Treatment Overview
Endophotocoagulation-Assisted Vitrectomy in Korea is a specialized microsurgical procedure used to treat complex vitreoretinal disorders such as retinal tears, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal detachments. The surgery combines pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intraoperative endophotocoagulation (laser photocoagulation applied directly to the retina) to seal retinal breaks, control neovascularization, and stabilize the retina.
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced endophotocoagulation-assisted vitrectomy programs that integrate:
- Microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G) for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Intraoperative endophotocoagulation to achieve precise retinal sealing and hemostasis
- Preoperative and intraoperative anti-VEGF therapy in selected cases
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for real-time retinal visualization
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized treatment
- Combination procedures with membrane peeling, gas or silicone oil tamponade if required
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical options
This approach ensures effective retinal stabilization, reduced intraoperative bleeding, and improved visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Seal retinal tears and areas of neovascularization
- Stabilize the retina during complex vitrectomy procedures
- Reduce intraoperative bleeding in eyes with proliferative vascular disorders
- Complement membrane peeling or other retinal repair procedures
Benefits
- Minimally invasive, high-precision microsurgical technique
- Endophotocoagulation ensures immediate sealing of retinal breaks
- Reduced risk of postoperative retinal detachment or rebleeding
- Intraoperative OCT ensures precise retinal alignment
- Shorter recovery and faster visual rehabilitation
- Can be combined with cataract surgery or ILM peeling if needed
Ideal Candidates
Endophotocoagulation-Assisted Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Eyes with retinal tears or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- Individuals with retinal vein occlusion and neovascular complications
- High-risk patients undergoing fibrovascular membrane removal
- Patients requiring combined retinal and cataract surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision post-surgery
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Minor retinal edema or hemorrhage
Rare/Serious Risks
- Retinal tear or recurrent detachment
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Persistent macular edema
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- Precise intraoperative endophotocoagulation guided by OCT
- Pre- or intraoperative anti-VEGF therapy to reduce bleeding
- Careful postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Intraoperative Endophotocoagulation – Direct retinal laser sealing
- Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection – Reduces neovascularization
- Laser or Cryotherapy – Alternative or adjunctive retinal repair
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling – Reduces traction
- OCT-Guided Monitoring – Ensures precise retinal alignment
- Adjunctive Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Provides internal retinal support if required
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Evaluation of retinal tears, hemorrhage, or neovascularization
- Planning for microincision vitrectomy, endophotocoagulation, and adjunctive procedures
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM peeling or membrane removal
- Evaluate adjunctive tamponade or laser requirements
Step 3 – Endophotocoagulation-Assisted Vitrectomy
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction, hemorrhage, or membranes
- Intraoperative endophotocoagulation applied to retinal tears or neovascular areas
- Combine with membrane peeling, anti-VEGF therapy, or tamponade if required
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal stabilization and laser efficacy
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure monitoring
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus exams
- Additional interventions only if complications or recurrence occur
Duration: 90–180 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced vitreoretinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain prescribed head positioning if tamponade used
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or eye rubbing
- Follow all medication instructions strictly
- Attend scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision due to surgical intervention
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides, partial visual improvement
- 1–4 Weeks: OCT confirms retinal stabilization and adhesion
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures long-term retinal health
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Effective sealing of retinal breaks and neovascular areas
- Stabilization of the retina and prevention of recurrent detachment
- Reduced risk of postoperative hemorrhage or retinal complications
- Improved anatomical and visual outcomes
Longevity
- Permanent retinal stabilization at treated sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical and pharmacologic management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons with endophotocoagulation expertise
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT-guided laser photocoagulation for precision
- Pre- and intraoperative anti-VEGF therapy for bleeding control
- AI-assisted surgical planning for complex retinal cases
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- Intraoperative OCT-assisted endophotocoagulation
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal laser application
- Microincision 27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Integration with anti-VEGF therapy for complex diabetic or ischemic eyes
- Personalized postoperative care and monitoring protocols
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Endophotocoagulation-Assisted Vitrectomy | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,300 – $6,600 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + intraoperative laser + OCT follow-up |
| Endophotocoagulation + Membrane/ILM Peeling | ₩7,000,000 – ₩11,000,000 | ~$5,500 – $8,500 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + laser + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (Vitrectomy + Cataract + Laser) | ₩9,000,000 – ₩13,500,000 | ~$7,000 – $10,400 | Vitrectomy + endophotocoagulation + cataract surgery + follow-up |
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
