Glaucoma Treatment in Turkey: Options, Costs, and Advanced Solutions for 2025

Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options include medications, laser therapy, or surgery.

While no cure exists, early diagnosis and proper management can effectively slow disease progression and protect vision.

Glaucoma treatment in Turkey offers advanced medical solutions, including cutting-edge laser therapies, minimally invasive surgeries, and innovative drainage implants to effectively control intraocular pressure.

With highly experienced ophthalmologists and state-of-the-art clinics, Turkey has become a leading destination for affordable and high-quality glaucoma care.

In this article, we will explore the different treatment options for glaucoma, including non-surgical and surgical approaches, the latest advancements in glaucoma care, and the best treatment options available in Turkey.

If you’re dealing with glaucoma, International Clinics in Istanbul offers advanced treatment options tailored to your condition, using cutting-edge techniques and top-quality care. Contact us today for a free consultation!

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), but it can also occur with normal eye pressure (normal-tension glaucoma). It is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is regulated by the balance between the production and drainage of a fluid called aqueous humor. When this balance is disrupted—either due to increased production (rare) or reduced drainage (common)—IOP may rise.

• Open-angle glaucoma: The drainage angle remains open, but fluid outflow is inefficient, leading to a gradual increase in IOP and optic nerve damage.
• Closed-angle glaucoma: The drainage angle is physically blocked, causing a sudden and severe rise in IOP, which is a medical emergency.

Although elevated IOP is a major risk factor, glaucoma can occur even with normal pressure. If left untreated, progressive optic nerve damage can lead to peripheral vision loss, eventually resulting in blindness.

Measuring IOP is the primary method for monitoring glaucoma progression and treatment effectiveness.

Regular IOP assessments, along with optic nerve imaging and visual field testing, are essential for optimal glaucoma management.

Why Choose Glaucoma Treatment in Turkey?

Turkey is a top destination for glaucoma treatment, offering world-class eye care at affordable prices. With advanced medical technology, experienced ophthalmologists, and internationally accredited eye clinics, Turkey attracts patients from around the world seeking high-quality glaucoma management.

1. Highly Skilled Ophthalmologists: Turkey is well known to be home to internationally trained eye specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating glaucoma, including complex and advanced cases.

Many doctors are members of global ophthalmology associations, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).

2. Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Techniques:

Clinics and hospitals in Turkey use the latest diagnostic tools, including Coherence Tomography (OCT), visual field testing, and tonometry, ensuring accurate glaucoma detection and monitoring. In addition, Turkey is equipped with state-of-the-art treatment technologies, offering a wide range of advanced procedures such as:

• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
• Laser treatments (SLT, ALT, and YAG laser procedures)
• Trabeculectomy and drainage implants

To ensure optimal use of these technologies, specialized training programs are available for ophthalmologists in Turkey. Additionally, when necessary, Turkish specialists undergo international training programs abroad to gain expertise in the latest surgical techniques and treatment advancements.

3. State-of-the-Art Eye Hospitals & JCI-Accredited Clinics:

Specialized eye centers in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya provide comprehensive glaucoma management, from early diagnosis to advanced surgeries.

4. Affordable Treatment Compared to Other Countries

Glaucoma treatment in Turkey is more affordable than in many countries, including the US, UK, and Western Europe, without compromising quality.

Patients from around the world choose Turkey not only for its cost-effective treatment but also for its high success rates, advanced medical services, and specialized care.

On average, patients can save up to 50-70% on surgical procedures, consultations, and medications compared to Western countries, making Turkey an ideal destination for glaucoma treatment.

4. Glaucoma surgery Comprehensive Medical Tourism Services

Many clinics in Turkey offer all-inclusive medical tourism packages, covering airport transfers, accommodation, translation services, and post-operative care.

These comprehensive glaucoma treatment packages make it easier and more affordable for international patients to travel seamlessly, reducing both effort and costs.

Taking advantage of these packages is one of the key benefits of choosing Turkey for medical tourism, attracting many patients from the US, UK, and Europe who seek high-quality yet affordable glaucoma treatment.

Turkey is easily accessible from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, making it a convenient destination for medical tourism.

Patients can combine high-quality medical care with a relaxing recovery in scenic locations such as Istanbul or Antalya.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Several treatment options are available at specialized eye centers in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, providing comprehensive management from early diagnosis to advanced treatment solutions.

Despite the diversity in glaucoma treatments, they all share the same goals:

• Lowering intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Protecting the optic nerve from further damage (unfortunately, no treatment can restore its lost functionality).
• Improving the patient's quality of life.
• Preventing complications such as uveitic edema and vitreous hemorrhage, which can occur in certain cases of advanced glaucoma.

Glaucoma Treatment options in advanced clinics in Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya in Turkey:

1. Medical Treatment (Eye Drops)
2. Laser Treatment for Glaucoma
3. Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma

• Best Treatment for Glaucoma

Although eyedrops are the main treatment for glaucoma, the best treatment option for glaucoma varies for each patient, depending on factors such as

1. intraocular pressure (IOP) levels,
2. the stage of disease progression, and overall eye health.
3. Ophthalmologists determine the most suitable approach through comprehensive eye exams, imaging tests, and visual field assessments to ensure effective and personalized care.

• Advanced Glaucoma Treatment

In recent years, Turkey has become a leader in advanced glaucoma treatment, offering innovative solutions to manage intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent further optic nerve damage.

