Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Turkey: Best Costs and Options

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, affecting over a third of diabetic patients. It is a serious, long-term consequence of uncontrolled type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Without timely treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss. Fortunately, several advanced treatment options are available.

In Turkey, cutting-edge techniques help preserve vision, even in advanced cases. Early intervention is key to preventing severe complications, making routine retinal check-ups essential for all diabetic patients.

If you have diabetes and notice vision problems, don’t ignore the symptoms—consult an ophthalmologist immediately.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the small blood vessels in the retina. It is a common complication of diabetes and, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy is a direct consequence of raised glucose levels on the small blood vessels of the retina. However other important risk factors for diabetic retinopathy are raised blood pressure and elevated serum lipids, both of which are common in people with diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Dark spots or floaters in the field of vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Colors appearing faded or washed out
• Sudden vision loss in severe cases

Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy

An ophthalmologist or optometrist can diagnose diabetic retinopathy through specialized eye exams for retinal imaging, including:

• Dilated Eye Exam: The doctor uses special drops to widen the pupils and examine the retina for any damage.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A scan that provides detailed images of the retina to detect swelling.
• Fluorescein Angiography: A dye is injected into the bloodstream to highlight leaking or abnormal blood vessels in the retina.

Diabetic Retinopathy Complications

If untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe eye problems and may eventually lead to permanent vision loss, the complications of untreated diabetic retinopathy includ:

• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous gel, causing sudden vision loss.
• Retinal Detachment: Scar tissue pulling the retina away from the back of the eye.
• Macular Edema: Swelling in the macula, leading to central vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve, leading to blindness.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy progresses in stages:

1. Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)
NPDR, the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, occurs when small blood vessels in the retina weaken, leading to microaneurysms, retinal swelling, and small hemorrhages.

While vision may remain normal or slightly blurry, untreated NPDR can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), increasing the risk of vision loss.

2. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)
PDR is the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal new blood vessels form in the retina.

These fragile vessels can rupture, bleed, and create scar tissue, leading to severe vision impairment or blindness if left untreated.

Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss.

Related health topics: Vitreous Hemorrhage Treatment New Updates

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Generally, to treat diabetic retinopathy you should first control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and eye health.

The goal of diabetic retinopathy treatment is to prevent vision loss, slow disease progression, and manage complications such as abnormal blood vessel growth and macular edema.

By using laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, steroids, or surgery, doctors aim to preserve as much vision as possible and maintain overall eye health.

Early detection and timely treatment significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of severe blindness.

Depending on the stage of diabetic retinopathy, severity of retinal damage, presence of macular edema, and overall eye health the ophthalmologist will choose the best option for treating the diabetic retinopathy.

There are 3 common options for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy:

1. Diabetic retinopathy surgery

The primary diabetic retinopathy surgical option is vitrectomy.

When diabetic retinopathy reaches an advanced stage, vitrectomy is often the best surgical option to prevent further vision loss.

This procedure involves removing the vitreous gel, the clear, jelly-like substance inside the eye. In diabetic retinopathy, tiny blood vessels can leak into this gel, causing cloudy vision or even complete vision blockage. By removing the vitreous, the doctor can clear out the blood, remove scar tissue, and access the retina more easily for further treatment.

When do doctors recommend a vitrectomy?

Surgery (Vitrectomy) is typically reserved for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). It is the best option when serious complications such as vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment occur and start affecting vision, such as:

• Vitreous hemorrhage: when bleeding inside the eye won’t clear up on its own.
• Retinal detachment: when scar tissue pulls on the retina, risking permanent vision loss.
• Severe scar tissue formation: which can distort the retina and impact sight.

Benefits of Vitrectomy in treating diabetic retinopathy

• Stops vision from getting worse by removing obstructions and stabilizing the retina.
• Can improve eyesight if the retina isn’t too badly damaged.

While vitrectomy can help restore vision, it’s not a cure for diabetic retinopathy. Managing blood sugar levels and following up with eye exams remain crucial to protecting long-term vision.

2. Laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Laser treatment, also known as photocoagulation, is another good option for treating the advanced diabetic retinopathy

Laser photocoagulation is a treatment that uses a high-energy laser to target the retina for sealing off leaking blood vessels and reducing the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the retina.

The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes, and multiple sessions may be needed.

Types of laser used for treatment

The type of laser treatment you receive depends on the severity and location of the damage in your eye.

• Pan-retinal Photocoagulation (PRP): This treatment reduces the growth of new abnormal blood vessels in the retina, preventing complications like bleeding and retinal detachment.
• Grid Laser Treatment: Used for macular edema, this treatment targets a larger area of the macula to reduce swelling and improve vision stability.
• Focal Laser Treatment: This targets specific leaking blood vessels in the retina, sealing them to prevent further fluid leakage and vision impairment.

When do doctors recommend laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy?

• Laser treatment is best for early to moderate stages of diabetic retinopathy, especially when abnormal blood vessel growth or macular edema is present.
• Laser treatment is commonly used for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) to shrink abnormal blood vessels and prevent complications like bleeding or retinal detachment.
• It is also used for diabetic macular edema (DME), which can occur in both PDR and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Benefits of laser treatment

• Slows disease progression by preventing the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
• Reduces swelling in the retina, especially in cases of diabetic macular edema (DME).
• Prevents further vision loss by sealing leaking blood vessels and stabilizing retinal damage.
• Minimally invasive with a short recovery time compared to surgical options.
• Helps preserve central vision when used early in treatment.

While laser treatment does not restore lost vision, it is highly effective in preventing worsening damage and maintaining existing eyesight.

In addition to its effectiveness for diabetic retinopathy, the laser prevents vision loss due to other cases, such as glaucoma.

Laser treatment for glaucoma is a rescue glaucoma treatment in emergencies.

Moreover, laser-assisted corneal reshaping including various techniques such as LASIK and PRK laser eye surgery is among the most common solutions for nearsightedness and other refractive issues.

3. Eye injections for diabetic retinopathy

Eye injections are a key treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

These injections help reduce swelling, prevent abnormal blood vessel growth, and slow disease progression.

Types of eye injections for treatment of diabetic retinopathy:

1. Anti-VEGF Injections: These medications block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that stimulates abnormal blood vessel growth.

They help reduce swelling, stop new blood vessels from forming, and improve vision.

Common anti-VEGF drugs include:

• Aflibercept (Eylea)
• Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
• Bevacizumab (Avastin)

2. Steroid Injections: These help reduce inflammation and swelling in the retina. In some cases, a long-acting steroid implant (such as Iluvien) is placed in the eye for a slow, continuous release.

When are eye injections used for diabetic retinopathy?

• Diabetic macular edema (DME): To reduce swelling and improve vision.
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): To shrink abnormal blood vessels and prevent complications like bleeding or retinal detachment.
• As an alternative or addition to laser treatment: Some cases require a combination of both for better results.

Eye injections are usually given monthly at first, then less frequently based on the patient's response. While they don’t cure diabetic retinopathy, they help control the disease and preserve vision.

Treatment for Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

In the early stage of diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to slow disease progression.

If macular edema develops, doctors may recommend anti-VEGF injections or laser photocoagulation to reduce swelling and prevent vision loss.

Treatment for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

PDR treatment aims to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent severe vision loss or blindness. The main options include:

• Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser treatment – burns parts of the retina to shrink abnormal vessels.
• Anti-VEGF injections – block VEGF protein to stop new blood vessel growth.
• Vitrectomy surgery – removes vitreous hemorrhage or scar tissue in advanced cases to restore vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Cost

The cost of diabetic retinopathy treatment depends on several factors, including:

1. Clinic Location
The price varies between countries based on factors such as economic level, government taxes, medical technology, and service quality.

In countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and most of Europe, medical services and surgeries tend to be more expensive.

