Retinal Detachment Treatment in Turkey: Cost, VISA Assistance & Local Travel

Retinal detachment is an eye disorder that occurs when the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye separates from its normal position. Since your retina plays a crucial role in forming vision, retinal detachment needs immediate medical attention. However, people living in the UK, USA, and Australia fail to access timely care due to prolonged waiting times, which sometimes delay their treatment until the disease progresses to an irreversible stage. On the other hand, retinal detachment treatment in the Turkish cities of Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir provides international patients with immediate medical intervention and timely care without breaking their bank. 

Turkey is known for offering high-quality and cost-effective retinal detachment treatment for patients seeking quality care within an affordable range. Compared to the US, UK, and Australia, Turkey provides up to 50% lower prices while maintaining international medical standards and adhering to their health guidelines. The cost of retinal detachment treatment in Turkey typically ranges between $2,500 and $3,500, making it an effective yet affordable option for patients seeking advanced treatment that does not compromise on quality. This page will be your guide to everything you need to know about retinal detachment treatment in Turkey.

What are the Indications for Retinal Detachment Treatment in Turkey?

In the early stages of retinal detachment, you may not experience any symptoms; however, as the condition progresses to a more advanced stage, your symptoms will become increasingly noticeable. Here are some of the signs that indicate your need for retinal detachment surgery in Turkey Istanbul: 

• A sudden increase in floaters i.e. grey or black spots in your field of vision 
• Blurring or sudden loss of vision that does not improve with blinking 
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes.
• A shadow or curtain appearing in your field of vision

It is important to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as you notice these symptoms. If retinal detachment is not treated as soon as possible, it can lead to complete vision loss or blindness. 

What are the Options for Retinal Detachment Treatment in Turkey? 

Retinal detachment always requires immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. While the best treatment approach depends on the severity, type, and underlying cause, these are the best retinal detachment treatment in Turkey procedures:

■ Cryopexy: 

Before this procedure begins, your surgeon will give you anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eye before beginning photocoagulation. The procedure involves focusing a laser over the retinal tear or tiny separation that needs to be treated. The beam of light sent out by the laser travels into the eye and burns the tissue that is near to the retinal tear or detachment. The scar tissue left behind by the laser assists in either repairing the rip in the retina or reattaching a piece of the retina that has become detached from the underlying tissue. Once it comes to retinal tears, the surgery prevents fluid from leaking behind the retina, preventing any further escalation of the condition. 

■ Pneumatic Retinopexy: 

The procedure of pneumatic retinopexy is used to repair retinal detachments and is useful for treating early-stage patients. During this procedure, a gas bubble is injected into the eye to help the retina move back into its place. Once it moves back, your surgeon will use a laser to seal the holes, completing the treatment. 

■ Scleral Buckle: 

This is an advanced operation that is mostly performed in well-equipped hospitals and is preferable for patients with severe retinal detachment. The procedure involves placing a strip around the outer eye to push the eyewall inwards towards the retina and return it to its correct position. Scleral convexity is mostlycombined with other procedures like retinal fixation or cryopexy to provide the best results. 

■ Vitrectomy: 

This procedure is used for larger tear sites and is performed after giving anaesthesia. Using this method, your surgeon will use small tools to remove abnormal tissues from the retina, such as blood vessels, scars, and vitreous tissue. Once it is done, the retina is transferred back into its place. 

■ Cryoretinal Fixation: 

In this method, the doctor uses a frozen probe that is placed over the site of the retinal rupture, which helps in holding it fixed and prevents any further damage. Before this treatment, your eyes will be numbed by giving eye drops to numb the area and ease the discomfort. 

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

Here are the steps followed by doctors for retinal detachment treatment in Turkey: 

• Step 1: During the pre-surgical consultation, you will need to submit all your medical documents, including your medical history and current medication prescriptions. Your doctor will evaluate your medical documents to determine the severity of your condition and select the most appropriateion and select the most appropriate treatment approach for you. 
• Step 2: Before your retinal detachment treatment in Turkey, your eye specialist will perform a comprehensive eye examination. This will include retinal imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus examination, or ultrasound to evaluate the retina and vitreous.
• Step 3: To prepare for the surgery, you will be prescribed to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and prohibited from smoking and consuming alcohol to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Step 4: Your doctor will also provide preoperative instructions, including fasting for several hours before the surgery.
• Step 5: Your Retinal detachment surgery will be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.
• Step 6: Next, your surgeon will make small incisions to access your retinal tear and use techniques to create scar tissue to fix the detachment. 
• Step 7:  The scar tissue further attaches the ripped retina that has become detached from the underlying tissue. 
• Step 8: Eye drops will be applied, and your eyes will be filled with a saline solution, gas bubble, or silicone oil to support healing. 

How is Recovery After Retinal Detachment Treatment in Turkey?

Although retinal detachment treatment in Turkey provides a success rate of upto 90%, it is important to follow the necessary steps and follow your doctor’s guidance and restrictions to maintain the efficacy of the treatment. 

During the initial days, there might be some signs of eye redness, swelling, and irritation, but they are more likely to subside eventually, within a few days. You will notice a significant improvement in your vision within a week or two, leading to better and clearer eyesight. You must follow the postoperative instructions strictly, including having medicines and applying eye drops on time, to accelerate your healing process. 

The full recovery will take a period of one to three months, with noticeable positive signs of success within 2-8 weeks. You can then return to performing your normal activities. Still, for a fully healed retina, the recovery time is 3 to 4 months, depending on your condition and the surgical method used. 

Why Choose Turkey for Retinal Detachment Treatment? 

Retinal detachment treatment in Turkey has emerged as one of the most successful and preferred treatments in Turkey, especially in cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. Turkey has become popular as the top choice for medical tourism, attracting international patients due to its advanced medical facilities, experienced ophthalmologists, and cost-effective procedures. Here are the key reasons why Turkey is an excellent choice for retinal detachment treatment:

■ World-class medical facilities: 

Turkey is home to internationally accredited hospitals and eye clinics that are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced laser treatment procedures, vitrectomy systems, and specialised imaging techniques, ensuring precise diagnosis and treatment for the best outcome. 

■ Experienced and highly skilled ophthalmologists: 

Turkish eye surgeons are not only well-trained but also have extensive experience in treating various types of retinal detachment. They are internationally trained in specific surgical techniques and have studied at top medical institutions worldwide to deliver successful treatment results. 

■ Affordable treatment costs: 

Compared to countries like the US, UK, and Australia, the price of retinal detachment treatment in Turkey ranges between $1,800 and $2,800. Turkey offers high-quality retinal detachment treatments at significantly lower prices, so international patients can save up to 50–70% on medical expenses without compromising on quality.

■ Advanced surgical techniques:

Turkish eye clinics utilise advanced surgical methods, such as LASIK eye surgery and glaucoma drainage surgery, to deliver the best possible health outcomes for the patients. 

■ Fast and efficient medical services: 

International patients travelling to Turkey can benefit from minimal waiting times for consultations and surgeries. This ensures timely intervention, which is critical for retinal detachment cases where immediate medical attention is required to prevent permanent vision loss.

■ Comprehensive medical tourism services: 

Many clinics in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya partner up with CureTurkey to offer all-inclusive medical tourism packages that cover consultation, surgery, accommodation, airport transfers, aftercare, and even translation services, making the treatment journey smooth and stress-free for our international patients coming from abroad.