Treatment Overview
The Color Fundus Photography Program in Korea is a foundational diagnostic tool that captures high-resolution, full-color images of the retina, optic nerve, macula, and retinal vasculature. This imaging technique allows ophthalmologists to detect, document, and monitor retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, glaucoma, and other optic neuropathies.
Korea is recognized globally for its advanced fundus imaging programs, integrating:
- High-resolution digital fundus cameras
- Widefield fundus imaging (up to 200° coverage)
- Stereoscopic fundus photography for optic nerve evaluation
- AI-assisted lesion detection and grading
- Integration with OCT, OCTA, and fluorescein angiography
- Rapid image acquisition for efficient clinical workflow
- Long-term image archiving for serial comparisons
This program provides a reliable, non-invasive method to monitor retinal health and guide treatment decisions.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect early signs of retinal diseases
- Document retinal changes over time
- Monitor disease progression in chronic conditions
- Guide treatment planning for retinal therapies
- Correlate structural changes with functional vision assessments
- Serve as a baseline for surgical or medical interventions
- Screen high-risk populations for diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy
Benefits
- Non-invasive and quick imaging procedure
- High-resolution images allow detailed assessment of retinal layers
- Enables early detection of microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and drusen
- Facilitates longitudinal monitoring through serial imaging
- AI-assisted grading improves diagnostic accuracy
- Enhances communication with patients using visual documentation
- Safe and suitable for repeated evaluations over time
Ideal Candidates
The Color Fundus Photography Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Diabetic patients for retinopathy screening
- Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Individuals with glaucoma or optic nerve abnormalities
- Patients with retinal vein or artery occlusions
- High-risk individuals (hypertension, high myopia, family history of retinal disease)
- Pre- and post-operative retinal assessments
- Routine ophthalmic checkups for adults over 40
Possible Risks & Complications
Color fundus photography is a non-invasive and safe procedure. Potential minor risks include:
- Temporary pupil dilation discomfort (if dilating drops are used)
- Light sensitivity for a few minutes after imaging
- Rare allergic reaction to dilating drops
- Mild eye strain from prolonged fixation
Korean specialists minimize risks by:
- Using non-mydriatic cameras when possible
- Providing proper patient instructions and support
- Monitoring for adverse reactions to dilation
- Integrating fundus photography with other diagnostic imaging for comprehensive evaluation
Related Diagnostic Techniques
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
Provides cross-sectional retinal imaging for macular edema or glaucoma assessment. - OCTA (OCT Angiography)
Evaluates retinal and choroidal blood flow without dye injection. - Fluorescein Angiography
Detects vascular leakage or neovascularization. - Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF)
Highlights areas of retinal pigment epithelium damage. - Visual Field Testing
Functional assessment correlated with fundus structural findings.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Patient Preparation
- Pupillary dilation may be applied unless using a non-mydriatic camera
- Basic ocular history and visual acuity recorded
Step 2 – Image Acquisition
- High-resolution retinal images captured using fundus cameras
- Widefield imaging for peripheral retina when indicated
- Multiple angles obtained for comprehensive coverage
Step 3 – Image Analysis
- Ophthalmologist or AI software evaluates lesions, optic nerve status, and macular health
- Comparison with prior images for disease progression
Step 4 – Reporting & Follow-Up
- Detailed report provided to the patient and referring physician
- Recommendations for further imaging or treatment if necessary
Program Duration: 10–30 minutes
Setting: High-tech retinal imaging clinic or hospital
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- No downtime required
- Avoid driving immediately if pupils were dilated
- Report any unusual vision changes after imaging
- Maintain scheduled follow-up imaging if part of chronic disease management
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Imaging results available the same day
- 1–6 Months: Serial imaging detects progression for chronic conditions
- Long-Term: Periodic imaging ensures lifelong retinal health monitoring
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- High-resolution retinal images for accurate diagnosis
- Early detection of diabetic, hypertensive, or age-related changes
- Documentation of optic nerve and macular health
- Facilitates timely intervention to preserve vision
- Enables objective comparison over months and years
Longevity
- Fundus images can be archived indefinitely for serial comparisons
- Long-term monitoring improves early detection of retinal disease
- Combined with OCT/OCTA for comprehensive, lifelong retinal care
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced high-resolution and widefield fundus imaging systems
- Experienced retinal specialists interpreting results with precision
- Integration with OCT, OCTA, and AI for superior diagnostic accuracy
- Efficient and patient-friendly imaging workflow
- Strong reputation in diabetic retinopathy and AMD management
- Consistent follow-up systems with comprehensive image archiving
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted lesion detection and grading
- Widefield imaging up to 200° in a single capture
- Automated serial comparison dashboards
- Integration with OCT/OCTA for multimodal evaluation
- Real-time image enhancement for subtle lesion detection
These innovations make Korea’s
Color Fundus Photography Program
one of the most advanced retinal imaging systems in the world.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fundus Photography | ₩50,000 – ₩100,000 | ~$40 – $75 | Single eye imaging, standard fields |
| Widefield Fundus Photography | ₩150,000 – ₩250,000 | ~$115 – $190 | Peripheral retinal coverage, both eyes |
| Comprehensive Retinal Imaging Package | ₩300,000 – ₩500,000+ | ~$230 – $380+ | Fundus + OCT + OCTA + AI-assisted analysis |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Ophthalmology
