Intravitreal Injections in Turkey: 2025 Costs, Latest Advancements, and FAQs

Intravitreal injection is a widely used treatment that involves delivering medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye to manage various retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion.

The primary goal of this procedure is to slow or stabilize vision loss, but it cannot restore vision that has already been lost.

Intravitreal injections have become a cornerstone in retinal disease management, often serving as a first-line therapy and helping to reduce the need for more invasive procedures such as vitrectomy or laser therapy.

In this article, we will explore the costs of intravitreal injections in Turkey, the procedure itself, recovery tips, and the latest advancements in intravitreal injection treatments.

What is Intravitreal Injections?

Intravitreal injection, commonly referred to as "eye injection" or "intravitreal shot" is a medical procedure in which medication is administered directly into the vitreous humor (the gel-like substance inside the eye) through the sclera (the white part of the eye).

This technique is commonly used to treat various retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Depending on the condition being treated, ophthalmologists may inject different types of medication, including anti-VEGF agents, corticosteroids, or antibiotics, to stabilize vision loss, reduce retinal swelling, control inflammation, or prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and bleeding.

Why Choose Intravitreal Injections in Turkey?

Intravitreal injections are a widely used treatment for eye conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Turkey has become a top destination for patients seeking high-quality eye care at competitive prices. Here’s why:

Expert ophthalmologists: Turkey is home to highly trained and experienced ophthalmologists who specialize in retinal treatments, ensuring precise and safe intravitreal injections.

State-of-the-Art technology: Many Turkish clinics and hospitals are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, offering advanced care at international standards.

Affordable treatment costs: Compared to Western Europe and the U.S., intravitreal injections in Turkey are significantly more affordable while maintaining high-quality care.

Comprehensive medical tourism services: Turkey offers well-organized medical tourism services, including assistance with travel, accommodation, and multilingual support, making the treatment process smooth for international patients.

How much is Intravitreal Injections in Turkey 2025?

The cost of intravitreal injections in Turkey varies based on several factors, including the type of medication used, the frequency of the procedure, the clinic’s reputation, available services and offers, and the ophthalmologist’s fees.

The average cost of intravitreal injections in Turkey typically ranges from $400 to $700 per injection.

Turkey is well-known for offering comprehensive treatment packages that make the procedure more affordable and convenient for international patients. Many clinics also provide flexible payment plans, making the treatment more budget-friendly.

Turkey is not only known for treating glaucoma and retinal eye diseases but has also gained popularity for various eye procedures such as vision correction with LASIK, PRK , and SMILE laser therapy.

To get a personalized cost estimate and explore available offers, you can contact International Clinics for a free consultation.

What Are Intravitreal Injections Used For?

10 retinal diseases can be successfully treated with intravitreal injections, a proven method for preserving vision and controlling retinal disorders.

Each condition is treated with a specific drug designed to control the disease, alleviate symptoms, and support long-term eye health.

1. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A condition where fluid accumulates in the macula due to damaged blood vessels, leading to swelling and blurred vision.

2.Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): The early stage of diabetic retinopathy, where small retinal blood vessels weaken and leak but without abnormal new blood vessel growth.

Intravitreal injections for diabetic retinopathy help in reducing retinal swelling, preventing abnormal blood vessel growth, and stabilizing vision

3. Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) is a more advanced stage where new, fragile blood vessels form on the retina, increasing the risk of bleeding, scarring, and vision loss.

In some cases, PDR can be considered an emergency, particularly when there is severe vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment.

While intravitreal injection is a first-line treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME), it is not considered an emergency treatment for diabetic retinopathy and does not play a role in the vitreous hemorrhage treatment.

In PDR, other retinal treatment options, such as panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser therapy, are preferred to reduce neovascularization and prevent complications.

4. Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

This condition occurs when a blockage in the retinal veins disrupts blood circulation, causing fluid leakage, swelling (macular edema), and sudden vision loss. It is commonly associated with hypertension and diabetes.

5. Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

A late-stage form of dry AMD, geographic atrophy involves the gradual degeneration of retinal cells, leading to progressive central vision loss. Unlike nAMD, this condition does not involve abnormal blood vessel growth.

6. Endophthalmitis

A severe, sight-threatening intraocular infection that can occur after eye surgery, trauma, or injections. It causes inflammation, pain, redness, and vision deterioration, requiring urgent antibiotic or antifungal treatment.

7. Uveitis

An inflammatory condition affecting the uvea, which can result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or unknown causes. If untreated, uveitis can lead to severe complications, including glaucoma, cataracts, and permanent vision loss.

8. Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)

This condition involves fluid-filled cysts forming within the macula, leading to vision distortion and blurriness. CME can result from surgery, inflammation, diabetes, or retinal vein occlusion.

9. Choroidal Neovascular Membrane (CNVM)

A condition where abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, often secondary to AMD, high myopia, or inflammatory diseases. These vessels leak blood and fluid, leading to vision impairment and scarring.

Intravitreal injections provide targeted treatment for these conditions, reducing inflammation, preventing further damage, and stabilizing vision.

10. Neovascular AMD

Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD), also known as wet AMD, is a progressive eye disease that causes abnormal blood vessel growth (choroidal neovascularization - CNV) under the macula, leading to fluid leakage, swelling, and vision loss.

intravitreal injections for macular degeneration used to reduce fluid leakage, prevent further vision loss, and, in some cases, improve visual acuity.

Types of Intravitreal Injections

Intravitreal injections are classified based on the type of medication administered. The main categories include:

1. Corticosteroid Injections: Used to reduce inflammation and swelling in retinal diseases such as uveitis, cystoid macular edema (CME), and chronic diabetic macular edema (DME). Examples

• Dexamethasone (Ozurdex)
• Fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien) (primarily for DME, not uveitis)

2. Anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Inhibitors: These medications block abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce leakage in conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Examples

• Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
• Aflibercept (Eylea)
• Brolucizumab (Beovu)
• Bevacizumab (Avastin, off-label)

3. Antibiotics: Used for bacterial infections like bacterial endophthalmitis:

• Vancomycin
• Ceftazidime
• Amikacin

4. Antiviral: Used for viral infections like CMV retinitis:

• Ganciclovir
• Foscarnet

5. Antifungals: Used for fungal infections such as fungal endophthalmitis and intraocular fungal infections

• Amphotericin B
• Voriconazole

6. Immunosuppressive & Chemotherapeutic Agents: Used for severe inflammatory conditions and intraocular malignancies such as ocular lymphoma. Example: Methotrexate

Most of these medications are FDA-approved for intravitreal use, while others, like bevacizumab, are used off-label.

The choice of medication depends on the specific eye condition, availability, and cost.

Intravitreal Injection Procedure

Preparation for Surgery

Before the procedure, your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions regarding any necessary medication adjustments or dietary restrictions.

On the day of the procedure, once you are in the treatment room, local anesthesia will be applied to numb your eye and minimize discomfort.

The ophthalmologist will then disinfect both the inner part of the eye (conjunctiva) and the surrounding areas (eyelids, lashes, and eye surface)

To prevent blinking, a medical speculum will be used to stabilize your eyelid.

During the Procedure

Once your eye is prepared, you will be instructed to look in a specific direction depending on the injection site.

The medication will then be carefully injected through the pars plana (the white part of the eye) using a very fine needle.

The injection process is quick and typically takes only a few seconds. The entire procedure is completed within 10-15 minutes.

After the Procedure

Following the injection, you may need to rest briefly until your vision stabilizes.

Most patients can resume normal activities (including driving) within a few hours, unless there is significant blurriness or discomfort.

A protective eye patch is generally not required, unless the patient experiences significant discomfort or light sensitivity.

Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize any discomfort.

What to Expect After Intravitreal Injections? Recovery, Side Effects and Results

Intravitreal injection recovery

• Recovery after an intravitreal injection is typically quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few hours.

