Treatment Overview
Retinal Membrane Removal for Detachment is a specialized vitreoretinal surgical procedure aimed at removing epiretinal membranes (ERMs) or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membranes that exert traction on the retina, leading to retinal detachment or visual distortion. These membranes can contract, causing retinal folds, macular puckers, or recurrent detachment.
In Korea, this surgery is performed using advanced microsurgical instruments, high-resolution imaging, and minimally invasive techniques:
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) using 25–27G microincision for precision and minimal trauma
- Membrane peeling with fine forceps or diamond-dusted instruments
- Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for complete traction relief
- Fluid–air or gas tamponade (SF6 or C3F8) to stabilize the retina
- Endolaser photocoagulation or cryopexy to secure retinal adhesion
- Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) for real-time visualization of membranes and retinal layers
- AI-assisted planning for optimal membrane localization and surgical strategy
This approach ensures anatomical retinal reattachment, traction relief, and improved visual outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove epiretinal or PVR membranes causing traction and detachment
- Flatten and reattach the retina for optimal anatomical structure
- Restore macular architecture and improve central vision
- Prevent recurrence of detachment and macular distortion
- Provide long-term stabilization of the retina
Benefits
- Minimally invasive microincision surgery for reduced trauma
- Real-time intraoperative OCT guidance for precise membrane removal
- High anatomical success in retinal reattachment and traction relief
- Reduced risk of recurrent detachment compared to non-surgical management
- Can be combined with laser, cryotherapy, or gas tamponade for optimal outcomes
- AI-assisted planning ensures accurate membrane localization
- Rapid postoperative recovery with minimal complications
Ideal Candidates
Retinal Membrane Removal for Detachment in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with epiretinal membranes causing macular traction
- Eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membranes leading to recurrent detachment
- Post-traumatic or post-surgical retinal traction
- Patients experiencing distorted vision, decreased visual acuity, or macular puckering
- Individuals requiring microincision PPV with membrane and ILM peeling
- High-risk detachments where traction must be relieved for successful reattachment
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor/Transient Issues
- Temporary blurred or distorted vision postoperatively
- Mild eye discomfort or redness
- Floaters or small hemorrhages from membrane peeling
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Cataract progression in phakic eyes
- Endophthalmitis (rare)
- Retinal tears or breaks during membrane removal
- Tamponade-related complications (gas migration or silicone oil issues)
- Formation of new epiretinal membranes
Korean clinics minimize risks through:
- High-resolution intraoperative OCT for accurate membrane visualization
- Microincision 25–27G PPV to minimize retinal trauma
- AI-assisted surgical planning for precise peel and traction relief
- Experienced vitreoretinal surgeons specializing in complex detachments
- Structured postoperative follow-up for early detection of complications
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- OCT and Widefield Fundus Imaging – Evaluate membrane extent, macular involvement, and retinal detachment
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Microincision removal of vitreous and membranes
- Membrane and ILM Peeling – Relieves traction and restores retinal contour
- Fluid–Air or Gas Tamponade – Stabilizes retina post-peeling
- Endolaser Photocoagulation / Cryotherapy – Secures retinal adhesion
- Intraoperative OCT & AI-Assisted Planning – Guides precise membrane removal
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity, IOP, and fundus evaluation
- OCT and widefield imaging to map epiretinal membranes and traction points
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal peel strategy and tamponade selection
Step 2 – Surgical Procedure
- Local or general anesthesia applied
- 25–27G microincision PPV performed
- Membrane and internal limiting membrane (ILM) carefully peeled
- Fluid–air or gas tamponade applied to stabilize the retina
- Endolaser or cryotherapy applied if retinal breaks are present
- Intraoperative OCT confirms membrane removal and retinal reattachment
Step 3 – Postoperative Follow-Up
- Examination within 24–48 hours
- OCT and fundus imaging at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
- Additional interventions if recurrent membranes or traction appear
Duration: 90–150 minutes
Setting: Advanced retinal surgery operating room
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain prescribed head positioning if gas tamponade is used
- Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Avoid strenuous activity or eye trauma
- Attend all follow-up imaging sessions
- Report new flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild blurred or distorted vision
- 1–2 Weeks: Retina stabilizes and initial visual recovery occurs
- 1–3 Months: Continued improvement in vision and retinal architecture
- 3–6 Months: Long-term retinal stability and macular function confirmed
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Complete removal of epiretinal or PVR membranes
- Flattened retina and restored macular contour
- High anatomical success in retinal reattachment
- Improved visual acuity and reduced metamorphopsia
- Can be combined with tamponade and laser/cryotherapy for durable outcomes
- Rapid recovery with minimal postoperative complications
Longevity
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Retinal stability and traction relief maintained long-term
- Rare repeat surgery needed for recurrent membranes or detachment
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced microincision PPV expertise for delicate membrane removal
- Intraoperative OCT and widefield imaging for precise surgical guidance
- AI-assisted planning for optimal peel and tamponade selection
- Experienced retinal surgeons specializing in PVR and complex detachments
- Integration with laser, cryotherapy, and gas or silicone oil tamponade
- Efficient outpatient follow-up and monitoring
- English-friendly clinics for international patients
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-assisted membrane localization and surgical planning
- Microincision 25–27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- Intraoperative OCT for real-time visualization of retinal layers
- Hybrid approaches combining PPV, membrane peeling, and tamponade
- Digital postoperative dashboards for longitudinal monitoring
- Optimized head positioning and fluid management protocols
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microincision PPV for Membrane Removal | ₩11,000,000 – ₩17,500,000 | ~$8,400 – $13,350 | PPV + membrane/ILM peeling + tamponade + laser/cryotherapy |
| PPV + Tamponade Combination | ₩12,000,000 – ₩18,500,000 | ~$9,200 – $14,100 | PPV + gas or silicone oil tamponade + laser/cryotherapy |
| Follow-Up 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
