Vitrectomy in Turkey: surgery of the retina and vitreous
Indications, procedure, gas and positioning, flying, recovery, risks and price: everything you need to know before a vitrectomy in Turkey.
What is a vitrectomy in Turkey?
Straight lines that look bent, a spot in the center of your vision, or vision suddenly clouded by bleeding inside the eye: these problems often come from the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye, or from the retina behind it.
A vitrectomy in Turkey involves removing the vitreous through three micro-incisions, to reach the retina and treat it: removing a membrane, closing a macular hole, clearing a hemorrhage, reattaching a retina. It usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour 30, most often under local anesthesia, with no hospital stay or with one night on site. If a gas bubble is left in the eye, flying is forbidden for 2 to 8 weeks: this is essential for planning your stay. The price is set in a free quote.
TurquieMed organizes your stay: forwarding your file to the ophthalmology team, opinion and detailed quote within 48 hours, airport pick-up, transfers, hotel, interpreter and 7-day-a-week assistance.
- Duration
- 30 minutes to 1 hour 30
- Anesthesia
- Usually local
- Stay without gas
- Usually 7 to 10 days
- Flying with gas
- Forbidden for 2 to 8 weeks
How much does a vitrectomy cost in Turkey?
The price depends on the condition treated, the length of the operation, the product left in the eye (gas or silicone oil) and any cataract surgery performed at the same time. For a comparable level of care, the total cost in Turkey is often significantly lower than private prices in Western Europe or North America.
Your free quote is prepared after your file has been reviewed. It specifies the procedure, anesthesia, eye drops, check-ups, hotel, transfers and interpreter. Your flight is usually at your own expense.
Why have a vitrectomy in Turkey?
Vitrectomy treats retinal diseases that threaten central vision. Its result depends on the finesse of the surgery and the quality of the equipment, two strengths of Turkish vitreoretinal surgery centers.
- High-resolution OCT assessment. Macular OCT precisely measures a membrane, macular hole or edema, which helps predict the benefit of surgery.
- Modern vitrectomy systems. Latest-generation platforms, with wide-angle viewing, allow precise and safe surgery through incisions of less than 1 mm.
- Surgeons experienced with diabetes. Vitreous hemorrhages and advanced diabetic retinopathy are treated regularly by retina teams, in liaison with your diabetes specialist.
- Cataract surgery at the same time if needed. After 50, the combined operation avoids a second procedure and a second trip.
- A stay planned around the gas. If a gas bubble is planned, the team tells you in advance how long you cannot fly, so you can organize your stay with no surprises.
Who is a vitrectomy for?
Vitrectomy is offered in particular for:
- an epiretinal membrane: a thin membrane forms on the retina and distorts vision (wavy lines);
- a macular hole: a small hole in the center of the retina creates a spot in the middle of your vision;
- a vitreous hemorrhage that does not clear, often due to diabetes;
- advanced diabetic retinopathy, with membranes pulling on the retina;
- a retinal detachment;
- very troublesome floaters, in carefully selected cases, after discussing the benefits and risks.
Ordinary floaters usually require no treatment. However, a sudden appearance of many spots with flashes requires a consultation the same day.
How is a vitrectomy performed?
Through three micro-incisions of less than 1 mm, the surgeon inserts a light and fine instruments. They remove the vitreous, then treat the retina: peeling a membrane with forceps, laser on the retina, clearing a hemorrhage. At the end, the eye is filled with fluid, gas or silicone oil depending on the case. The incisions usually close on their own.
In patients over 50, vitrectomy speeds up the development of a cataract. The surgeon may therefore suggest operating on the cataract at the same time, to avoid a second procedure.
How does the vitrectomy work in Turkey, step by step?
- You send your file. Your retinal OCT, examination reports and medical history. You receive an opinion and a quote.
- Day 1: assessment (OCT, fundus exam, ultrasound if needed) and consultation with the surgeon.
- Day 2: the operation, lasting 30 minutes to 1 hour 30.
- The following days: positioning if needed. For a macular hole with gas, you often need to keep your head face down for several hours a day, for a few days.
- Check-ups the next day and around day 7, then return with the surgeon’s approval.
Gas in the eye and flying
If a gas bubble is left in the eye, flying is strictly forbidden until it has gone, 2 to 8 weeks depending on the gas: eye pressure would rise dangerously at altitude. Allow for this before booking your return. Without gas, or with silicone oil, return is usually possible 7 to 10 days after surgery.
After surgery
Vision is blurred at first and improves over several weeks. Use your eye drops for about 1 month and avoid exertion and swimming pools for 2 to 4 weeks.
What are the risks of a vitrectomy?
Modern micro-incision vitrectomy is a well-mastered procedure. For an epiretinal membrane or a macular hole, most patients see their vision improve or stabilize.
| Possible effect | Frequency | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract within 1 to 2 years | Very common after 50 | Operated on normally, or at the same time as the vitrectomy |
| Rise in eye pressure | Uncommon | Treated with eye drops |
| Retinal detachment | Rare | Re-operated, with good results |
| Infection | Very rare | Needs urgent treatment |
How to choose your clinic and quote?
A low price is not enough. Ask the hospital these questions before committing:
- Is the hospital authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health to treat international patients?
- Who will perform the surgery, and how experienced are they with this technique?
- Is the surgeon specialized in retinal surgery?
- Is a gas bubble planned, and from when will you be able to fly again?
- Who takes care of a complication, on site and after your return home?
- What ophthalmological follow-up is planned, and with whom?
What a good quote should specify
- The name of the hospital and the doctor
- The tests, anesthesia, hospital stay and medication included
- The number of nights in hospital and at the hotel, and the transfers
- What happens in case of complication or cancellation
- The follow-up offered after your return
Also budget for your flight and follow-up consultations. Planned treatment in Turkey is usually not covered by public health insurance: ask your insurer in writing before committing.
Take time to think, and be wary of any offer that pushes you to decide quickly.
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Frequently asked questions about vitrectomy in Turkey
How much does a vitrectomy cost in Turkey?
The price depends on the condition treated, the length of the operation, the gas or oil used and any cataract surgery at the same time. It is usually lower than private prices in Western Europe or North America. The exact price appears on your free quote.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Without gas in the eye, usually 7 to 10 days. With a gas bubble, flying is forbidden for 2 to 8 weeks: you then need to plan a longer stay or an overland return, avoiding mountain passes. The surgeon tells you which product is planned before surgery.
Is the surgery painful?
No. The eye is numbed with local anesthesia, sometimes with a sedative. After surgery, the eye may be uncomfortable and slightly sore for a few days, which is relieved with simple painkillers.
When does vision improve?
Gradually: after an epiretinal membrane, vision improves over 3 to 6 months, and distortion decreases. After a macular hole, vision starts to return once the gas bubble has been absorbed. With silicone oil, vision stays blurred until it is removed.
Should the cataract be operated on at the same time?
This is often suggested after 50, because vitrectomy speeds up the development of a cataract. Operating on both at the same time avoids a second procedure and a second trip.
Which documents should I send to get an opinion?
Send your latest retinal OCT, your eye examination reports, your visual acuity, your medical history (diabetes, eye surgery) and current treatments, especially blood thinners.
Is a vitrectomy in Turkey covered by insurance?
Vitrectomy is usually covered by health insurance when done at home, but planned treatment in Turkey is usually not reimbursed. Ask your insurer in writing before committing.
Request a free medical opinion and quote
Send us your complete medical file: eye examination reports, imaging and glasses prescription. The medical team will review it, and you will receive a detailed medical opinion and an estimated quote.
