Treatment Overview
Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) is a minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery used to repair complex or macula-involving retinal detachments. The procedure involves removing the vitreous gel and relieving traction on the retina, allowing the retina to flatten and reattach. PPV is particularly effective for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), giant retinal tears, recurrent detachments, or detachments associated with macular holes.
In Korea, PPV is performed with state-of-the-art microincision technology and advanced intraoperative imaging:
- 25–27G microincision vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Widefield fundus viewing and intraoperative OCT (iOCT) for real-time retinal monitoring
- Endolaser photocoagulation, cryopexy, or diathermy to seal retinal breaks
- Fluid–air or fluid–gas exchange to assist retinal reattachment
- Silicone oil or gas tamponade for internal stabilization
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal instrument access, vitreous removal, and retinal positioning
PPV allows precise retinal reattachment, preserves macular function, and reduces the risk of recurrence, making it a cornerstone procedure for modern retinal surgery.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove vitreous traction contributing to retinal detachment
- Flatten and reattach the retina
- Seal retinal breaks or tears using endolaser, cryopexy, or diathermy
- Treat complex detachments including PVR, giant retinal tears, and recurrent detachments
- Preserve macular function and optimize visual outcomes
Benefits
- Minimally invasive microincision technique
- Real-time intraoperative OCT ensures accurate retinal positioning
- Can address multiple tears, vitreous hemorrhage, and traction simultaneously
- Combined with tamponade (gas or silicone oil) for stable retinal attachment
- High anatomical success rate and functional visual recovery
- AI-assisted planning improves precision and surgical outcomes
- Shorter recovery time compared to traditional open vitrectomy
Ideal Candidates
PPV for Retinal Detachment in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with macula-on or macula-off retinal detachments
- Eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
- Giant retinal tears or multiple retinal breaks
- Recurrent retinal detachments after prior surgery
- Retinal detachment with vitreous hemorrhage or epiretinal membranes
- High-risk myopia patients with complex vitreoretinal pathology
- Patients requiring internal tamponade with gas or silicone oil
Possible Risks & Complications
While PPV is generally safe, potential risks include:
Minor/Transient Issues
- Mild blurred vision or floaters postoperatively
- Temporary eye discomfort or redness
- Mild increase in intraocular pressure (IOP)
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Retinal or choroidal hemorrhage
- Endophthalmitis (rare but serious)
- Cataract progression in phakic eyes
- Tamponade-related complications (gas migration, silicone oil issues)
- Retinal tears induced during surgery
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- Microincision PPV to reduce retinal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT and widefield imaging for precise visualization
- Experienced retinal surgeons with extensive vitreoretinal expertise
- AI-assisted preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance
- Structured postoperative monitoring for early complication detection
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Widefield Fundus Imaging and OCT – Evaluate retinal tears, detachment, and macula involvement
- Endolaser Photocoagulation – Seals retinal breaks during surgery
- Cryopexy or Diathermy – Adjunctive retinal repair
- Fluid–Air or Fluid–Gas Exchange – Facilitates retinal flattening
- Silicone Oil or Gas Tamponade – Provides internal retinal support
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling – For macular traction or epiretinal membranes
- AI-Assisted Surgical Planning – Optimizes instrument access, tamponade selection, and retinal reattachment
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield imaging to assess detachment extent, macular involvement, and vitreous traction
- AI-assisted planning for surgical approach, instrument placement, and tamponade selection
Step 2 – Surgical Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia
- 25–27G microincision pars plana vitrectomy performed
- Removal of vitreous gel and relief of traction
- Retinal tears sealed with endolaser, cryopexy, or diathermy
- Fluid–air or fluid–gas exchange performed to flatten the retina
- Silicone oil or gas tamponade applied if required
- Intraoperative OCT confirms macular and retinal positioning
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Immediate postoperative examination within 24 hours
- Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- OCT and fundus imaging to monitor retinal attachment and tamponade status
Duration: 90–180 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain prescribed head positioning (face-down or specific angle)
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or eye trauma
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Monitor for flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Blurred or distorted vision due to tamponade and surgical manipulation
- 1–2 Weeks: Retina stabilizes; initial visual improvement
- 1–3 Months: Vision continues to recover as retina heals
- 3–6 Months: Long-term retinal stability and macular function confirmed
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- High anatomical success in retinal reattachment
- Preservation of macular function, especially in macula-on detachments
- Reduction in risk of recurrent detachment
- Can address multiple retinal tears, traction, and vitreous hemorrhage simultaneously
- High functional visual recovery rate
Longevity
- Lifelong retinal monitoring recommended
- Long-term retinal stability in majority of cases
- Repeat surgery required only in rare recurrent detachments
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced microincision vitrectomy expertise
- Intraoperative OCT and widefield imaging for precise retinal repair
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal outcomes
- Experienced retinal surgeons specializing in complex detachments
- Integration with laser, cryopexy, tamponade, and ILM peeling if needed
- Efficient outpatient and follow-up monitoring
- English-friendly clinics for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided preoperative and intraoperative planning
- Microincision 25–27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT for real-time macular and retinal monitoring
- Hybrid approaches combining PPV with scleral buckle or ILM peeling
- Digital dashboards for postoperative retinal tracking
- Optimized patient positioning protocols for faster recovery
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microincision PPV for Retinal Detachment | ₩9,000,000 – ₩15,000,000 | ~$6,900 – $11,450 | PPV + endolaser/cryotherapy + tamponade |
| PPV + ILM Peeling | ₩10,000,000 – ₩16,000,000 | ~$7,650 – $12,200 | PPV + ILM peeling + tamponade + laser/cryotherapy |
| 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)
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