In contrast, countries like Turkey offer more affordable options due to government support for medical tourism, competitive pricing, and special care packages for international patients.

Turkey is a leading destination for diabetic retinopathy treatment, offering affordable prices, experienced eye specialists, and modern medical facilities.

2. Type of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
The cost in Turkey varies based on the procedure and severity of the condition:

The cost of laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy in Turkey ranges from $300 – $1,000 per session, depending on the clinic and severity of the condition.

The cost of intravitreal injections for diabetic eye disease, including Anti-VEGF and steroid injections, is $150 – $400 per injection.

The cost of vitrectomy surgery for advanced diabetic retinopathy varies between $2,500 – $5,000, making Turkey a cost-effective option for patients seeking high-quality retinal treatments.

3. Clinic Reputation and Technological Advancements
Clinics equipped with cutting-edge technology, original high-end medical devices, and premium patient services generally charge higher fees than those with basic facilities.

4. Surgeon’s Skills and Qualifications
Highly experienced and well-qualified ophthalmic surgeons often charge more for their expertise. However, Turkey offers skilled specialists at competitive prices, making high-quality care more accessible without the excessive costs seen in Western countries.

Discover more about: Optomap Retinal Imaging vs Dilation

How to Get Low-Cost Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Turkey

Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is crucial for preserving eye health and maintaining clear vision. In Turkey, we strive to make diabetic retinopathy exams and treatments cost-effective by offering affordable packages and flexible payment options. Our goal is to ensure quality care without straining your budget.

Here are some tips to help you access affordable, high-quality eye care for managing diabetic retinopathy.

1. Find cost-effective clinics

Not all high-quality clinics have hefty price tags. Clinics outside major cities like Istanbul and Ankara often offer the same level of care at lower costs.

Take the time to compare prices from different hospitals and eye centers to find the best balance between affordability and quality.

2. Look for package deals

Many Turkish clinics cater to medical tourists, offering all-inclusive packages that cover consultation, treatment, medication, and follow-up care, sometimes even including accommodation and transportation. These packages can significantly reduce overall expenses.

3. Take advantage of medical tourism discounts

Turkey is one of the top destinations for medical tourism, and many clinics offer special discounts to attract international patients. Contact clinics directly to inquire about promotions, seasonal discounts, or negotiated pricing.

4. Explore the most affordable treatment options first

If you're in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, consult your doctor about the most cost-effective treatment options, such as laser therapy or intravitreal injections.

Early intervention can help control the condition and may prevent the need for more expensive procedures like vitrectomy.

Discussing your options with a specialist ensures you receive the best care at the lowest possible cost.

5. Check for payment options and discounts

Many clinics in Turkey offer flexible payment plans, discounts, and installment options to make treatment more accessible.

Some hospitals also provide special pricing for international patients or seasonal promotions. Before starting treatment, ask about available payment options to find a solution that fits your budget.

If you're looking for affordable yet high-quality diabetic retinopathy treatment in Turkey, International Clinics offers cost-effective solutions with top-rated ophthalmologists and advanced technology.

Don't let cost stand in the way of your vision. Contact International Clinics today for a free consultation and start your journey toward better eye health

FAQs

What is the best treatment for diabetic retinopathy?
The best treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, and vitrectomy surgery are common options to slow progression and preserve vision.

How much does it cost to treat diabetic retinopathy?
The cost varies based on the treatment type. Laser therapy costs $300–$1,000 per session, anti-VEGF injections range from $150–$400 per shot, and vitrectomy surgery costs $2,500–$5,000.

How much does retinopathy treatment cost?
Diabetic retinopathy treatment costs depend on the procedure and location. In Turkey, laser treatment ranges from $300–$1,000 per session, injections cost $150–$400, and vitrectomy surgery is $2,500–$5,000.

What is the new treatment for diabetic retinopathy?
New treatments include advanced anti-VEGF injections, steroid implants, and improved laser techniques to better manage diabetic retinopathy and prevent vision loss.