Treatment Overview
Micro-Incision Vitrectomy Surgery (MIVS) in Korea is an advanced microsurgical procedure designed to treat a wide range of vitreoretinal disorders, including retinal detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, vitreous hemorrhage, and diabetic retinopathy. The surgery involves the removal of the vitreous gel through small-gauge incisions (25G, 27G, or 23G), which minimizes trauma, accelerates recovery, and reduces postoperative complications.
Korea is internationally recognized for its micro-incision vitrectomy programs that integrate:
- 25G and 27G microincisions for minimally invasive vitrectomy
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for precise retinal visualization
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized treatment
- Combination with adjunctive procedures such as ILM peeling, laser photocoagulation, or gas/silicone oil tamponade
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical protocols
- Enhanced safety and faster visual rehabilitation
This approach provides high-precision retinal repair with reduced trauma, quicker recovery, and excellent visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Treat retinal detachments, vitreous hemorrhage, and macular pathologies
- Relieve vitreomacular traction
- Remove epiretinal membranes or internal limiting membrane
- Stabilize the retina and prevent vision loss
- Facilitate adjunctive therapies such as laser or anti-VEGF injections
Benefits
- Minimally invasive surgery with tiny incisions (25G/27G)
- Faster healing and shorter recovery time
- Reduced postoperative inflammation and complications
- Allows precise retinal repair with intraoperative OCT guidance
- Can be combined with cataract surgery or other vitreoretinal procedures
Ideal Candidates
Micro-Incision Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with retinal detachments or tears
- Individuals with macular holes or vitreomacular traction
- Eyes with epiretinal membrane or vitreous hemorrhage
- Patients with diabetic retinopathy requiring vitrectomy
- Individuals requiring combination procedures such as cataract surgery or ILM peeling
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Minor retinal edema
Rare/Serious Risks
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Persistent macular edema
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided surgery for accurate membrane and retinal management
- Careful intraoperative tamponade placement when needed
- Postoperative monitoring with OCT and fundus imaging
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core surgical technique
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) or Epiretinal Membrane Peeling – Reduces traction
- Intraoperative OCT – Real-time retinal visualization
- Laser Photocoagulation – Prevents recurrent detachment
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Provides internal retinal support
- Anti-VEGF Therapy – Adjunctive treatment if neovascularization is present
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity testing
- Identification of retinal tears, detachments, or macular involvement
- Planning for gauge size, ILM or membrane peeling, and adjunctive procedures
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM or membrane peeling
- Plan adjunctive gas, silicone oil, laser, or anti-VEGF therapy
Step 3 – Micro-Incision Vitrectomy Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia
- Small-gauge vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction and hemorrhage
- Perform ILM or membrane peeling if required
- Apply laser or gas/silicone oil tamponade if indicated
- Combine with cataract surgery if necessary
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal repair and macular stability
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure monitoring
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus exams
- Additional interventions only if complications or recurrence occur
Duration: 60–180 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced vitreoretinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye
- Follow prescribed medications strictly
- Maintain head positioning if gas or silicone oil tamponade was used
- Attend all scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision due to microincisions or tamponade
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides; partial visual improvement
- 2–4 Weeks: OCT confirms retinal repair and macular alignment
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures retinal stability
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- High success rate for retinal repair and membrane removal
- Faster visual rehabilitation due to microincision approach
- Reduced risk of postoperative complications
- Stabilization of retinal and macular anatomy
Longevity
- Permanent repair at treated retinal sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical and adjunctive management ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons with expertise in micro-incision vitrectomy
- 25G/27G MIVS for minimal trauma and rapid recovery
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for precise membrane and retinal management
- AI-assisted surgical planning for individualized care
- Access to combination procedures with cataract surgery or membrane peeling
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
Unique Korean Innovations
- OCT-assisted MIVS for real-time retinal visualization
- Microforceps-assisted ILM or membrane peeling
- AI-assisted surgical planning and gauge selection
- Personalized postoperative positioning protocols
- Integration with laser, anti-VEGF, or tamponade therapy
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Micro-Incision Vitrectomy | ₩5,000,000 – ₩8,000,000 | ~$3,900 – $6,200 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + OCT follow-up |
| MIVS + ILM/Membrane Peeling | ₩6,500,000 – ₩10,000,000 | ~$5,000 – $7,700 | Vitrectomy + ILM or membrane peeling + OCT monitoring |
| Combined Procedure (MIVS + Cataract) | ₩8,500,000 – ₩12,500,000 | ~$6,600 – $9,600 | Vitrectomy + membrane removal + cataract surgery + follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Seoul)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Seoul National University Hospital Retina Center
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Ophthalmology
