Keratoconus Treatment in Turkey: Treatment Costs & VISA Guide

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The condition occurs when the cornea, which is normally dome-shaped, thins and begins to bulge outward in a cone shape. This distortion can cause visual impairments ranging from mild blurriness to vision loss if left untreated.  Even though we don't know exactly what causes keratoconus, it's important to get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to avoid long-term problems, including blindness in severe cases.

Keratoconus treatment in Turkey is now the top choice for international patients due to advanced techniques, experienced doctors, and top hospitals. Many patients from the USA, UK, and Australia choose Keratoconus treatment in Turkey due to its combination of high-quality medical care, experienced doctors, and affordable prices. Patients from countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia chose Turkey for treatment to avoid the high costs, long waiting times, and limited access to specialised care often found in their home countries. Australia's remote location and high keratoconus surgery costs also make it challenging for patients to access timely and affordable treatment.  In contrast, Turkey offers prompt medical treatments, affordable pricing, and access to advanced treatments such as corneal cross-linking, intrastromal ring segments, and corneal transplants.

Corneal transplants and other keratoconus-related procedures in Turkey are performed in internationally accredited hospitals by experienced specialists, often at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Turkey’s geographic location also makes it easily accessible to patients from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Coupled with warm hospitality, rich culture, and world famous tourist attractions, Turkey stands out as a top country for those needing high-quality eye care and the best medical tourism experience. This page will be your guide to everything you need to know about getting Keratoconus treatment in Turkey.

What are the Indications for Keratoconus Treatment?

Although keratoconus symptoms present themselves differently for every patient, the condition usually affects both eyes and causes vision problems. Symptoms also tend to evolve as the disease progresses. Early detection and timely treatment can help prevent severe complications. Listed below are some of the early symptoms that might indicate your need for keratoconus treatment:

• Blurred Vision
• Visual disturbances, causing straight lines to appear wavy or twisted
• Eye irritation, swelling, or persistent redness
• Increased sensitivity to light and occasional light flashes

During the advanced stages, keratoconus symptoms become much more pronounced and severe, leading to the following:

• Increased blurred vision
• Increased severity of visual distortions
• Progressive myopia and astigmatism, requiring frequent changes in prescription glasses
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses due to the irregular shape of the cornea

In advanced cases, complications are quick to occur. One such complication is corneal hydrops, a painful condition where the cornea swells rapidly due to fluid buildup and leads to scarring and permanent vision damage.

Since keratoconus progresses slowly over many years, early treatment improves the likelihood of preserving vision and avoiding invasive procedures like corneal transplantation. Seeking timely treatment in Turkey can offer access to modern techniques, which help manage Keratoconus more effectively.

What are the Options for Keratoconus Treatment in Turkey?

The right keratoconus treatment option depends on several factors, such as the patient’s eye structure, severity and progression of the disease, and individual preferences. In Turkey, ophthalmologists evaluate these factors carefully in collaboration with the patient to determine the most suitable treatment for them:

■ Specialized Lenses:

In the early and moderate stages of keratoconus, specialised contact lenses can help correct vision. These include:

• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens: These durable lenses are commonly used in Turkey to provide clearer vision by maintaining a regular shape over the irregular cornea. They help focus light correctly onto the retina.
• Hybrid contact lenses: These lenses combine a rigid centre for visual clarity with a soft outer ring for comfort. They are a popular choice among Turkish eye care specialists for keratoconus treatment in Turkey because they provide both comfort and effective vision correction for the patients.
• Scleral or Semi-Scleral Lenses: These large-diameter lenses rest on the sclera and vault over the cornea, providing both stability and comfort. These are usually reserved for patients who cannot tolerate other lens types.

