Treatment Overview
Endoscopic Vitrectomy Retinal Repair is an advanced retinal surgical procedure that uses a miniature endoscope inserted into the vitreous cavity to provide direct visualization of the retina during vitrectomy. This approach is particularly useful for complex retinal detachments, media opacities, or cases where conventional microscope viewing is limited, such as dense vitreous hemorrhage, anterior retinal breaks, or post-traumatic eyes.
In Korea, this procedure is performed with cutting-edge technology and highly skilled retinal surgeons:
- High-resolution intraocular endoscopes providing 360° visualization
- Microincision pars plana vitrectomy (25–27G) for minimally invasive access
- Integrated laser or diathermy probes for retinal break sealing
- AI-assisted mapping of retinal tears and detachment
- Widefield imaging and intraoperative OCT (iOCT) for precise assessment
- Combination with gas or silicone oil tamponade, scleral buckling, or cryopexy if needed
Endoscopic vitrectomy allows surgeons to see otherwise inaccessible retinal areas, improving surgical precision, anatomical success, and visual outcomes in complex cases.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Repair complex or recurrent retinal detachments
- Visualize and treat anterior retinal breaks or retinal periphery
- Remove vitreous hemorrhage obstructing the view of the retina
- Seal retinal tears using laser or diathermy under endoscopic guidance
- Complement gas or silicone oil tamponade for retinal reattachment
- Reduce risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and vision loss
Benefits
- Direct visualization of retina even with opaque media
- Minimally invasive microincision surgery
- High success rates in complex retinal detachments
- Precise treatment of retinal tears, breaks, or anterior detachments
- Can be combined with laser, cryopexy, or tamponade for optimal results
- Reduced surgical time in challenging cases
- Rapid anatomical reattachment and visual recovery
Ideal Candidates
Endoscopic Vitrectomy Retinal Repair in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with complex or recurrent retinal detachments
- Eyes with dense vitreous hemorrhage, cataract, or corneal opacity
- Trauma-related retinal injuries
- Eyes with anterior retinal breaks or peripheral detachments
- Individuals requiring adjunctive retinal sealing with laser or diathermy
- Patients undergoing tamponade with gas or silicone oil
- Eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) or high-risk detachments
Possible Risks & Complications
Endoscopic vitrectomy is generally safe but may involve potential risks:
Minor/Transient Issues
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild postoperative discomfort or redness
- Small floaters from residual vitreous
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal or choroidal hemorrhage
- Cataract progression (if lens is phakic)
- Endophthalmitis (very rare)
- Tamponade-related visual distortion
- Localized retinal scarring or macular changes
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- AI-assisted retinal mapping for precise targeting
- High-resolution endoscopic visualization to avoid missed breaks
- Microincision vitrectomy to minimize tissue trauma
- Real-time intraoperative OCT and widefield imaging
- Experienced retinal surgeons performing complex vitreoretinal procedures
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Standard microincision vitrectomy
- Endolaser or Diathermy – Retinal break sealing under endoscopic view
- Cryopexy – Adjunctive retinal repair for inaccessible areas
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Maintains retinal reattachment
- Scleral Buckling – Provides structural support if required
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) – Real-time visualization of retina and vitreous
- AI-Assisted Retinal Mapping – Optimizes surgical planning
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity and IOP
- OCT and widefield fundus imaging
- AI-assisted mapping of retinal breaks, tears, and detachment
- Surgical planning for endoscopic vitrectomy and adjunct procedures
Step 2 – Endoscopic Vitrectomy Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia
- 25–27G microincision vitrectomy performed
- Endoscope inserted into vitreous cavity for direct retinal visualization
- Vitreous hemorrhage removal and vitreous traction relief
- Retinal tears sealed using laser or diathermy under endoscopic guidance
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade applied if needed
Step 3 – Optional Adjunct Procedures
- Cryopexy for peripheral or anterior breaks
- Scleral buckle for additional structural support
- Fluid–air exchange for retinal flattening
Step 4 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Initial examination within 24 hours
- Follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- OCT and fundus imaging to monitor retinal reattachment and scar formation
Duration: 90–150 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Maintain head positioning if gas tamponade is used
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending for several weeks
- Protect the eye from trauma and contaminants
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Vision may be blurred due to gas/silicone or post-surgical inflammation
- 1–2 Weeks: Retina stabilizes; initial visual improvement
- 1–3 Months: Vision improves as tamponade resolves and retinal adhesion forms
- 3–6 Months: Long-term retinal stability confirmed
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Direct visualization allows complete repair of complex detachments
- Successful sealing of retinal breaks, especially in anterior or peripheral retina
- Reduced risk of recurrent retinal detachment
- Preservation of macular and peripheral vision
- Can be combined with tamponade and adjunctive procedures for optimal outcomes
Longevity
- Long-term retinal stability achieved in most cases
- Periodic monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Additional intervention rarely needed if procedure is successful
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced high-resolution endoscopic vitrectomy systems
- AI-assisted preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance
- Experienced retinal surgeons specializing in complex detachments
- Integration with endolaser, diathermy, cryopexy, and tamponade for maximum success
- High-volume centers ensuring safe, precise, and efficient treatment
- English-friendly care and international patient support
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided intraoperative visualization and mapping
- Microincision endoscopic vitrectomy with laser/diathermy integration
- Real-time iOCT monitoring for retina and vitreous interface
- Widefield endoscopic view for anterior and peripheral retina
- Digital surgical dashboards for postoperative tracking and retinal stability
- Hybrid approaches combining endoscopy, vitrectomy, and tamponade
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Endoscopic Vitrectomy | ₩6,500,000 – ₩10,000,000 | ~$5,000 – $7,650 | Endoscopic PPV + laser/diathermy + imaging |
| Endoscopic Vitrectomy + Gas Tamponade | ₩7,000,000 – ₩10,500,000 | ~$5,350 – $8,000 | PPV + endoscopic repair + SF6/C3F8 gas |
| Endoscopic Vitrectomy + Silicone Oil | ₩8,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$6,150 – $9,200 | PPV + endoscopic repair + silicone oil |
| Postoperative Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$230 – $620 | OCT + fundus + AI-assisted follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Unit
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
