Treatment Overview
Giant Retinal Tear Vitrectomy in Korea is a specialized surgical procedure designed to repair retinal detachments caused by giant retinal tears, which are full-thickness circumferential retinal breaks greater than 90° in extent. These tears pose a high risk for rapid retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), and vision loss.
In Korea, this procedure is performed using state-of-the-art vitrectomy systems and expert retinal surgeons:
- 25–27G microincision pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for minimally invasive access
- Widefield intraoperative visualization for full assessment of the giant tear
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) to monitor retinal positioning and flattening
- Endolaser photocoagulation or diathermy to secure retinal edges
- Fluid–air or fluid–gas exchange to reattach retina
- Adjunctive silicone oil or gas tamponade to maintain long-term retinal attachment
- AI-assisted surgical planning for tear orientation, flap management, and postoperative outcomes
This surgery allows surgeons to carefully manipulate the retinal flap, reattach detached retina, and prevent recurrent detachment, even in complex cases.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Repair giant retinal tears and associated retinal detachments
- Flatten detached retina and restore retinal anatomy
- Seal retinal edges using laser, diathermy, or cryopexy
- Reduce vitreoretinal traction and prevent recurrent detachment
- Support adjunctive tamponade with gas or silicone oil
- Preserve central and peripheral vision
Benefits
- High success rate in complex giant retinal tears
- Minimally invasive with microincision vitrectomy
- Real-time visualization of tear and retinal flap
- Reduced risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
- Can be combined with adjunctive procedures (laser, diathermy, cryopexy, tamponade)
- Faster recovery and optimal anatomical outcomes
- AI-assisted surgical planning enhances precision and safety
Ideal Candidates
Giant Retinal Tear Vitrectomy in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with giant retinal tears (>90°)
- Eyes with associated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
- Detachments complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
- Trauma-induced retinal tears and detachments
- Patients requiring pars plana vitrectomy with tamponade
- Eyes with macula-on or macula-off detachments needing complex repair
Possible Risks & Complications
While GRT vitrectomy is highly effective, potential risks include:
Minor/Transient Issues
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild postoperative eye discomfort
- Small floaters from residual vitreous
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal or choroidal hemorrhage
- Cataract progression in phakic eyes
- Endophthalmitis (very rare)
- Silicone oil or gas-related complications (e.g., elevated IOP, migration)
- Localized macular or peripheral retinal scarring
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- Widefield intraoperative visualization for complete tear assessment
- Microincision vitrectomy to reduce retinal trauma
- AI-assisted preoperative and intraoperative planning
- Experienced retinal surgeons specializing in complex detachments
- Real-time iOCT monitoring for retinal positioning and flap management
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Microincision vitrectomy for complex GRTs
- Endolaser Photocoagulation – Secures retinal edges
- Diathermy or Cryopexy – Adjunctive techniques for peripheral breaks
- Fluid–Air or Fluid–Gas Exchange – Facilitates retinal reattachment
- Silicone Oil or Gas Tamponade – Maintains retinal attachment
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) – Monitors retinal flap and tear orientation
- AI-Assisted Retinal Mapping – Optimizes surgical strategy
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield imaging to map tear and retinal detachment
- AI-assisted analysis for flap management, tamponade selection, and surgical strategy
Step 2 – Surgical Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia
- 25–27G microincision vitrectomy performed
- Careful removal of vitreous traction and hemorrhage
- Manipulation and reattachment of retinal flap
- Retinal edges secured with endolaser, diathermy, or cryopexy
- Fluid–air or fluid–gas exchange performed
- Silicone oil or gas tamponade applied for long-term stability
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Immediate postoperative exam within 24 hours
- Follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- OCT and fundus imaging to confirm retinal reattachment and flap stability
Duration: 90–180 minutes (depending on tear size and complexity)
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Maintain head positioning as instructed (typically face-down or specific angle)
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity
- Protect the eye from trauma and contaminants
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Vision may be blurred or distorted due to tamponade
- 1–2 Weeks: Retina stabilizes; initial visual improvement
- 1–3 Months: Visual recovery continues as tamponade resolves
- 3–6 Months: Long-term retinal stability confirmed
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful repair of giant retinal tears and associated detachments
- Reduced risk of recurrent detachment and PVR
- Preservation of macular and peripheral vision when possible
- Can be combined with adjunctive procedures for optimal outcomes
- High anatomical and functional success rates in complex cases
Longevity
- Long-term retinal stability achieved in most cases
- Periodic monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Rarely requires additional intervention if surgery is successful
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced microincision vitrectomy and GRT repair systems
- Widefield intraoperative visualization and real-time OCT monitoring
- AI-assisted preoperative and intraoperative planning
- Experienced retinal surgeons specialized in complex giant tears
- Integration with laser, diathermy, cryopexy, and tamponade for maximal success
- Efficient outpatient care with multimodal imaging
- English-friendly clinics for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided planning for flap management and tamponade selection
- Intraoperative OCT monitoring for real-time retinal positioning
- Microincision vitrectomy for minimal retinal trauma
- Hybrid approaches combining vitrectomy, tamponade, and adjunctive retinal repair
- Digital surgical dashboards for postoperative retinal stability tracking
- Optimized patient positioning protocols for faster adhesion
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard GRT Vitrectomy + PPV | ₩8,000,000 – ₩13,000,000 | ~$6,150 – $10,000 | Microincision PPV + endolaser/diathermy + imaging |
| GRT Vitrectomy + Silicone Oil Tamponade | ₩9,000,000 – ₩14,000,000 | ~$6,900 – $10,750 | PPV + silicone oil + adjunct repair |
| GRT Vitrectomy + Gas Tamponade | ₩8,500,000 – ₩13,500,000 | ~$6,550 – $10,350 | PPV + gas + adjunct retinal repair |
| 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
