Treatment Overview
Retinal Thickness Monitoring is a non-invasive imaging procedure used to assess retinal health, detect fluid accumulation, and track disease progression in conditions such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), and other retinal disorders. Measuring retinal thickness helps ophthalmologists make timely treatment decisions, including anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, or other interventions.
In Korea, retinal thickness monitoring is performed with high-resolution imaging, AI-assisted analysis, and digital tracking systems:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for precise cross-sectional retinal imaging
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) to detect abnormal blood vessels and neovascularization
- Fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) for complementary assessment
- AI-assisted retinal thickness mapping to quantify edema or fluid accumulation
- Digital platforms for longitudinal monitoring and treatment planning
- Optional integration with anti-VEGF therapy, laser therapy, or steroid implants
- Outpatient, non-invasive procedure with minimal discomfort and rapid results
Retinal thickness monitoring in Korea emphasizes accuracy, early detection, and personalized disease management.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Measure and track retinal thickness for disease management
- Detect macular edema or fluid accumulation early
- Guide timing and type of interventions (e.g., injections, laser, surgery)
- Monitor response to treatments such as anti-VEGF or steroids
- Prevent irreversible vision loss by early detection of changes
- Provide objective data for longitudinal patient management
Benefits
- Non-invasive, painless, and quick outpatient procedure
- High-resolution imaging for precise evaluation of retinal layers
- AI-assisted monitoring enhances detection of subtle changes
- Enables personalized treatment planning and follow-up schedules
- Supports integration with multimodal retinal care
- Facilitates rapid intervention to preserve or improve vision
- Provides longitudinal data to optimize long-term retinal health
Ideal Candidates
Retinal Thickness Monitoring in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with wet or dry AMD
- Individuals with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
- Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) or macular edema
- Individuals receiving anti-VEGF or steroid therapy
- High-risk patients for macular degeneration or retinal vascular disease
- Patients with vision fluctuations or unexplained visual symptoms
- Those requiring long-term retinal disease monitoring
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild eye strain during imaging
- Temporary glare from imaging light
- Slight discomfort if pupils are dilated
Rare / Serious Risks
- Extremely rare adverse reaction to pupil-dilating drops
- Minimal risk of missed progression if follow-ups are delayed
How Korean Clinics Minimize Risks
- Use of non-invasive, high-resolution OCT and OCT-A imaging
- Optional pupil dilation only when necessary
- Experienced retinal specialists interpret images
- AI-assisted longitudinal analysis for early detection of subtle changes
- Integration with multimodal imaging for comprehensive assessment
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Primary tool for measuring retinal thickness
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) – Detect CNV and retinal vascular abnormalities
- Fundus Photography & Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) – Complementary structural assessment
- Anti-VEGF Therapy – Guided by retinal thickness changes
- Intravitreal Steroid Implants – For macular edema management
- Laser Therapy / Micro-Pulse Laser – Targeted treatment for fluid or leakage
- AI-assisted tracking platforms – Quantify progression and optimize treatment timing
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Pre-Monitoring Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity and intraocular pressure
- Baseline OCT, OCT-A, and fundus imaging
- AI-assisted mapping of retinal thickness and fluid distribution
Step 2 – Monitoring Procedure
- Patient positioned for OCT/OCT-A scans
- Multiple cross-sectional and volumetric scans captured
- Optional pupil dilation for high-resolution imaging
- AI-assisted analysis to measure retinal thickness and detect edema
- Results compared to prior imaging for longitudinal tracking
Step 3 – Follow-Up & Management
- Periodic follow-up (1–3 months depending on risk and disease status)
- Treatment adjustments based on changes in retinal thickness or edema
- Digital monitoring to track progression and therapy response
- Patient education on symptoms and timely reporting of vision changes
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Setting: Outpatient retina clinic
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- No downtime required; procedure is non-invasive
- Resume normal activities immediately
- Report any sudden visual changes, flashes, or floaters immediately
- Maintain scheduled follow-up imaging for optimal monitoring
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Full visual function after imaging
- 1–3 Months: Periodic reassessment for changes in retinal thickness
- Long-Term: Continuous monitoring to guide therapy and prevent vision loss
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Precise measurement of retinal thickness and edema
- Early detection of fluid accumulation or disease progression
- Objective data to guide anti-VEGF, steroid, or laser therapy
- Enables timely intervention to preserve central vision
- Supports longitudinal disease management and visual outcomes
Longevity
- Non-invasive monitoring can be repeated indefinitely
- AI-assisted longitudinal tracking enhances reliability
- Combined with treatment, helps maintain retinal health over years
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced retinal specialists for AMD, DME, and RVO
- Advanced OCT and OCT-A systems for high-resolution imaging
- AI-assisted monitoring for early detection and treatment optimization
- Integration with multimodal retinal imaging for comprehensive assessment
- English-friendly clinics with structured follow-up programs
- Personalized care plans including treatment guidance and preventive strategies
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided retinal thickness mapping and progression tracking
- Integration of OCT, OCT-A, FAF, and fundus photography for multimodal assessment
- Digital dashboards for longitudinal patient monitoring
- Personalized follow-up schedules and treatment adjustments
- Early detection protocols for macular edema and CNV
- Combination monitoring with anti-VEGF, laser, or steroid therapies
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Retinal Thickness Monitoring Session | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 | ~$115 – $230 | OCT + OCT-A + consultation |
| Comprehensive Macular Monitoring | ₩400,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$305 – $615 | OCT + OCT-A + FAF + fundus photography + report |
| Annual Retinal Tracking Program | ₩700,000 – ₩1,200,000 | ~$535 – $920 | 2–3 monitoring sessions + imaging + follow-up consultation |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital Retina Center (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Clinic
- Seoul National University Hospital Ophthalmology Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
