Vitrectomy Surgery in Turkey: Cost, Best Doctors & VISA-Guide

Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the vitreous humour; a clear gel fills the space between the lens of the eye and the retina to treat various vitreoretinal disorders. However, due to the lack of awareness regarding this treatment in some parts of the UK, USA, and Australia, many patients remain undiagnosed and untreated. The costly treatment charges also keep many patients with budgetary constraints from getting timely medical attention. Both the expensive treatment costs and the long waiting times, along with the lack of insurance coverage, have become hindrances to meeting patients' needs and led to the progression of the condition. Vitrectomy surgery in Turkey, however, eliminates problems by offering high-quality vitrectomy surgeries at affordable costs with high outcome rates.

Turkey is not only a popular destination for medical tourism but also one of the only places where transparent payment for treatment processes allows better medical care and hassle-free treatment journeys for patients travelling from abroad. The country's strategic location between Europe and the Middle East makes it an ideal destination for medical tourism, allowing patients to combine their treatment with a memorable vacation. With its distinctive mixture of quality, affordability, and accessibility, Turkey has become a top choice for patients seeking vitrectomy surgery, offering a viable alternative to the costly and often ineffective healthcare systems of the USA, UK, and Australia. Turkey offers advanced medical facilities, experienced ophthalmologists, and affordable treatment options, along with enticing treatment packages and discounts for international patients seeking cost-effective treatment in the country. 

What are the Indications For Getting Vitrectomy Surgery in Turkey? 

Vitrectomy surgery in Turkey can be performed for a number of eye issues affecting the vitreous and retina in the eye. You might need to go for vitrectomy surgery if you notice any of the following indications: 

• Severe eye infections
• Eye trauma or injury
• Presence of foreign bodies in the eye
• Development of epiretinal membranes
• Macular hole
• Visual problems caused by diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal detachment
• Haemorrhages occurring in the internal structure of the eye.

What are the Types of Vitrectomy Surgeries?

Vitrectomy surgery in Turkey can be broadly classified into the following two types. Your surgeon will assess your health condition to determine the best vitrectomy procedure for you: 

1. Posterior Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV):

This procedure is the most commonly performed vitrectomy surgery and is suitable for patients with retinal detachment, macular holes, vitreous haemorrhages, and epiretinal membranes. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the sclera, the white of the eye, through the pars plana, a specific area just behind the iris. Through the incision, the vitreous cavity is accessed, and removal of the vitreous takes place. Then, it is replaced with vitreous gel before closing the incision to prevent any further complications. The success rate of this procedure is high, between 85% and 90%, while the cost ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 in Turkey. 

2. Anterior Vitrectomy: 

The procedure involves accessing the anterior chamber through a small incision to remove the displaced vitreous. The cost of this procedure is around $4,500 to $6,000, which is 60% lower than that of other countries. This procedure is quite effective in treating your eye conditions and restoring clear vision, with a success rate of up to 97%. 

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for Vitrectomy Surgery in Turkey? 

Vitrectomy surgery in Turkey is performed by specialised ophthalmologists and has till date garnered impressive success rates and effective health outcomes. Here are the common steps followed during the vitrectomy surgery: 

• Step 1: During the pre-surgical consultation, you have to submit your documents with your medical history and current medication regimen, based on which your doctor will assess the right treatment approach for you. 
• Step 2: Your doctor will then ask you to undergo some medical examinations to evaluate the severity of your condition and determine the suitable surgical method for the best outcome. 
• Step 3: During the day of the surgery, you will receive local anaesthesia with sedation to numb the eye and help you relax. This will prevent any discomfort and ensure a smooth procedure. 
• Step 4: Next, a small incision is made in the sclera, the white part of the eye, with specialized instruments to access the eye interior and remove vitreous humor. 
• Step 5: The vitreous gel is then carefully removed to replace it with a saline solution before closing the incision. 
• Step 6: Once the vitreous tissue is removed, your surgeon will perform repairs on the retina, such as removing scar tissue, repairing detachments, and injecting medications to prevent any infection. 
• Step 7: Post-surgery, you will be prescribed eye drops and drugs to prevent infection or inflammation. 
• Step 8: To solidify the treatment procedure and maintain its effectiveness, follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing and visual recovery. This ensures early rectification of arising problems and facilitates significant improvement in vision. 

How is Recovery After Vitrectomy Surgery in Turkey?

The most asked question for a patient going for vitrectomy surgery is, ‘How long does it take to fully recover from a vitrectomy?’. Well, to know the answer to this question, keep reading! Right after the surgery, you might experience some side effects, like blurriness, itching, and inflammation, which are nothing to worry about and will subside eventually. While the vitrectomy healing process usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks before you can return to your normal activities, you will experience a gradual improvement in your vision over the period of several weeks to months. Here’s how it might look on a day-to-day basis:

• First few days: You are more likely to experience post-surgical inflammation, swelling, or the presence of a gas bubble or silicone oil, leading to blurry vision. If a gas bubble is used for your surgery, vision may appear dark or distorted.
• First few weeks: Within the first few weeks, you will notice a gradual improvement in vision as swelling subsides and the eye heals, dissolving the gas bubble over 2–8 weeks and allowing clearer vision.
• One to three months: You will notice a significant improvement in vision, although full recovery may take longer, depending on the severity of your condition.
• Three to six months: As months go by, the final visual outcomes will become clearer, especially once the retina has fully healed. However, if silicone oil is used for your vitrectomy surgery, vision will remain blurry until it is removed during a second scheduled procedure. 

Why Choose Turkey for Vitrectomy Surgery? 

If you're looking for high-quality medical care for your vitreo-retinal issues at an affordable price, Turkey stands out as one of the top destinations for eye treatments, including vitrectomy surgery. Here’s what makes Turkey an excellent choice for this procedure: 

■ World-class ophthalmic surgeons:

Turkey is known for its highly trained eye specialists who are not only internationally trained but also certified experts, having extensive experience in performing vitrectomy with precision and care to deliver the best results. 

■ Advanced medical technology:

Hospitals and clinics in Turkey, especially in cities like Antalya, Istanbul, and Izmir, utilize the latest advancements in vitrectomy surgery, ensuring safe and effective treatment with excellent success rate. 

■ Cost-effective surgery:

International patients traveling to Turkey can receive high-quality care at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries, like the UK, USA, and Australia, charging $8,400 to $12,400.​, $10,500 to $12,700., and $5,940 to $7,260 per eye, respectively. On the other hand, Turkey's prices are lower by 30% to 50% or more, ranging around $3,000 to $6,500, without compromising on the quality of services, clinic standards, or surgeon qualifications. 

■ All-inclusive Vitrectomy treatment packages:

For international patients seeking vitrectomy surgery in Turkey, the country offers options for all-inclusive treatment packages. Agencies like CureTurkey pair up with world-class hospitals to provide international patients with these packages that include travel, treatment expenses, hospital stays, aftercare, and accommodations, all within a fraction of the price available in the UK and USA. 

■ Comprehensive patient support:

By contacting CureTurkey, international patients can benefit from all-inclusive  medical tourism services, including airport transfers, accommodation, and multilingual medical staff, which can enhance the treatment experience, making it both cost-effective and convenient. 

■ Excellent postoperative care:

Turkish clinics in cities like Istanbul and Antalya focus on personalised aftercare to support a smooth recovery and the best possible visual outcomes for every patient.