Treatment Overview
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Angiography is an advanced diagnostic procedure that uses a fluorescent dye (indocyanine green) to visualize the choroidal blood vessels beneath the retina. Unlike fluorescein angiography, which primarily captures retinal vasculature, ICG penetrates deeper layers, allowing precise assessment of choroidal circulation and vascular disorders.
ICG angiography is crucial for evaluating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and other choroidal pathologies. Korea is globally recognized for its advanced ICG programs, integrating:
- High-resolution digital ICG angiography systems
- Ultra-widefield ICG imaging for peripheral choroid evaluation
- Multimodal imaging (ICG + OCT + OCTA + FAF) for comprehensive assessment
- AI-assisted analysis for early detection of choroidal neovascularization
- Low-allergen, high-purity indocyanine green dye for enhanced safety
- Integrated digital dashboards for serial disease monitoring
These technologies enable accurate diagnosis, precise treatment planning, and optimal management of complex choroidal conditions.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Visualize choroidal vasculature for early disease detection
- Diagnose polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) or choroidal neovascularization (CNV)
- Assess central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and other choroidal disorders
- Evaluate abnormal choroidal circulation in AMD or uveitis
- Guide treatment planning, including anti-VEGF injections or photodynamic therapy
- Monitor treatment response over time with serial imaging
Benefits
- Deep visualization of choroidal vessels beyond the retina
- Accurate detection of vascular abnormalities not seen on standard fundus imaging
- Supports early intervention to prevent vision loss
- AI-assisted interpretation enhances diagnostic accuracy
- Ultra-widefield imaging allows detection of peripheral choroidal lesions
- Non-invasive imaging (dye injection is intravenous but generally safe)
- Immediate results for precise clinical decision-making
Ideal Candidates
ICG Angiography in Korea is recommended for:
- Patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV)
- Individuals with choroidal neovascularization (CNV)
- Patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC)
- Individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) requiring choroidal evaluation
- Patients with unexplained macular edema or vision distortion
- Individuals being considered for photodynamic therapy or anti-VEGF treatment
- Postoperative patients needing choroidal circulation assessment
Possible Risks & Complications
ICG angiography is generally safe. Potential risks include:
Common/Minor Effects:
- Temporary yellow-green discoloration of skin or urine
- Mild nausea during or after dye injection
- Temporary blurred vision
Rare/Serious Risks:
- Allergic reaction to indocyanine green dye
- Hives, itching, or rash
- Very rare anaphylactic reaction
- Vein irritation at injection site
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- Pre-screening for dye allergies or iodine sensitivity
- Use of low-allergen, high-purity ICG dye
- High-speed imaging systems reducing patient exposure time
- Skilled medical teams monitoring patients during and after injection
Related Diagnostic Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Retinal layer assessment
- OCT Angiography (OCTA) – Non-invasive vascular mapping
- Fluorescein Angiography (FA) – Retinal blood flow evaluation
- Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) – Retinal pigment epithelium assessment
- Ultra-Widefield Imaging – Peripheral retinal and choroidal evaluation
- Multimodal Retinal Imaging – Integration of ICG with OCT, OCTA, and FAF for comprehensive analysis
Diagnostic Process in Korea
Step 1 – Pre-Imaging Assessment
- Review medical and ocular history
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure assessment
- Pupil dilation if required
- Screening for dye allergies
Step 2 – ICG Dye Injection
- Intravenous injection of indocyanine green dye
- Patient monitored for any immediate discomfort or reaction
Step 3 – Choroidal Imaging
- High-resolution camera captures sequential images as dye circulates through choroidal vessels
- Ultra-widefield imaging performed if needed to evaluate peripheral choroid
- Imaging captures early, mid, and late phases of dye circulation
Step 4 – Specialist Interpretation
- Ophthalmologist evaluates choroidal vasculature, identifying leakage, polyps, CNV, or abnormal flow
- Comparison with OCT, OCTA, or FAF for comprehensive diagnosis
- Treatment plan determined based on findings
Step 5 – Follow-Up
- Images stored digitally for longitudinal monitoring
- Repeat ICG only when clinically indicated
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal imaging center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild yellowing of skin and urine may persist for a few hours
- Drink water to help eliminate dye
- Avoid eye rubbing or strenuous activity for a few hours
- Report any allergic reactions immediately
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Temporary blurred vision or light sensitivity
- 1–2 Hours: Dye fully circulates and mild discoloration resolves
- Long-Term: Results stored digitally for ongoing monitoring and treatment planning
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Detailed visualization of choroidal blood flow
- Detection of PCV, CNV, and other choroidal abnormalities
- Precise guidance for anti-VEGF injections or photodynamic therapy
- Reliable documentation for longitudinal monitoring
Longevity
- Digital images preserved for years for serial comparison
- Repeat imaging performed only if disease progression occurs
- Long-term monitoring reduces risk of vision loss
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- State-of-the-art ICG angiography cameras and ultra-widefield systems
- AI-assisted detection of choroidal vascular abnormalities
- Highly trained retinal specialists with extensive experience
- Multimodal imaging integration for precise diagnosis
- Efficient and patient-friendly procedures with rapid results
- One-stop imaging for both diagnosis and treatment planning
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided early detection of choroidal neovascularization
- Ultra-widefield ICG combined with OCT/OCTA for hybrid vascular mapping
- High-speed angiography minimizing patient discomfort
- Digital dashboards for longitudinal monitoring of choroidal diseases
- Integration with multimodal imaging for comprehensive retinal and choroidal assessment
These innovations make Korea a global leader in Indocyanine Green Angiography, offering high accuracy and advanced choroidal diagnostic capabilities.
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ICG Angiography | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 | ~$115 – $230 | Choroidal imaging + retinal evaluation |
| ICG + OCT Package | ₩250,000 – ₩450,000 | ~$190 – $350 | ICG + high-resolution OCT imaging |
| ICG + OCT + OCTA | ₩350,000 – ₩600,000 | ~$270 – $460 | Multimodal imaging for comprehensive assessment |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Ophthalmology
