Treatment Overview
The Corticosteroid Implant Program in Korea provides a sustained-release solution for managing chronic macular edema and inflammatory retinal diseases. Corticosteroid implants, such as Ozurdex® (dexamethasone) and Iluvien® (fluocinolone acetonide), deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the vitreous cavity, reducing fluid accumulation, vascular leakage, and inflammation over months.
Korea is recognized globally for its advanced retinal therapy programs, integrating:
- High-precision intravitreal implant injection techniques
- OCT and OCTA imaging for edema and retinal structure evaluation
- Sterile injection suites with real-time monitoring
- AI-based macular edema progression tracking
- Combined therapy with anti-VEGF when indicated
- Personalized dosing intervals and follow-up protocols
This program offers a long-acting alternative for patients who require more durable control of retinal inflammation or edema.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Treat chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) resistant to anti-VEGF therapy
- Manage retinal vein occlusion (RVO)-related macular edema
- Control posterior uveitis and other intraocular inflammatory conditions
- Reduce the frequency of intravitreal injections
- Stabilize vision in patients with recurrent edema
- Provide sustained drug delivery to minimize systemic side effects
Benefits
- Long-lasting effect (up to 6 months for Ozurdex®, up to 3 years for Iluvien®)
- Direct intraocular delivery reduces systemic exposure
- Significant reduction in macular thickness
- Improved or stabilized visual acuity
- Reduces treatment burden for chronic conditions
- Precise implantation minimizes risk to surrounding retinal tissue
- Safe when performed by Korea’s experienced retina specialists
Ideal Candidates
The Corticosteroid Implant Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with chronic DME not responding to anti-VEGF therapy
- Individuals with macular edema from branch or central retinal vein occlusion (BRVO/CRVO)
- Patients with recurrent or persistent uveitis
- Individuals with post-surgical macular edema (pseudophakic CME)
- Patients seeking longer-term control with fewer injections
- High-risk patients with poor compliance to monthly injection schedules
Possible Risks & Complications
While corticosteroid implants are generally safe, potential risks include:
Common/Moderate Risks:
- Temporary floaters or mild irritation
- Increased intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Cataract progression (in phakic patients)
Rare/Serious Risks:
- Endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye)
- Retinal detachment
- Implant migration (rare)
- Vitreous hemorrhage
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Careful patient selection and pre-injection evaluation
- Sterile operating environment and precise injection technique
- Regular OCT monitoring and IOP checks
- Combined therapy only when indicated
Related Treatment Techniques
- Anti-VEGF Injections
May be combined for refractory macular edema. - Laser Photocoagulation
Useful for focal edema or ischemic areas. - MicroPulse Laser Therapy
Minimizes retinal damage in chronic edema cases. - Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)
Considered in selected patients with vitreomacular traction. - Topical/Systemic Steroids
Supplementary therapy for ocular inflammation when required.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline Imaging
OCT, OCTA, and fundus photography evaluate macular edema and retinal structure.
Step 2 – Pre-Procedure Assessment
Intraocular pressure, lens status, and retinal integrity are assessed.
Step 3 – Corticosteroid Implant Injection
Performed in a sterile intravitreal injection suite under local anesthesia.
Implants include:
- Ozurdex®: Dexamethasone implant (up to 6 months effect)
- Iluvien®: Fluocinolone acetonide implant (up to 3 years effect)
Step 4 – Post-Injection Monitoring
Immediate IOP check, OCT imaging, and slit-lamp examination.
Step 5 – Follow-Up and Maintenance
Regular follow-ups monitor IOP, retinal thickness, and visual acuity. Additional injections or therapy adjustments are made as needed.
Program Duration: 15–30 minutes
Setting: Sterile intravitreal injection room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid eye rubbing and swimming for 24–48 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic drops if indicated
- Monitor for sudden vision changes, flashes, or floaters
- Attend follow-up visits for OCT and IOP monitoring
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild irritation or blurred vision for a few hours
- 1–2 Days: Vision stabilizes; edema begins responding to therapy
- 1–6 Months: Sustained reduction in macular edema (Ozurdex®)
- Long-Term: Up to 3 years with Iluvien®, with periodic monitoring
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant reduction in macular edema
- Stabilization or improvement of visual acuity
- Reduced frequency of intravitreal injections
- Long-term retinal protection and inflammation control
- Improved patient compliance and quality of life
Longevity
- Ozurdex®: Effect lasts 4–6 months per injection
- Iluvien®: Effect lasts up to 3 years
- Long-term OCT monitoring ensures sustained therapeutic benefits
- Minimizes cumulative treatment burden over years
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly skilled retinal specialists trained in implant procedures
- Advanced OCT and OCTA imaging for precise monitoring
- Sterile, high-tech injection suites
- Personalized treatment plans for long-term vision stability
- AI-assisted edema tracking for optimal timing of implants
- Excellent outcomes for chronic DME, RVO, and uveitis patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided retinal thickness and edema prediction
- Optimized injection techniques for minimal ocular trauma
- Integration with anti-VEGF therapy for resistant cases
- Comprehensive long-term monitoring dashboards
- Pediatric and high-risk patient protocols
These innovations make Korea’s
Corticosteroid Implant Program
one of the most advanced and effective retinal treatments globally.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozurdex® Single Implant | ₩800,000 – ₩1,200,000 | ~$600 – $900 | Injection + baseline OCT |
| Iluvien® Long-Term Implant | ₩3,000,000 – ₩4,500,000 | ~$2,300 – $3,500 | Injection + baseline imaging + monitoring |
| Comprehensive Retinal Management Plan | ₩4,500,000 – ₩6,500,000+ | ~$3,500 – $5,000+ | Implant + OCT + OCTA + follow-ups + adjunct therapy |
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
