Treatment Overview
Retinal Detachment Repair for Diabetic Traction is a surgical intervention aimed at treating tractional retinal detachment (TRD) caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In diabetic TRD, abnormal fibrovascular membranes form on the retina, pulling it away from the underlying tissue and leading to severe vision loss if untreated.
Korea is globally recognized for advanced diabetic TRD repair programs, featuring:
- Microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G/27G MIVS) for minimal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT-guided membrane and retina visualization
- Careful fibrovascular membrane dissection and peeling
- Endolaser photocoagulation to ischemic retinal areas
- Adjunctive intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular regression
- Combination surgery with cataract extraction if needed
- AI-assisted preoperative planning for complex detachments
This program restores retinal attachment, stabilizes vision, and prevents further vision loss from diabetic tractional complications.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Repair tractional retinal detachment due to diabetic proliferative membranes
- Remove fibrovascular membranes causing retinal traction
- Prevent progression to total retinal detachment
- Restore retinal structure and improve visual acuity
- Reduce risk of recurrent hemorrhage or detachment
- Complement adjunctive therapies like anti-VEGF or laser treatment
Benefits
- Microsurgical, minimally invasive approach with small-gauge vitrectomy
- Precision visualization with intraoperative OCT
- High success rates in restoring retinal attachment
- Rapid recovery of functional vision in most patients
- Can be combined with cataract surgery if needed
- Personalized surgical planning with AI-assisted imaging
- Long-term stabilization of diabetic retinal disease
Ideal Candidates
Retinal Detachment Repair for Diabetic Traction in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with tractional retinal detachment (TRD) from PDR
- Individuals with fibrovascular membranes causing visual distortion or detachment
- Patients with dense vitreous hemorrhage secondary to diabetic neovascularization
- High-risk diabetic patients requiring early surgical intervention
- Individuals needing combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
While generally safe, potential risks include:
Common/Moderate Risks
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Temporary blurred vision or floaters
- Intraocular pressure fluctuations
- Small residual hemorrhage
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection)
- Cystoid macular edema
- Significant vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks with:
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT-guided visualization
- Careful fibrovascular membrane dissection and endolaser application
- Postoperative OCT and fundus monitoring for early detection of complications
Related Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core technique for retinal detachment and hemorrhage
- Epiretinal/ILM Membrane Peeling – Reduces traction and recurrence risk
- Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy – Preoperative neovascular regression
- Endolaser Photocoagulation – Treats ischemic retina and stabilizes vessels
- Cataract Surgery Combination – Improves visualization and visual outcomes
- Macular OCT Monitoring – Confirms retinal attachment and macular recovery
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam, OCT, FA, and fundus photography
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure evaluation
- Assessment of fibrovascular membranes and retinal detachment extent
- Preoperative planning for anesthesia and possible combined procedures
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Decide microincision gauge (25G/27G)
- Plan membrane peeling and endolaser application
- Determine need for combined cataract extraction
- Preoperative anti-VEGF injection if indicated
Step 3 – Retinal Detachment Repair Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous and hemorrhage
- Membrane peeling and careful retinal traction relief
- Endolaser applied to ischemic or neovascular retinal areas
- Retinal tamponade with gas or silicone oil if needed
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT and fundus imaging to confirm retinal attachment
- Visual acuity assessment and IOP monitoring
- Anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops prescribed
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus examinations
- Additional surgery only if recurrent traction or detachment occurs
- Long-term monitoring for diabetic retinal disease progression
Duration: 90–240 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery center or hospital
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid heavy lifting or eye rubbing for several weeks
- Use prescribed anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops
- Monitor for flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes
- Attend all scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred vision, eye discomfort, or floaters
- 1–2 Weeks: Inflammation subsides; partial visual recovery
- 1–3 Months: OCT confirms retinal reattachment and macular stability
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures long-term retinal health
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful retinal reattachment in most cases
- Restoration of retinal structure and functional vision
- Reduced risk of recurrent hemorrhage or traction
- Stabilization of proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Longevity
- Permanent retinal reattachment if surgery is successful
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for diabetic patients
- Combined surgical and medical management enhances long-term outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced retinal surgeons specialized in diabetic TRD
- Advanced 25G/27G microincision vitrectomy systems
- Intraoperative OCT-guided precision and AI-assisted planning
- Integration with anti-VEGF therapy and endolaser photocoagulation
- High success rates with low complication rates
- Efficient outpatient and inpatient retinal surgery facilities
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted preoperative mapping of fibrovascular membranes
- Intraoperative OCT-guided membrane peeling
- Microincision 27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Combination protocols (vitrectomy + cataract + laser + anti-VEGF)
- Longitudinal imaging dashboards for postoperative monitoring
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Diabetic TRD Repair | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,500 – $5,800 | Microincision vitrectomy, membrane peeling, OCT follow-up |
| TRD Repair + Endolaser | ₩5,500,000 – ₩8,500,000 | ~$4,200 – $6,500 | PPV + endolaser + OCT monitoring |
| TRD Repair + Cataract Surgery | ₩6,500,000 – ₩10,000,000 | ~$5,000 – $7,700 | Combined vitrectomy, lens extraction, laser, and follow-up |
| Full Diabetic TRD Management Package | ₩7,500,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$5,800 – $9,200 | PPV + membrane peeling + laser + cataract + anti-VEGF + monitoring |
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
