Treatment Overview
The Continuous Anti-VEGF Maintenance Program is a structured, long-term therapy designed to manage chronic retinal conditions such as wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO). Unlike single injections, this program provides scheduled, ongoing intravitreal anti-VEGF treatments combined with imaging-guided monitoring to maintain retinal health, prevent fluid accumulation, and preserve vision.
In Korea, maintenance programs are delivered using advanced precision systems:
- High-resolution OCT and OCT-A for continuous monitoring of retinal edema and neovascular activity
- AI-assisted injection scheduling to optimize intervals and reduce overtreatment
- Sterile intravitreal injections with ultra-fine 30–32G needles
- Digital patient tracking systems to monitor treatment response over time
- Optional combination therapy with laser or steroid implants for refractory cases
- Personalized treat-and-extend protocols for each patient
- Multidisciplinary retina teams ensuring consistent follow-up and outcome optimization
The program aims to stabilize vision long-term, reduce recurrence risk, and improve patient convenience through coordinated scheduling.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Maintain long-term retinal health in chronic retinal diseases
- Prevent fluid accumulation and recurrent macular edema
- Stabilize or improve visual acuity
- Reduce risk of disease progression in AMD, DME, and RVO
- Provide a structured, personalized long-term care plan
- Minimize the need for emergency interventions due to sudden vision loss
Benefits
- Continuous protection against retinal fluid and neovascularization
- Reduces vision fluctuations between injections
- Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
- AI-optimized dosing intervals for fewer injections without compromising efficacy
- Suitable for chronic management in elderly patients
- Enhances adherence and long-term visual outcomes
- Can be combined with laser or steroid therapy when required
Ideal Candidates
The Continuous Anti-VEGF Maintenance Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with wet AMD requiring long-term treatment
- Individuals with chronic DME or RVO
- Patients with persistent or recurrent macular edema
- Those seeking structured, scheduled retinal care
- Patients looking to reduce vision fluctuation and maintain daily functioning
- Individuals previously treated with anti-VEGF who need ongoing monitoring
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild eye irritation or tearing
- Temporary floaters
- Redness at injection site
- Slight blurred vision for several hours
Rare / Serious Risks
- Infection (endophthalmitis)
- Retinal tear or detachment (very rare)
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- Intraocular inflammation
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Limited efficacy if underlying disease progresses
How Korean Clinics Minimize Risks
- Strict sterile technique for every injection
- Pre- and post-injection OCT and fundus imaging
- AI-assisted interval planning to minimize over- or under-treatment
- Experienced retina specialists managing treatment
- Immediate intervention protocols for early complications
- Combination therapy options for resistant edema
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Continuous retinal thickness and edema monitoring
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) – Detect new vessel growth or leakage
- Fundus Photography – Document retinal changes over time
- Laser Therapy (Grid/Micropulse) – Adjunct in persistent edema
- Intravitreal Steroid Implants – For inflammatory or resistant cases
- AI-based scheduling algorithms – Optimize injection frequency and prevent vision loss
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurement
- OCT and OCT-A imaging to evaluate macular status
- Personalized treatment plan with AI-assisted interval scheduling
- Explanation of long-term program and follow-up schedule
Step 2 – Intravitreal Injection Procedure
- Topical anesthetic and antiseptic preparation
- Eyelid speculum placement
- Ultra-fine needle injection of anti-VEGF agent into vitreous cavity
- Post-injection IOP assessment
- Optional OCT confirmation of retinal response
Step 3 – Ongoing Maintenance & Monitoring
- Monthly, bi-monthly, or treat-and-extend injection schedules
- Regular OCT/OCT-A imaging for disease activity
- AI-guided adjustments to interval based on fluid recurrence
- Follow-up consultations with retina specialists
Duration: 5–15 minutes per injection
Setting: Specialized retinal injection suite
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild irritation or floaters are normal
- Avoid rubbing the eye for 24 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic drops if indicated
- Attend all scheduled imaging and follow-up appointments
- Report any sudden vision changes, pain, or flashes immediately
Recovery Timeline
Immediate: Mild blurred vision or floaters
24–48 Hours: Minor symptoms resolve
Ongoing: Continuous monitoring with subsequent injections based on retinal activity
Long-Term: Stabilized visual function with reduced recurrence of edema
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Stabilized or improved vision in chronic retinal conditions
- Reduced recurrence of macular edema
- Long-term maintenance of retinal health
- Fewer vision fluctuations and emergency interventions
- Compatible with combination therapy for refractory cases
Longevity
- Requires ongoing, repeated injections over months to years
- AI-assisted treat-and-extend protocols can reduce injection frequency over time
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for chronic AMD, DME, and RVO patients
- Rare revisions needed unless injection-related complications occur
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced retinal specialists managing chronic AMD and DME
- AI-assisted injection interval optimization for personalized care
- Advanced imaging (OCT, OCT-A, fundus photography) for precise monitoring
- Micro-needle injection techniques for minimal discomfort
- Integration with combination therapies when needed
- English-friendly clinics with structured long-term patient support
- Strict infection control and safety protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided treat-and-extend scheduling
- Digital dashboards tracking retinal fluid and injection history
- Ultra-fine needle no-touch injection techniques
- Combination therapy coordination with anti-VEGF, steroids, or laser
- Patient-centered follow-up reminders and monitoring apps
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Anti-VEGF Injection | ₩150,000 – ₩350,000 | ~$115 – $265 | Drug + injection + OCT |
| Loading Phase (3–4 Injections) | ₩450,000 – ₩1,000,000 | ~$340 – $760 | Multiple injections + imaging + AI analysis |
| Ongoing Maintenance (Treat-and-Extend) | ₩180,000 – ₩400,000 / visit | ~$140 – $305 | Injection + OCT + follow-up |
| Combination Therapy Package | ₩600,000 – ₩1,400,000 | ~$460 – $1,060 | Anti-VEGF + laser/grid therapy + imaging |
| Annual Monitoring Package | ₩250,000 – ₩600,000 | ~$190 – $455 | OCT + OCT-A + fundus imaging + consultation |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital Retina Center (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)
