Treatment Overview
Chorioretinal Scar Formation Laser is a precise retinal procedure that uses targeted laser energy to create controlled burns on the retina, inducing a scar that seals retinal tears, holes, or areas of weakness. This scar formation anchors the retina to the underlying tissue, preventing or repairing retinal detachment and stabilizing vulnerable retinal regions.
In Korea, this treatment is performed with advanced technology that ensures precision, safety, and optimal outcomes:
- High-resolution fundus laser systems (argon, diode, or pattern scan lasers)
- Widefield imaging and OCT guidance for accurate targeting
- AI-assisted detection of retinal breaks, lattice degeneration, or thinning
- Integration with other procedures such as vitrectomy, cryopexy, or scleral buckling if required
- Real-time monitoring of laser impact to minimize collateral damage
- Outpatient setup with rapid recovery protocols
This approach is particularly effective for early intervention, prophylaxis in high-risk eyes, and adjunctive therapy in complex retinal cases.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Induce a controlled scar to seal retinal tears or holes
- Reinforce weakened retinal areas to prevent detachment
- Treat early-stage rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- Stabilize lattice degeneration or peripheral retinal thinning
- Complement other retinal repair techniques (vitrectomy, buckle, cryopexy)
- Minimize the risk of vision loss by strengthening retinal adhesion
Benefits
- Non-invasive outpatient procedure
- Precise targeting with minimal damage to healthy tissue
- Rapid treatment with minimal discomfort
- Can be combined with other retinal therapies for complex cases
- Short recovery time; patients can resume normal activities immediately
- Reduces risk of future retinal detachment
- Long-term retinal stabilization in high-risk eyes
Ideal Candidates
Chorioretinal Scar Formation Laser in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with retinal tears or holes
- Individuals with lattice degeneration or thinning
- Patients with early-stage or localized retinal detachment
- High myopia patients at risk for retinal breaks
- Patients with history of prior retinal surgery requiring reinforcement
- Individuals seeking preventive retinal stabilization
- Patients undergoing adjunctive therapy with vitrectomy or buckle
Possible Risks & Complications
Chorioretinal laser is generally safe, but potential risks include:
Minor/Transient Issues
- Mild eye discomfort or light sensitivity
- Temporary blurred vision
- Small floaters or afterimages
- Minor conjunctival irritation
Rare/Serious Risks
- Incomplete sealing of retinal tears
- Rare retinal hemorrhage
- Overlapping burns causing localized scotoma
- Induction of new retinal breaks (rare)
- Cystoid macular edema (very rare)
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- AI-assisted retinal mapping to ensure accurate targeting
- Widefield OCT and fundus imaging for complete evaluation
- Adjustable laser parameters to reduce collateral damage
- Post-treatment monitoring for early detection of complications
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Fundus Photography & OCT – Pre- and post-treatment evaluation
- Laser Photocoagulation (Pattern Scan or Argon Laser)
- Cryopexy Retinal Repair – Adjunctive or alternative therapy
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Combined for complex detachments
- Scleral Buckling – When additional structural support is needed
- Widefield Imaging – Ensures complete coverage of at-risk retina
- AI-Assisted Retinal Analysis – Detects subtle breaks or lattice degeneration
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity and IOP
- Fundus photography and OCT mapping of retinal tears or lattice areas
- AI-assisted identification of high-risk zones
- Determination of laser energy, spot size, and pattern
Step 2 – Laser Procedure
- Local anesthesia with eye drops (proparacaine)
- Laser applied through slit-lamp delivery or indirect ophthalmoscope
- Targeted spots placed around retinal tear, hole, or lattice degeneration
- Real-time monitoring ensures precise scar formation
Step 3 – Optional Adjunct Procedures
- Cryopexy or vitrectomy if required for complex detachments
- Combination with gas or air tamponade for additional support
Step 4 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Immediate examination after procedure
- Follow-up imaging at 1–2 weeks and 1 month
- Monitoring for retinal adhesion and new tear formation
Duration: 10–30 minutes
Setting: Outpatient retinal laser center or ophthalmology clinic
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops
- Limit strenuous activity for 24–48 hours
- Monitor for sudden flashes, floaters, or vision changes
- Attend scheduled follow-ups
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurring or light sensitivity
- 1–3 Days: Initial scar formation; vision largely stable
- 1–2 Weeks: Scar stabilizes; retinal adhesion confirmed
- 1 Month: Full treatment effect achieved
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Strong adhesion around retinal tears or holes
- Prevention of progression to retinal detachment
- Stabilization of high-risk retinal areas
- Minimal discomfort and quick recovery
- Can be combined with other procedures for higher success
- Long-term retinal stability and vision preservation
Longevity
- Permanent scar formation at treated sites
- Periodic monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Early detection of new tears improves long-term outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced laser systems with high precision and safety
- AI-assisted retinal mapping for accurate targeting
- Highly experienced retinal specialists
- Integration with adjunctive procedures for complex detachments
- Efficient outpatient treatment with rapid recovery
- Multimodal imaging for long-term retinal surveillance
- English-friendly care at top eye centers
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted identification of subtle retinal defects
- Widefield laser delivery systems for peripheral retina coverage
- Real-time OCT monitoring during laser application
- Hybrid procedures combining laser, cryopexy, and vitrectomy
- Digital follow-up dashboards to track scar formation and retinal stability
- Optimized energy delivery to minimize collateral damage
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Retinal Laser (Single Tear/Hole) | ₩600,000 – ₩1,200,000 | ~$460 – $920 | Laser + imaging + outpatient procedure |
| Laser + Widefield Imaging Package | ₩1,000,000 – ₩1,800,000 | ~$770 – $1,380 | OCT + fundus + laser treatment |
| Adjunctive Laser with Cryopexy/Vitrectomy | ₩3,500,000 – ₩6,500,000 | ~$2,700 – $5,000 | Combined retinal repair procedures |
| Postoperative Monitoring Package | ₩200,000 – ₩600,000 | ~$150 – $460 | OCT + fundus + AI-assisted evaluation |
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