• Mild discomfort, redness, or a scratchy sensation is common but usually resolves within a day.

• Your doctor may advise using artificial tears or avoiding rubbing the eye to minimize irritation.

Intravitreal Injection Aftercare Tips

• Do not apply eye makeup for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.

• Avoid getting water into your eye, and refrain from swimming for a couple of days.

• Do not wear contact lenses for at least 48 hours after the injection.
  If you are using prescribed eye drops or other medications, continue as directed by your doctor.

Side effects after intravitreal injection include:

Dots, bubbles, shadows or floaters (which may be different colours) and may last a couple of days.

• Eye Pain, Mild discomfort or a gritty sensation is common after the injection, usually temporary, but severe pain may indicate complications.

• Floaters which are small dark spots or cobweb-like shapes in vision; usually harmless but a sudden increase may signal retinal detachment.

• Temporary rise in the intraocular pressure; usually resolves, but patients with glaucoma need monitoring.

• Heightened Redness in the Eye: This is a mild redness (subconjunctival hemorrhage) from minor bleeding; typically resolves in days to weeks.

What is the success rate of intravitreal injections?

Intravitreal injections have a high success rate, particularly for conditions like neovascular AMD, where the success rate is approximately 90%. For diabetic macular edema (DME) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), the success rate exceeds 80%.

Risks and Complications of intravitreal injection

Generally intravitreal injection is safe, non invasive and quick procedure, however, some rare complications may occur these include:

• Endophthalmitis: A severe infection inside the eye; symptoms include pain, redness, pus, and severe vision loss requires urgent antibiotic treatment.

• Cataracts: Rarely, if the needle touches the lens, it may cause cataract formation, requiring surgery if vision is significantly impaired.

• Retinal Detachment: A rare but serious complication causing sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow requires immediate treatment.

• Ocular Hemorrhage: Minor bleeding inside the eye or under the conjunctiva; harmless in most cases but severe bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage) may require evaluation

Discover related health topics: Glaucoma Drainage Surgery in Turkey

Latest Advancements in Intravitreal Injections

1. injection treatments have seen significant advancements in recent years. New medications like Faricimab (Vabysmo) and Brolucizumab (Beovu) offer extended dosing intervals and improved fluid resolution for retinal diseases.

2. Additionally, gene therapy has emerged as a promising innovation, with treatments like Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna) providing potential long-term solutions for inherited retinal disorders. Gen therapy is administered via subretinal injection rather than intravitreal injection, however it is a groundbreaking advancement in retinal treatments.

3.Another major breakthrough is the integration of nanotechnology, which enhances drug delivery by improving bioavailability and targeting specific retinal layers more effectively.

4. Furthermore, sustained-release medications and intraocular implantable devices, such as Port Delivery System (PDS) with Ranibizumab, aim to reduce the need for frequent injections by offering long-term, controlled drug release.

These advancements significantly enhance treatment outcomes, improve patient convenience, and pave the way for more effective management of retinal diseases.

FAQs

What are intravitreal injections used for?

Intravitreal injections treat eye conditions like diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion by delivering medication directly into the eye.

How often are intravitreal injections given?

The frequency varies but is typically once every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the condition and response to treatment.

What happens after intravitreal injection?

Patients may experience mild discomfort, redness, or floaters. Vision may be blurry for a few hours, but normal activities can usually resume the next day.

What are the risks of intravitreal injections?

Possible risks include infection, bleeding, increased eye pressure, retinal detachment, or temporary vision disturbances. Serious complications are rare.

How much does an intravitreal injection cost?

The cost ranges from $400 to $5,000 per injection, depending on the medication, clinic, and location.

What is the cost of eye injection?

Eye injection costs vary but typically range from $400 to $5,000, depending on the type of medication and treatment facility.

What is the brand name for intravitreal injections?

Common brands include Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea, and Beovu, each used for different retinal conditions.

What is the best site for intravitreal injection?

The best site is the inferotemporal quadrant of the eye, ensuring safety and minimizing complications.