Treatment Overview
Scleral Buckle Combined Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is a specialized microsurgical procedure used to treat complex retinal detachments, particularly those involving multiple retinal tears, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), or giant retinal tears. This combined approach integrates pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with scleral buckling, providing both internal and external support to reattach the retina and restore retinal anatomy.
During the procedure, the vitreous gel is removed to relieve traction, the scleral buckle is placed externally to indent the eye wall and support the retina, and laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy is applied to secure retinal breaks. Gas or silicone oil tamponade is often used to maintain retinal positioning while healing occurs.
Korea is internationally recognized for advanced combined vitrectomy and scleral buckle programs that incorporate:
- 25G/27G microincision vitrectomy for minimal trauma and faster recovery
- Customized scleral buckle placement based on retinal tear location and severity
- Intraoperative OCT guidance for precise retinal reattachment
- Laser or cryotherapy to reinforce retinal adhesion
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade when necessary
- Rapid outpatient or short-stay surgical protocols
- High anatomical success rates with low complication rates
This approach ensures effective retinal reattachment, prevents recurrent detachment, and preserves visual function.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Reattach the retina in complex detachments
- Reduce vitreoretinal traction
- Support areas with multiple tears or PVR
- Prevent recurrent detachment
- Serve as a platform for adjunctive therapies such as laser or tamponade
Benefits
- Combines internal (vitrectomy) and external (scleral buckle) retinal support
- Minimally invasive microincision vitrectomy
- Precise retinal reattachment using OCT guidance
- High success rates in restoring retinal anatomy and vision
- Can be combined with cataract surgery if needed
Ideal Candidates
Scleral Buckle Combined Vitrectomy Surgery in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with complex or recurrent retinal detachment
- Eyes with multiple retinal breaks
- Patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
- Individuals with giant retinal tears
- Cases requiring both internal and external retinal support
Possible Risks & Complications
Common/Moderate Risks
- Temporary blurred vision
- Mild postoperative inflammation
- Minor retinal edema or hemorrhage
Rare/Serious Risks
- Recurrent retinal detachment
- Endophthalmitis (infection)
- Retinal tear during surgery
- Cataract progression in phakic patients
- Macular edema
- Vision loss in severe cases
Korean specialists minimize risks through:
- Microincision vitrectomy (25G/27G) for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided surgical planning
- Accurate scleral buckle placement
- Careful intraoperative tamponade positioning
- Postoperative OCT and fundus monitoring
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) – Core internal retinal support
- Scleral Buckle – External retinal support
- Laser Photocoagulation – Secures retinal breaks
- Cryotherapy – Reinforces retinal adhesion
- Gas or Silicone Oil Tamponade – Maintains retinal reattachment
- Intraoperative OCT – Ensures precise retinal alignment
- Cataract Surgery – Optional combined procedure
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Preoperative Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including OCT, fundus photography, and visual acuity
- Mapping retinal tears, detachment extent, and PVR severity
- Planning for microincision vitrectomy and scleral buckle placement
Step 2 – Surgical Planning
- Selection of vitrectomy gauge (25G/27G)
- Determine need for ILM peeling or membrane removal
- Decide on gas or silicone oil tamponade
- Plan scleral buckle type and placement
Step 3 – Combined Surgery
- Local or general anesthesia
- Microincision vitrectomy to remove vitreous traction
- Laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy for retinal breaks
- Placement of scleral buckle for external support
- Gas or silicone oil tamponade if required
- Optional combined cataract surgery
Step 4 – Postoperative Evaluation
- OCT imaging to confirm retinal reattachment
- Monitor visual acuity and intraocular pressure
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops
Step 5 – Follow-Up & Maintenance
- Regular OCT and fundus exams
- Adjust positioning or interventions if needed
- Additional surgery only if complications arise
Duration: 120–180 minutes depending on complexity
Setting: Advanced vitreoretinal surgery center
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Maintain prescribed head positioning if tamponade is used
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or eye rubbing
- Follow all medication instructions
- Attend all scheduled postoperative visits
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Blurred vision due to surgery or tamponade
- 1–2 Weeks: Reduced inflammation and early visual improvement
- 4–8 Weeks: Retinal stabilization and gradual visual recovery
- Long-Term: Periodic monitoring ensures no recurrence
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Successful retinal reattachment
- Stabilization of retinal anatomy
- Improved visual outcomes
- Prevention of further detachment or complications
Longevity
- Permanent repair at treated retinal sites
- Lifelong OCT monitoring recommended for high-risk patients
- Combined surgical approach ensures durable outcomes
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced vitreoretinal surgeons
- Microincision 25G/27G vitrectomy for minimal trauma
- OCT-guided precision during combined surgery
- Expertise in both scleral buckle and vitrectomy techniques
- High success rates with rapid outpatient or short-stay protocols
- Ability to combine cataract surgery when necessary
Unique Korean Innovations
- OCT-assisted microincision vitrectomy for complex detachments
- Customized scleral buckle design and placement
- AI-assisted surgical planning for optimal tamponade and buckle positioning
- Integration with laser and cryotherapy for complete retinal support
- Optimized postoperative monitoring and positioning protocols
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Scleral Buckle + Vitrectomy | ₩7,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 | ~$5,400 – $9,200 | 25G/27G vitrectomy + scleral buckle + laser/cryotherapy |
| Scleral Buckle + Vitrectomy + Tamponade | ₩9,000,000 – ₩14,500,000 | ~$6,900 – $11,100 | Vitrectomy + buckle + gas/silicone oil + OCT follow-up |
| Combined Procedure (Bucke + Vitrectomy + Cataract) | ₩10,500,000 – ₩16,000,000 | ~$8,000 – $12,300 | Vitrectomy + buckle + cataract surgery + postoperative care |
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
