Treatment Overview
The Treat-and-Extend Anti-VEGF Protocol is a personalized long-term management strategy for patients with chronic retinal conditions that require ongoing VEGF suppression. Instead of fixed monthly injections, the treat-and-extend model adjusts the interval between anti-VEGF injections based on disease activity, allowing for fewer visits and improved patient comfort while maintaining excellent visual outcomes.
In Korea, this protocol is optimized using advanced imaging, AI-driven analytics, and high-precision injection techniques:
- OCT and OCT-A for precise evaluation of retinal fluid and CNV activity
- AI-based fluid quantification to determine exact treatment intervals
- Customized injection schedules extending from 4 to 12–16 weeks
- Digital tracking platforms for long-term disease monitoring
- Ultra-sterile intravitreal injection suites for maximum safety
- Option to switch between Aflibercept, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, or Faricimab
- Patient-specific optimization based on recurrence patterns and imaging
This Korean protocol helps maintain stable visual acuity while reducing treatment burden for AMD, DME, RVO, and PCV patients.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Maintain long-term VEGF suppression to prevent recurrence
- Stabilize or improve central vision
- Reduce retinal fluid and prevent macular swelling
- Extend injection intervals safely
- Personalize therapy for each patient’s disease pattern
- Lower treatment burden while preserving outcomes
Benefits
- Fewer injections and clinic visits
- High effectiveness with reduced disease fluctuations
- Improved patient comfort and adherence
- AI-guided monitoring ensures optimal timing
- Reduced risk of undertreatment or overtreatment
- Works for AMD, DME, RVO, and PCV
- Cost-effective compared to monthly fixed dosing
Ideal Candidates
Treat-and-Extend Anti-VEGF Protocol in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Individuals with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) patients with macular edema
- Patients stable after initial loading doses of anti-VEGF
- Individuals who experienced rapid fluid recurrence on PRN schedules
- Patients seeking fewer injections with maintained results
- Long-term maintenance patients needing a controlled schedule
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Mild irritation or discomfort
- Temporary floaters
- Light sensitivity
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Rare / Serious Risks
- Recurrence of macular fluid if undertreated
- Infection (endophthalmitis)
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- CNV progression (rare if monitored properly)
- Retinal break or detachment (extremely rare)
Korean Clinics Minimize Risks Through
- Strict aseptic injection technique
- AI-assisted interval adjustments
- Monthly or extended-interval OCT imaging
- Rapid-access follow-up system for recurrence
- Digital reminders and patient monitoring tools
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- OCT – Measure macular thickness and detect fluid
- OCT-A – Identify neovascular activity
- Fluorescein Angiography – Confirm leakage
- Anti-VEGF Agents – Aflibercept, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, Faricimab
- AI-driven Interval Algorithms – Determine treat/extend length
- Micropulse Laser – Adjunct for DME
- Steroid Implants – For persistent inflammatory edema
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Pre-Treatment Assessment
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure check
- OCT/OCT-A imaging to assess disease activity
- Review of past responses to anti-VEGF
- AI-based prediction of optimal interval
- Explanation of treat-and-extend timeline
Step 2 – Injection and Interval Adjustment
- Topical anesthesia and antiseptic preparation
- No-touch intravitreal injection
- Post-injection IOP check
- Interval extension by 1–2 weeks if retina is dry
- Interval shortening if fluid recurs
- Regular OCT at each visit
Step 3 – Long-Term Monitoring
- OCT imaging every visit (4–16 weeks apart)
- Annual angiography if needed
- Ongoing adjustment to maintain stability
- Anti-VEGF changes if response decreases
Duration: 5–10 minutes per injection
Setting: Specialized intravitreal injection clinic
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Mild irritation is normal for 24 hours
- Avoid rubbing the eye
- Use antibiotic drops as prescribed
- No swimming for several days
- Report sudden vision loss, pain, or increased floaters
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Mild pressure or floaters
- 24–48 Hours: Symptoms resolve
- 1–4 Weeks: Visual stability maintained
- Long-term: Gradual extension of interval as stable
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Stable or improved vision
- Significant reduction in retinal fluid
- Fewer required injections over time
- Better adherence and convenience
- Lower cumulative treatment burden
Longevity
- Lifelong therapy may be required for AMD/PCV
- Stable patients often reach 12–16 week intervals
- AI algorithms help maintain long-term disease control
- Regular monitoring ensures lasting results
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Expert retina specialists experienced in long-term anti-VEGF management
- AI-assisted interval optimization
- Precision OCT and OCT-A imaging systems
- Digital treatment tracking and recurrence alerts
- Cost-effective anti-VEGF packages
- English-friendly retina programs
- Comprehensive AMD/DME/RVO care pathways
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-driven treat-and-extend interval algorithms
- Digital dashboards showing fluid recurrence patterns
- High-resolution OCT used at every visit
- Personalized multi-agent switching strategy
- Fully integrated monitoring + treatment models
- Optimized scheduling to reduce clinic time
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treat-and-Extend (Single Visit) | ₩180,000 – ₩400,000 | ~$140 – $305 | Injection + OCT + IOP check |
| Monthly / Bi-Monthly Maintenance Plan | ₩350,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$265 – $610 | Imaging + AI analysis + anti-VEGF |
| Annual Anti-VEGF Monitoring Program | ₩250,000 – ₩600,000 | ~$190 – $455 | OCT + OCT-A + consultation |
| Drug-Specific Packages (Aflibercept / Faricimab) | ₩450,000 – ₩850,000 | ~$340 – $650 | Drug + imaging + follow-up |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Clinic
- Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH)
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
