Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Turkey: Cost & Best Doctors

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye complications caused by diabetes, affecting over a third of diabetic patients and causing symptoms like irritation, blurriness, and even vision loss. The condition damages the blood vessels in the retina, causing bleeding and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues. Despite its prevalence, there remains a lack of awareness about the disease, leading many patients to either delay or avoid treatment.

The high cost of these treatments in countries like the UK, USA, and Australia makes it difficult for normal people to access quality healthcare. While diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey costs around $1,800 to $2,800, the UK and USA charge more than $7,800 to $9,500. Also, the lack of awareness and understanding about this condition often leads to delayed treatment, exacerbating the problems in these countries. 

Not to mention, complex healthcare systems and lengthy waiting times have become barriers between patients and timely medical care. In the USA and UK, the absence of universal healthcare coverage leaves many patients vulnerable to financial ruin due to medical bills. This is why Turkey stands out among the best, offering needy patients affordable healthcare that doesn’t compromise on quality. 

Turkey's diabetic retinopathy treatment packages are attractively priced, covering advanced procedures along with travel, hospital stay, and aftercare. Diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey, Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Ankara offers many treatment packages, including additional discounts for patients travelling from abroad, to make healthcare as accessible as possible. 

What are the Indications for Diabetic Retinopathy treatment in Turkey? 

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy can present itself with few or no noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition advances, symptoms become more pronounced and begin to interfere with daily life. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be time for you to consider getting diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey, Istanbul:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Dark spots or floaters in the field of vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Faded or washed-out colors
• Sudden vision loss, especially in more severe cases

What are the Options for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Turkey? 

Turkey, especially cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, offers a wide range of advanced treatment options for conditions like diabetic retinopathy. The stage and severity of the disease and the patient's needs determine the right treatment method. The options for diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey are:

1. Anti-VEGF Therapy & Intraocular Injections:

Intraocular injections are a common treatment method for vision problems caused by fluid accumulation in the macula, which is also called diabetic macular edema. These injections deliver Anti-VEGF medications directly into the eye to prevent fluid leakage  and reduce swelling. Administered in multiple sessions over weeks or months, this procedure is well tolerated and can be customised based on the patient’s eye conditions. Over time, many patients have also reported better vision clarity and reduced retinal swelling, especially when the condition is detected and treated early.

2. Photocoagulation or Laser Treatment:

Laser treatment is recommended for patients showing signs of  macular edema or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal blood vessels begin to grow and leak. During this outpatient procedure, precise laser beams are directed at areas of the retina to seal off leaking vessels and reduce fluid buildup. The laser also helps shrink abnormal vessels by treating regions of the retina that receive poor blood supply.

Although it can take several months for the results to become fully noticeable, this method reduces the risk of severe bleeding and also permanent vision loss. It is a proven treatment method for stabilising vision in early to moderate cases of diabetic retinopathy. 

3. Vitrectomy Surgery:

In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy where significant bleeding or scar tissue threatens vision, vitrectomy surgery might be the best option for you. In the procedure, tiny incisions are made to remove the vitreous gel, blood, and scar tissue from the eye. Laser treatment is often also applied during the surgery to treat poorly perfused retinal areas. This is mostly treated as a last resort when other treatments prove ineffective in repairing the disease. Considered a last-resort option when other treatment methods have proven ineffective, vitrectomy can lead to an improvement in vision, particularly when performed before any permanent damage occurs. Thanks to state-of-the-art surgical techniques used in Turkish hospitals, patients undergoing this procedure experience excellent outcomes and have their visual function restored.

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Turkey? 

Patients travelling to Turkey for diabetic retinopathy treatment can expect a well-coordinated process across top hospitals in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir. Here is the step-by-step procedure for diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey: 

• Step 1: Pre-Consultation: Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eye condition and review your medical history, assess your current condition, and discuss suitable treatment options for you. 
• Step 2: Comprehensive Eye Examination: Upon arrival at the clinic or hospital, a detailed eye examination is conducted. This includes checking your visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and a full retinal evaluation to determine the severity of the disease and detect any related complications.
• Step 3: Diagnostic Tests: Advanced diagnostic tests such as optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography are performed to examine the structure and blood flow in your retina. These tests help pinpoint the areas of fluid leakage, vessel damage, and retinal swelling and help your doctor recommend the most effective treatment method for your diabetic retinopathy. 
• Step 4: Preparation for Surgery: Before the chosen procedure, your eye will be sterilised and numbed using local anaesthesia. If you’re undergoing procedures such as vitrectomy, extra preoperative preparation will be conducted under the supervision of experienced medical staff.
• Step 5: Laser Treatment: A laser is applied to treat leaking blood vessels, reducing edema and preventing further damage.
• Step 6: Intravitreal Injection: If applicable, medication is injected into your eye to reduce inflammation and prevent further vision loss or the disease from progressing. 
• Step 7: Vitrectomy Surgery: For severe or advanced retinopathy involving bleeding and retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery is performed. Here the vitreous gel is removed, clearing any blood or scar tissue, and laser treatment is applied if needed. The surgery usually takes 1–2 hours and is done under local or general anaesthesia.
• Step 8: Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, your eye is closely monitored using advanced surgical equipment and imaging technology. The expert medical team ensures the best possible outcome during each stage of treatment.

How is Recovery After Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Turkey? 

While the recovery period varies depending on the patient’s condition and the type of treatment, here’s a general week-to-week recovery timeline after diabetic retinopathy treatment:

• Week 1: During the first week of treatment, it’s common to experience some discomfort or itching in the eye, accompanied by blurry vision or sensitivity to light. However, your doctor will prescribe eye drops or pain medication to help manage these symptoms.
• Week 2-3: In the second and third weeks after diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey, the treated eye should start to heal, with the eyesight gradually improving. You should avoid performing any strenuous activity during this time and follow the doctor’s instructions regarding any restrictions.
• Week 4-6: By the fourth to sixth week, you are supposed to recover from diabetic retinopathy treatment fully. Your doctor might schedule a follow-up visit during this time to monitor the healing process.
• Beyond 6 Weeks: Follow-up visits are important to continue monitoring blood sugar levels, along with regular eye exams to catch any new signs of diabetic retinopathy early on.

Why Get Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Turkey?

While there are quite a few benefits of getting your diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey, Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, listed below are some of the common ones: 

■ Affordable pricing:

If you are still wondering, “How much does retinopathy treatment cost in Turkey?” then you must know that Turkey offers retinopathy treatment at a cost that is 50-60% less compared to countries like the UK, USA, and Australia. With a cost ranging from $300 – $1,000 per session, Turkey offers high-quality care and successful outcomes.

■ Highest level of service:

Starting from traveling and hotel accommodation to treatment duration and aftercare, most Turkish hospitals pair up with CureTurkey to offer the best healthcare to their international patients. Additionally, you will have a guide and 24-hour translator, ensuring your convenience and comfort. 

■ Convenient geographical location:

Due to its unique and convenient geographical placement, Turkey receives millions of international visitors for medical tourism, making it even more popular with patients from all over the world. Since direct flights to Turkey are available from most countries, the treatment journey also remains hassle-free. 

■ Experienced staff:

You will find the best diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey, Istanbul and Izmir due to the availability of experienced medical staff and specialists. CureTurkey's Turkish doctors receive international training to specialise in specific areas of their expertise, resulting in impressive treatment success rates. 

■ Innovative treatment approaches:

Whether you visit a private or public hospital in Turkey, especially in Istanbul and Ankara, most of them are equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment equipment. Their high-tech medical technologies deliver high-quality treatment, offering successful outcomes and impressive success rates.