■ Surgical Options:

When the disease progresses and the cornea shape deteriorates, glasses and lenses become insufficient, necessitating complex treatment methods like the following: 

• Intracorneal Ring Segments: In this procedure, small and curved implants are surgically inserted inside the cornea to flatten its shape and improve eye vision. ICRS reduces dependence on glasses and lenses and is used for treating moderate cases of keratoconus.
• Corneal Cross-linking Treatment: Also known as cross-linking therapy, this non-invasive treatment is performed under general anaesthesia to halt the progression of keratoconus and takes 30-45 minutes to complete. In this procedure, riboflavin eye drops are applied, followed by controlled ultraviolet-A light exposure. This process strengthens the corneal collagen fibres, stabilises the cornea, and prevents further thinning. 
• Cornea Transplantation: In advanced cases where the cornea has become too thin or scarred for other treatments to work, a corneal transplant becomes necessary. During this procedure, the damaged corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor tissue. Corneal transplantation has a high success rate in Turkey and is considered a definitive treatment option, with a low risk of keratoconus recurrence post-surgery.

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

Keratoconus treatment in Turkey is personalised for every patient, depending on the severity and progression of the disease. While corneal collagen cross-linking is used in the early to moderate stage of keratoconus to halt its progression, corneal transplantation becomes necessary in advanced cases where vision can no longer be corrected with lenses or other treatments. Here are the steps for keratoconus treatment in Turkey that are done using both procedures:

■ Corneal Collagen Cross-linking: 

• Step 1: Administration of anaesthetic eye drops is done for a pain-free experience.
• Step 2: The outer layer of the cornea is gently removed using a specialised tool in this step. This enhances the absorption of the riboflavin drops.
• Step 3: Riboflavin drops are applied at regular intervals for over 30 minutes to saturate the corneal tissue.
• Step 4: Once absorption is complete, the cornea is exposed to controlled ultraviolet-A light for about 30 minutes. This activates the riboflavin and forms new collagen cross-links to strengthen the cornea.
• Step 5: A soft bandage contact lens is placed for optimal healing and comfort during the initial recovery. The epithelium regenerates in a few days.

■ Cornea Transplant:

• Step 1: Comprehensive eye exams and imaging tests are conducted to determine the transplant type and donor match.
• Step 2: Anaesthesia is administered to the patient.
• Step 3: 
  • In DALK: The diseased front layers of the cornea are removed
  • In PK: The entire cornea is removed with a circular cutting instrument
• Step 4: Healthy donor cornea is shaped and sutured into place using fine stitches.
• Step 5: A protective eye shield is placed, and a regimen of antibiotic and steroid drops is prescribed.

How is Recovery After Keratoconus Treatment in Turkey?

Once you are done with Keratoconus treatment in Turkey, your recovery will matter a lot, and you will need to maintain proper care to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to initiate the healing process: 

• Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and adjust medication as needed. Your ophthalmologist will track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. You will receive support after returning home, either through remote consultations or by preparing detailed handover documents for your local eye doctor.
• Medication: Your ophthalmologist will prescribe medications tailored to your procedure. You can be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection, steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent graft rejection, and lubricating drops to keep the eyes moist and reduce discomfort. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to use these medications and monitor for any potential side effects.
• Recovery Time: The recovery time for your keratoconus treatment will vary depending on the procedure that is done. Your ophthalmologist will provide guidance on what to expect during the recovery period and how to manage any discomfort or side effects.  Regular eye examinations and corneal evaluations are important to achieve the best results. 

Why Get Keratoconus Treatment in Turkey? 

Turkey is on the list of top countries for getting keratoconus treatment, thanks to its combination of advanced medical care, affordable pricing, and patient-friendly services. Patients worldwide choose Turkey for its quality care and the comfort and convenience it provides throughout their medical journey.

• Affordable Treatment Costs: Procedures like corneal transplant cost in Turkey is only around $1,750, which is very low when compared to prices in the USA, UK, or Australia.
• Advanced Medical Technology: Accredited hospitals in cities like Istanbul and Antalya use the latest surgical techniques and diagnostic tools for high success rates.
• Experienced Specialists: Turkish ophthalmologists are internationally trained and experienced in treating keratoconus at all stages.
• International Patient Support: Services include airport transfers, translation assistance, and coordinated aftercare through medical tourism platforms such as CureTurkey.