Treatment Overview
Retinal Membrane Removal Surgery in Korea is a specialized microsurgical procedure designed to treat epiretinal membranes (ERMs), macular puckers, or tractional membranes that distort the retina and affect vision. These membranes, which form on the retinal surface, can cause blurriness, waviness (metamorphopsia), and reduced central vision.
The surgery typically involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) followed by membrane peeling, often with dye-assisted visualization to ensure complete and safe removal. Korean retina centers use state-of-the-art imaging and micro-instrumentation to deliver highly precise membrane peeling with minimal trauma.
Korea’s advanced retinal membrane removal programs integrate:
- 25G/27G microincision vitrectomy for faster healing
- Dye-assisted ERM/ILM peeling (Brilliant Blue, ICG, Trypan Blue)
- Intraoperative OCT for real-time visualization
- AI-assisted surgical mapping for membrane boundaries
- Gas tamponade when additional retinal support is needed
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
This modern approach effectively restores retinal anatomy, improves visual clarity, and reduces distortion.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Remove epiretinal or tractional membranes
- Reduce retinal wrinkling and distortion
- Improve central visual acuity
- Restore normal macular contour
- Prevent long-term visual decline due to traction
Benefits
- Minimally invasive and highly precise membrane peeling
- Improved vision and reduction of distortion
- Dye-assisted technique ensures complete membrane removal
- Intraoperative OCT enhances surgical safety
- Can be combined with cataract surgery (common for older patients)
Ideal Candidates
Retinal Membrane Removal Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with symptomatic epiretinal membranes (ERM)
- Individuals experiencing macular distortion or blurriness
- Eyes with traction from scar tissue or chronic inflammation
- Cases with reduced central vision due to retinal puckering
- Patients requiring combined cataract and vitrectomy surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild inflammation
- Small retinal edema
- Temporary increase in intraocular pressure
Rare/Serious Risks
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Recurrent ERM formation
- Endophthalmitis (infection)
- Macular edema
- Cataract progression
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Ultra-fine microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G)
- Dye-assisted membrane visualization
- Intraoperative OCT guidance
- Controlled peeling with advanced microforceps
- Precise postoperative monitoring
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV)
- Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) Peeling
- Dye-Assisted Membrane Visualization
- Gas Tamponade (if retinal support is needed)
- Intraoperative OCT Imaging
- Cataract Surgery (combined cases)
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- OCT imaging to map membrane thickness and traction
- Fundus photography and visual acuity testing
- Determination of need for ILM peeling or combined surgery
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Selection of vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Planning dye-assisted membrane peeling
- Decision on gas tamponade if required
- Combined cataract surgery planning when appropriate
Step 3 – Retinal Membrane Removal Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction
- Dye-assisted visualization of the membrane
- Gentle ERM/ILM peeling with precision forceps
- Gas tamponade (optional) for macular stabilization
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal contour
- Monitoring intraocular pressure and healing
- Prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Routine OCT monitoring
- Additional interventions only if membranes recur or traction persists
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or rubbing the eye
- Use eye drops as prescribed
- Attend all postoperative check-ups
- Maintain head positioning only if gas tamponade is used
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Blurred vision due to surgery or tamponade
- 1–2 Weeks: Reduction of inflammation, early vision improvement
- 4–8 Weeks: Retinal smoothing and significant visual gains
- 3–6 Months: Maximum vision improvement achieved
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Improved visual clarity
- Reduced or eliminated distortion
- Restoration of macular anatomy
- Stable long-term retinal function
Longevity
- Results are long-lasting
- Recurrence is uncommon but possible
- Lifelong monitoring recommended for chronic conditions
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- High-volume retinal surgery centers with world-leading expertise
- Intraoperative OCT-guided membrane peeling
- 25G/27G microincision techniques for minimal trauma
- Dye-assisted precision membrane removal
- Combined cataract-vitrectomy expertise
- Rapid outpatient programs with excellent outcomes
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-enhanced surgical mapping for membrane borders
- Ultra-microforceps for delicate peeling
- Digital 3D microsurgery systems
- Optimized postoperative recovery pathways
- Customized dye protocols for selective staining
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ERM Removal | ₩4,500,000 – ₩7,500,000 | ~$3,500 – $5,800 | Vitrectomy + membrane peeling + OCT |
| ERM + ILM Peeling | ₩6,000,000 – ₩9,500,000 | ~$4,600 – $7,300 | Vitrectomy + ERM/ILM peel + dye staining + OCT |
| Combined Procedure (ERM Removal + Cataract Surgery) | ₩7,500,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$5,800 – $9,200 | Vitrectomy + membrane peel + cataract surgery |
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
