Treatment Overview
Faricimab Intravitreal Injection is an advanced dual-action anti-VEGF and anti-Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) therapy for managing wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and other neovascular retinal conditions. By simultaneously targeting VEGF and Ang-2, faricimab stabilizes abnormal blood vessels, reduces macular edema, and prolongs treatment durability.
In Korea, faricimab injections are administered with high precision and advanced monitoring systems:
- High-resolution OCT and OCT-A to evaluate macular thickness and neovascular activity
- AI-assisted retinal fluid analysis to determine optimal dosing intervals
- Ultra-fine 30–32G micro-needles for minimally invasive intravitreal delivery
- No-touch injection techniques to minimize infection risk
- Digital tracking platforms for long-term monitoring of treatment response
- Optional combination therapy with laser or steroid implants for resistant cases
- Treat-and-extend protocols personalized for each patient
Faricimab offers longer intervals between injections compared to traditional anti-VEGF agents, improving patient convenience while maintaining efficacy.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reduce macular edema and retinal fluid accumulation
- Stabilize or improve visual acuity
- Inhibit growth of abnormal retinal and choroidal blood vessels
- Extend treatment intervals compared to traditional anti-VEGF therapy
- Complement laser or steroid therapy in refractory cases
- Provide a more durable, long-term treatment option for chronic retinal conditions
Benefits
- Dual-action therapy targeting VEGF and Ang-2
- Prolonged duration of action reduces injection frequency
- Rapid improvement in retinal thickness and visual function
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- AI-assisted monitoring for individualized dosing schedules
- Compatible with combination therapies for optimal outcomes
- Reduced treatment burden for long-term management
Ideal Candidates
Faricimab Intravitreal Injection in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with wet AMD requiring anti-VEGF therapy
- Individuals with DME or RVO-related macular edema
- Patients with persistent or recurrent fluid despite other anti-VEGF injections
- Those seeking longer treatment intervals without compromising efficacy
- Patients needing combination therapy with laser or steroid implants
- Individuals requiring structured, long-term retinal management
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild eye irritation, tearing, or redness
- Temporary floaters
- Slight blurred vision immediately after injection
- Light sensitivity
Rare / Serious Risks
- Endophthalmitis (infection)
- Retinal tear or detachment (extremely rare)
- Intraocular inflammation
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Allergic reactions to the drug
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage (cosmetic, harmless)
How Korean Clinics Minimize Risks
- Ultra-sterile injection suites and strict aseptic technique
- Single-use syringes prepared by licensed pharmacies
- Pre- and post-procedure IOP monitoring
- Image-guided injection planning
- AI-assisted monitoring for early detection of recurrence or fluid
- Experienced retina specialists performing the procedure
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Monitor macular thickness and fluid
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) – Evaluate neovascular activity
- Fluorescein Angiography (FA) – Identify leakage and CNV
- Anti-VEGF or Steroid Implants – Combination therapy for resistant edema
- Laser Therapy (Grid/Micropulse) – Adjunctive treatment
- AI-based treat-and-extend algorithms – Optimize injection intervals
- Vitrectomy – For complex macular pathology if needed
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurement
- OCT and OCT-A imaging to assess fluid and CNV
- Angiography if additional leakage mapping is required
- AI-assisted planning for dosing intervals
- Explanation of loading and maintenance schedule
Step 2 – Intravitreal Injection Procedure
- Topical anesthetic and antiseptic preparation
- Eyelid speculum placement
- Ultra-fine needle injection into the vitreous cavity
- Post-injection IOP evaluation
- Optional OCT confirmation of macular response
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Initial follow-up at 1–2 weeks for first injection
- OCT monitoring monthly during loading phase
- Treat-and-extend follow-up every 1–3 months based on retinal response
- Digital treatment logs track fluid recurrence and adjust intervals
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Setting: Specialized intravitreal injection suite
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild irritation or floaters are normal
- Avoid rubbing the eye for 24 hours
- Use prescribed antibiotic drops if recommended
- Avoid swimming or strenuous activity for a few days
- Attend all follow-up imaging and check-ups
- Report any sudden vision changes, flashes, or pain immediately
Recovery Timeline
Immediate: Mild blurred vision or floaters may occur
24–48 Hours: Most symptoms resolve
1–2 Weeks: Fluid reduction begins
1–3 Months: Optimal response seen with continued injections
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Significant reduction in macular edema
- Stabilization or improvement of visual acuity
- Reduced frequency of injections compared to other anti-VEGF therapies
- Effective in chronic or refractory retinal conditions
- Compatible with combination therapy for enhanced outcomes
Longevity
- Effects last 8–12 weeks or longer depending on patient response
- Treat-and-extend protocol can reduce injection frequency over time
- Long-term monitoring essential for chronic AMD or DME patients
- Rare revision needed unless complications occur
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced retina specialists in advanced anti-VEGF therapies
- AI-assisted injection scheduling for personalized treatment
- Advanced imaging (OCT, OCT-A, FA) for precise monitoring
- Minimally invasive ultra-fine needle injections
- Longer interval treatment reduces patient burden
- English-friendly clinics with structured long-term care
- Strict infection control and safety protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided fluid and retinal activity monitoring
- Digitally tracked treatment dashboards for long-term outcomes
- Ultra-fine needle no-touch injection technique for comfort
- Cost-optimized treatment packages compared to other anti-VEGF agents
- Integration with laser or steroid therapy for refractory cases
- Personalized treat-and-extend protocols
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Faricimab Injection | ₩800,000 – ₩1,500,000 | ~$620 – $1,150 | Drug + injection + OCT |
| Loading Phase (3 Injections) | ₩2,400,000 – ₩4,200,000 | ~$1,860 – $3,250 | Multiple injections + imaging + AI analysis |
| Treat-and-Extend Maintenance | ₩900,000 – ₩1,600,000 / visit | ~$700 – $1,220 | Injection + OCT + follow-up |
| Combination Therapy Package | ₩3,000,000 – ₩6,000,000 | ~$2,300 – $4,550 | Faricimab + laser/grid therapy + OCT/OCT-A |
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)
