear or detachment (extremely rare)
- Intraocular inflammation
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage (cosmetic, harmless)
Korean Clinics Minimize Risks Through
- Ultra-sterile injection suites and strict aseptic technique
- Single-use syringes prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies
- Pre- and post-procedure IOP checks
- Image-guided injection planning
- AI-assisted monitoring for early detection of recurrence
- Regular OCT follow-ups
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Evaluate macular thickness and fluid
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) – Assess neovascular activity
- Fluorescein Angiography – Identify leakage and CNV
- Laser Therapy (Micropulse/Grid) – Adjunct for DME or RVO
- Intravitreal Steroids or Steroid Implants – For inflammatory edema
- Vitrectomy – For tractional or complex macular pathology
- AI-based injection interval algorithms – Optimize dosing strategy
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurement
- OCT and/or OCT-A to assess Edema and CNV
- Angiography for leakage evaluation if needed
- AI-assisted mapping to plan dosing interval
- Explanation of treatment schedule (loading + maintenance)
Step 2 – Intravitreal Injection Procedure
- Topical anesthetic and antiseptic preparation
- Eyelid speculum placement
- Ultra-fine needle injection into the vitreous cavity
- Post-injection IOP evaluation
- Optional OCT confirmation of macular response
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Exam at 1–2 weeks if first injection
- Monthly OCT during the initial loading phase
- Treat-and-extend monitoring every 1–3 months
- Digital treatment logs track fluid recurrence patterns
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Setting: Specialized intravitreal injection suite
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Expect mild irritation or watering
- Do not rub the eye for 24 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic drops
- Avoid swimming for a few days
- Report pain, vision changes, or increased redness urgently
- Attend follow-up imaging as scheduled
Recovery Timeline
Immediate: Slight pressure or floaters may appear
24–48 Hours: Most symptoms resolve
1–2 Weeks: Fluid reduction begins
1–3 Months: Optimal response seen with continued injections
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant decrease in retinal edema
- Improved or stabilized visual acuity
- Reduced risk of disease progression
- Better outcomes when combined with laser or steroids
- Reliable therapeutic effect even in severe or chronic conditions
Longevity
- Effects last 4–8 weeks depending on disease
- Frequent injections may be needed initially
- Treat-and-extend protocols reduce injection frequency over time
- Long-term monitoring is essential for disease stability
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced retinal specialists
- AI-enhanced treatment interval customization
- Ultra-precision injection protocols
- Advanced imaging (OCT, OCT-A, angiography)
- Cost-effective therapy compared to premium anti-VEGF drugs
- Transparent pricing and English-friendly clinics
- Excellent infection control and safety systems
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided fluid monitoring for exact injection timing
- Digitally tracked outcome dashboards
- Ultra-fine needle and no-touch technique for comfort
- Cost-optimized treatment packages
- Integrated care pathways for diabetes, AMD, and RVO
- Optional combination therapy for resistant macular edema
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bevacizumab Intravitreal Injection (Single Dose) | ₩150,000 – ₩350,000 | ~$115 – $265 | Drug + injection + OCT |
| Loading Phase Package (3–4 Injections) | ₩450,000 – ₩1,000,000 | ~$340 – $760 | Multiple injections + imaging + AI analysis |
| Treat-and-Extend Maintenance | ₩180,000 – ₩400,000 / visit | ~$140 – $305 | Injection + OCT + follow-up |
| Combination Therapy Package (Anti-VEGF + Laser) | ₩600,000 – ₩1,400,000 | ~$460 – $1,060 | Bevacizumab + micropulse/grid laser + OCT |
| Annual Retina Monitoring Package | ₩250,000 – ₩600,000 | ~$190 – $455 | OCT + OCT-A + angiography + consultation |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Clinic
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
