Treatment Overview
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Support for AMD in Korea is a corticosteroid-based therapy used to manage wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), macular edema, and inflammatory retinal conditions. The implant releases dexamethasone gradually over several months, reducing inflammation, stabilizing retinal fluid, and complementing anti-VEGF therapy for enhanced visual outcomes.
In Korea, dexamethasone implants are delivered using precision-guided intravitreal injection systems:
- High-resolution OCT and OCT-A for mapping retinal edema and neovascularization
- Fundus imaging to monitor baseline AMD and macular status
- Preloaded biodegradable implant delivery using ultra-fine needles
- AI-assisted follow-up scheduling based on fluid recurrence and response
- Combination therapy with anti-VEGF injections when indicated
- Digital patient monitoring systems to track treatment outcomes
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure for rapid recovery
This therapy is particularly useful for patients with persistent edema despite anti-VEGF therapy or those requiring steroid support.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reduce macular edema and retinal inflammation
- Complement anti-VEGF therapy in wet AMD
- Stabilize or improve visual acuity
- Provide sustained-release corticosteroid therapy for chronic retinal conditions
- Minimize recurrence of fluid accumulation and inflammation
Benefits
- Long-acting corticosteroid effect (up to 3–6 months)
- Reduces frequency of intravitreal injections compared to anti-VEGF monotherapy
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- AI-assisted monitoring for individualized follow-up
- Improved visual function and quality of life
- Compatible with combination therapy for refractory AMD
- Reduces treatment burden for chronic retinal conditions
Ideal Candidates
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Support in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with wet AMD with persistent macular edema
- Individuals with suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy
- Patients with diabetic macular edema or RVO-related edema requiring adjunct steroid therapy
- Those seeking sustained-release corticosteroid support
- Patients needing a reduction in injection frequency for long-term management
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild eye irritation or discomfort
- Temporary blurred vision or floaters
- Redness at the injection site
- Slight pressure or light sensitivity post-injection
Rare / Serious Risks
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Cataract progression in phakic eyes
- Infection (endophthalmitis)
- Retinal tear or detachment (very rare)
- Intraocular inflammation
- Allergic reaction to the implant
How Korean Clinics Minimize Risks
- Ultra-sterile injection protocol with single-use preloaded implants
- Pre- and post-procedure OCT and fundus imaging
- AI-assisted monitoring to detect early intraocular pressure changes
- Experienced retina specialists managing injections
- Combination therapy guidance for resistant edema
- Regular follow-up for early complication detection
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Evaluate retinal thickness and fluid
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) – Monitor neovascular activity
- Fundus Photography – Track retinal and macular changes
- Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections – Combination therapy for wet AMD
- Laser Therapy (Grid/Micropulse) – Adjunct for refractory edema
- Low-Vision Rehabilitation – Post-treatment visual optimization
- AI-assisted Injection Scheduling – Personalized treatment intervals
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and macular evaluation
- OCT and OCT-A imaging to assess edema and AMD activity
- AI-assisted planning for individualized implant scheduling
- Explanation of combination therapy and follow-up protocol
Step 2 – Intravitreal Implant Procedure
- Topical anesthesia applied
- Eyelid speculum placement and antiseptic preparation
- Ultra-fine needle implantation of preloaded dexamethasone implant into vitreous cavity
- Post-injection IOP measurement
- Optional OCT confirmation of macular response
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Examination within 1–2 weeks of injection
- OCT/OCT-A imaging at 1 month, 3 months, and as needed
- AI-assisted monitoring for implant effect and fluid recurrence
- Combination anti-VEGF injections if indicated
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Setting: Specialized retinal injection suite
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild blurred vision, floaters, or irritation is normal
- Avoid rubbing the eye for 24 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops if recommended
- Attend all follow-up imaging and consultations
- Report any sudden vision changes, flashes, or pain immediately
Recovery Timeline
Immediate: Mild blurred vision or ocular pressure sensation
24–48 Hours: Minor symptoms usually resolve
1–3 Months: Continuous implant release stabilizes retinal fluid
Long-Term: Ongoing monitoring ensures optimal visual outcomes
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Reduced macular edema and retinal inflammation
- Stabilized or improved visual acuity
- Complementary effect with anti-VEGF therapy for refractory AMD
- Prolonged intravitreal steroid effect reduces injection frequency
- Improved patient adherence and quality of life
Longevity
- Implant effect lasts 3–6 months depending on edema severity
- Repeat injections administered as needed based on OCT findings
- Long-term retinal monitoring recommended
- Rare revision required unless complications occur
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced retinal specialists with steroid therapy expertise
- Advanced imaging (OCT, OCT-A, fundus) for precise monitoring
- AI-assisted personalized injection scheduling
- Minimally invasive implant delivery for patient comfort
- Integration with anti-VEGF therapy for optimal AMD management
- English-friendly clinics with structured long-term care
- Strict infection control protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided injection interval and implant monitoring
- Preloaded biodegradable implant systems for accuracy and safety
- Digital dashboards for tracking edema and visual outcomes
- Combination therapy planning with anti-VEGF or laser
- Optimized patient follow-up schedules to reduce vision loss risk
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Dexamethasone Implant Injection | ₩800,000 – ₩1,500,000 | ~$620 – $1,150 | Implant + injection + OCT |
| Loading Phase Package (2–3 Injections) | ₩1,600,000 – ₩3,500,000 | ~$1,240 – $2,650 | Multiple injections + imaging + AI monitoring |
| Combination Therapy Package (Implant + Anti-VEGF) | ₩3,500,000 – ₩6,000,000 | ~$2,650 – $4,550 | Implant + anti-VEGF + OCT/OCT-A |
| Follow-Up Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$230 – $620 | OCT + 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)
