Treatment Overview
The Epiretinal Membrane Peeling Surgery Program in Korea is a microsurgical procedure aimed at removing fibrous tissue from the surface of the retina, restoring retinal contour, and improving visual function. ERMs can cause visual distortion, blurred vision, and metamorphopsia (wavy vision), particularly in patients over 50 years old.
Korea is globally recognized for its advanced ERM peeling programs, integrating:
- High-precision microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G)
- Intraoperative OCT-guided membrane visualization
- Use of vital dyes (e.g., trypan blue, brilliant blue) for safe membrane delineation
- Advanced microsurgical instruments for delicate membrane peeling
- Combined procedures with cataract surgery if necessary
- AI-assisted imaging to optimize surgical planning and outcomes
This program provides effective restoration of macular structure and improvement in visual acuity for patients with symptomatic ERM.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove epiretinal membrane causing macular distortion
- Restore retinal contour and central macular thickness
- Improve visual acuity and reduce metamorphopsia
- Prevent progression of macular puckering and retinal traction
- Complement cataract surgery in phakic patients if needed
- Optimize retinal function for long-term visual stability
Benefits
- Microsurgical, minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Direct visualization of membrane with high precision
- Significant improvement in visual quality and reduction of distortion
- OCT-guided surgery ensures complete membrane removal
- Rapid visual rehabilitation in most patients
- Low recurrence rate when performed by experienced Korean surgeons
- Can be combined with other retinal procedures if needed
Ideal Candidates
The ERM Peeling Surgery Program in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with symptomatic epiretinal membrane (blurred or distorted vision)
- Individuals with progressive macular thickening on OCT
- Patients experiencing metamorphopsia affecting daily activities
- High-risk patients with coexisting vitreomacular traction
- Individuals over 50 years of age with idiopathic ERM
- Patients requiring simultaneous cataract and ERM surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
ERM peeling is generally safe, but potential risks include:
Common/Moderate Risks:
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Temporary blurred vision
- Retinal edema or minor hemorrhage
Rare/Serious Risks:
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye)
- Cystoid macular edema
- Recurrence of epiretinal membrane
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks with:
- OCT-guided intraoperative visualization
- Microincision vitrectomy techniques for minimal trauma
- Careful membrane delineation using vital dyes
- Postoperative OCT monitoring and timely intervention
Related Treatment Techniques
- Vitrectomy Surgery
ERM peeling is performed during microincision vitrectomy. - Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling
Often combined to reduce recurrence risk. - OCT-Guided Monitoring
Ensures precise peeling and confirms macular restoration. - Cataract Surgery Combination
In phakic patients, combined procedure improves outcomes. - Adjunctive Pharmacologic Therapy
Anti-inflammatory or anti-VEGF therapy may be used if needed.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- OCT imaging to evaluate macular thickness and membrane extent
- Visual acuity and metamorphopsia assessment
- Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography if necessary
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Selection of microincision vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Planning ILM peeling if indicated
- Determining need for combined cataract surgery
Step 3 – ERM Peeling Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia applied
- Microincision vitrectomy performed to remove vitreous traction
- ERM visualized using vital dyes and peeled with microforceps
- ILM peeling performed if needed to prevent recurrence
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm membrane removal and retinal contour
- Visual acuity assessment and IOP monitoring
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops prescribed
Step 5 – Maintenance & Follow-Up
- Regular OCT and fundus examinations to monitor macular status
- Management of any postoperative macular edema
- Additional intervention only if recurrence occurs
Program Duration: 60–120 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid eye rubbing or heavy lifting for several weeks
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory drops and maintain hygiene
- Monitor for flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes
- Attend all scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision and eye discomfort
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides, visual improvement begins
- 1–3 Months: OCT shows restored macular contour, continued improvement in vision
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures no recurrence or macular complications
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant improvement in visual acuity in most patients
- Reduction or elimination of metamorphopsia
- Restoration of normal macular contour
- Low recurrence rate, especially with ILM peeling
- Enhanced quality of vision for daily activities
Longevity
- Permanent removal of ERM at treated sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring ensures early detection if recurrence occurs
- Combined surgical and medical management enhances long-term outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-class retinal microsurgeons with extensive ERM experience
- Advanced OCT-guided intraoperative imaging
- Microincision vitrectomy systems for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Personalized surgical plans based on OCT and fundus mapping
- High success rates and low recurrence in ERM surgery
- Efficient outpatient and inpatient retinal surgery facilities
Unique Korean Innovations
- Intraoperative OCT-assisted ERM and ILM peeling
- AI-assisted preoperative macular mapping
- Microincision 27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Combination surgery protocols (ERM + cataract)
- Longitudinal imaging dashboards for serial postoperative evaluation
These innovations make Korea’s
Epiretinal Membrane Peeling Surgery Program
one of the most advanced and effective retinal microsurgical procedures worldwide.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Program Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ERM Peeling (Vitrectomy) | ₩3,000,000 – ₩5,000,000 | ~$2,300 – $3,800 | Microincision vitrectomy + ERM peeling + OCT follow-up |
| ERM + ILM Peeling | ₩4,000,000 – ₩6,500,000 | ~$3,100 – $5,000 | Combined membrane peeling + OCT monitoring |
| ERM + Cataract Surgery | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,000,000+ | ~$4,200 – $6,100+ | Combined procedure with vitrectomy and follow-up |
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
