Treatment Overview
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) Management focuses on the diagnosis, monitoring, and intervention of vitreous separation from the retina, a common age-related change. While PVD is often benign, it can lead to retinal tears, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal detachment in some cases. Effective management involves early detection, risk assessment, and timely preventive or therapeutic measures.
In Korea, PVD management is conducted using advanced imaging and cutting-edge ophthalmic techniques:
- High-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to visualize vitreoretinal interface
- Widefield fundus imaging to detect peripheral retinal tears or lattice degeneration
- Ultrasound B-scan for vitreous hemorrhage or cases with media opacity
- Laser photocoagulation or cryopexy to prevent retinal detachment if tears are detected
- AI-assisted monitoring for subtle vitreoretinal traction or early retinal changes
- Minimally invasive vitrectomy in cases of symptomatic vitreous traction or hemorrhage
Korean clinics emphasize prevention of vision-threatening complications through structured monitoring and timely interventions.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect early PVD and assess risk for retinal tears or detachment
- Monitor vitreous traction on the retina
- Prevent progression to retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage
- Guide intervention such as laser photocoagulation or vitrectomy if needed
- Provide patient education for symptom awareness (flashes, floaters)
Benefits
- Non-invasive or minimally invasive diagnostic and management techniques
- High-resolution visualization of vitreoretinal interface
- AI-assisted early detection of subtle changes
- Rapid outpatient monitoring with imaging-based follow-up
- Reduced risk of retinal complications through proactive management
- Personalized treatment planning based on individual vitreoretinal anatomy
Ideal Candidates
PVD Management in Korea is ideal for:
- Adults over 50 years with floaters or sudden visual symptoms
- Patients with myopia or high-risk peripheral retinal degeneration
- Individuals with diabetic retinopathy or retinal vascular disorders
- Patients with history of ocular trauma or previous retinal surgery
- Individuals requiring long-term monitoring for vitreoretinal diseases
- Patients presenting with symptomatic vitreous traction or hemorrhage
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor/Transient Issues
- Temporary blurred vision from dilated eye exams
- Mild eye discomfort during imaging
- Floaters may persist during initial monitoring
Rare/Serious Risks
- Undetected retinal tears progressing to detachment
- Rare adverse reaction to fluorescein dye (if angiography is performed)
- Temporary elevation in intraocular pressure after certain imaging procedures
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- High-resolution OCT and widefield fundus imaging
- Ultrasound evaluation for opaque media or vitreous hemorrhage
- AI-assisted detection to identify early retinal tears
- Prompt preventive treatment using laser or cryotherapy
- Structured follow-up to detect complications early
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Visualizes vitreoretinal interface
- Widefield Fundus Imaging – Detects peripheral retinal tears and lattice degeneration
- Ultrasound B-Scan – Evaluates vitreous hemorrhage or PVD with media opacity
- Laser Photocoagulation / Cryopexy – Prevents retinal detachment from tears
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – For symptomatic traction, hemorrhage, or progressive detachment
- AI-Assisted Monitoring – Detects subtle vitreoretinal changes and quantifies risk
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Baseline Assessment
- Comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield fundus imaging to assess vitreoretinal interface
- Ultrasound B-scan if media opacity or hemorrhage is present
- AI-assisted risk assessment for retinal tears or detachment
Step 2 – Preventive or Therapeutic Intervention
- Laser photocoagulation or cryopexy for detected peripheral tears
- Symptomatic patients with vitreous traction or hemorrhage may undergo microincision vitrectomy
- Patient education on warning symptoms (flashes, floaters, shadowing)
Step 3 – Follow-Up Monitoring
- Regular OCT and fundus imaging based on individual risk
- Early intervention if retinal tears, detachment, or hemorrhage develops
- Lifelong monitoring for high-risk patients
Duration: 20–45 minutes per session
Setting: Outpatient retinal or ophthalmology clinic
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Resume normal daily activities immediately after non-invasive imaging
- Avoid eye trauma or strenuous activity if tears are present
- Use prescribed eye drops after laser or vitrectomy intervention
- Attend scheduled follow-up imaging sessions
- Report new flashes, floaters, or vision changes promptly
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Imaging results available within hours
- Short-Term: Preventive treatment creates stable retinal adhesion
- Long-Term: Serial monitoring ensures early detection of recurrent or progressive complications
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Accurate identification and monitoring of PVD
- Early detection and sealing of retinal tears
- Prevention of retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage
- Personalized monitoring plan for high-risk patients
- Minimized risk of vision-threatening complications
Longevity
- Lifelong follow-up recommended for high-risk patients
- Non-invasive imaging allows repeated evaluation without cumulative risk
- AI-assisted longitudinal tracking enhances early intervention and outcome prediction
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced OCT, widefield fundus, and ultrasound imaging systems
- AI-assisted vitreoretinal risk assessment for early detection
- Experienced retinal specialists for interpretation and preventive care
- Integration with laser, cryopexy, or microincision vitrectomy
- Rapid outpatient monitoring with accurate results
- Personalized follow-up schedules for chronic vitreoretinal conditions
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted detection of subtle vitreoretinal traction and PVD
- Widefield imaging for peripheral retinal tear detection
- Ultrasound B-scan evaluation for opaque or hemorrhagic media
- Quantitative risk scoring for retinal detachment
- Digital dashboards for longitudinal patient monitoring
- Integrated preventive treatment planning using laser or cryotherapy
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVD Baseline Assessment | ₩200,000 – ₩400,000 | ~$150 – $310 | OCT + fundus imaging + AI-assisted analysis |
| Laser / Cryopexy Preventive Treatment | ₩500,000 – ₩900,000 | ~$380 – $700 | Peripheral tear sealing + imaging |
| Follow-Up Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$230 – $620 | 1–3 imaging sessions + risk assessment |
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