Specialized centers in Turkey utilize cutting-edge techniques, including Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), laser therapies like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), as well as more traditional surgeries like trabeculectomy and drainage implants.

Additionally, corneal transplantation may be considered in rare cases of severe corneal damage.

These treatments provide highly effective solutions for preserving vision and improving patients' quality of life.

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Types of Glaucoma and Their Treatments

• Open-Angle Glaucoma Treatment

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, occurring when the eye produces too much aqueous humor or when the drainage system (trabecular meshwork) does not work efficiently over time.

The first-line treatment is usually eye drops, which help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by either reducing fluid production or improving drainage.

The goal of treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma is either to reduce aqueous humor production or enhance its drainage

The first-line treatment is usually eye drops, which help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by either reducing fluid production or improving drainage.

If eye drops are not sufficient, laser therapy, such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), can be used to enhance fluid outflow.

In advanced cases, surgical options like trabeculectomy for glaucoma drainage implants may be required to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes too narrow or completely blocked, preventing aqueous humor from flowing out of the eye.

This leads to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which can cause sudden vision loss if not treated immediately.

The first-line treatment for angle-closure glaucoma is usually medications, such as eye drops or oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Acetazolamide), which help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing aqueous humor production. In acute cases, intravenous medications may be required for rapid pressure reduction.

If medications are not sufficient, laser therapy, such as Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), is performed to create a small opening in the iris, allowing fluid to flow freely and relieving pressure.

In severe or recurrent cases, surgical options like lens extraction or trabeculectomy may be necessary to permanently restore proper drainage and prevent future attacks.

Non-Surgical Glaucoma Treatments

• Medical Treatment (Eye Drops):

Eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. They help lower intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor production or enhancing drainage, which helps prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

The monthly cost for eye drops ranges between $20 and $50, depending on the type and brand

• Laser Treatment for Glaucoma

Laser therapy can be used either as a first-line treatment or when medical treatments are insufficient.

It works by directing a laser beam at specific parts of the eye to enhance drainage or reduce fluid production, thus preventing fluid buildup inside the eye.

There are several types of laser treatments used for glaucoma, each targeting different aspects of the condition.

1. SLT and ALT (Trabeculoplasty): These lasers are primarily used for Open-Angle Glaucoma, helping to improve fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure.

2. LPI (Laser Peripheral Iridotomy): This laser is mainly used for Closed-Angle Glaucoma, creating a small hole in the iris to improve fluid flow and relieve pressure in the eye.

3. Cyclophotocoagulation: This laser treatment is typically used for Advanced or End-Stage Glaucoma, as it works by reducing the production of aqueous humor by targeting the ciliary body, especially when other treatments have been ineffective.

Laser treatment for glaucoma is a non-invasive procedure that requires only local anesthesia and typically takes about a few minutes per eye, although the total time, including preparation, can be around 15 to 30 minutes.

Recovery is usually quick, but some patients may experience temporary inflammation or discomfort that requires follow-up care.

The cost of laser treatments in Turkey ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 per procedure, depending on the type of laser therapy and the clinic

Surgical Glaucoma Treatments

If medications and laser treatments are not sufficient to manage glaucoma, surgical intervention may be necessary. Available surgical options include:

Trabeculectomy: A procedure where a small portion of the trabecular meshwork is removed to create a new drainage channel for the aqueous humor.

1. Trabeculectomy or Glaucoma Filtration Surgery:

Trabecula" refers to the trabecular meshwork in the eye, a tissue responsible for draining the aqueous humor (fluid in the eye), and "-ectomy" means removal.

Thus, trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure in which a small portion of the trabecular meshwork is removed to create a new drainage channel for aqueous humor, helping to reduce intraocular pressure.

The cost of Trabeculectomy surgery starts from $2,500 in Turkey.

2. Glaucoma Drainage Implants (Shunts) or Glaucoma Implant Surgery:

Tiny tubes or devices are implanted to help drain the excess fluid and lower intraocular pressure IOP.

The cost for this surgery starts from $2,300

3. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS):

A newer and less invasive approach that involves making very small incisions in the eye to help improve fluid drainage through them.

Some MIGS procedures may also work to reduce the production of aqueous humor to lower intraocular pressure.

The main advantages of MIGS include faster recovery times and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional surgeries.

MIGS is commonly used for mild to moderate glaucoma cases.

These surgeries are typically performed under local or general anesthesia, and recovery times can vary based on the type of surgery, with pre-surgery preparation and follow-up care necessary to monitor healing and IOP levels.

MIGS procedures typically cost between $3,500 and $5,000 in Turkey.

Innovative Glaucoma Treatment Techniques in Turkey

Turkey is becoming a leading destination for advanced glaucoma treatments.

Innovative techniques and the latest technologies, such as Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) and laser treatments, are widely available in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya.

With experienced ophthalmologists and state-of-the-art equipment, glaucoma patients receive high-quality care at affordable prices.

What is the Best Treatment for Glaucoma?

The best treatment for glaucoma depends on various factors, including intraocular pressure levels, the stage of glaucoma, and the overall health of the eye.

Experienced ophthalmologists in Turkey conduct comprehensive eye exams, imaging tests, and visual field assessments to tailor the most effective and personalized glaucoma treatment plan.

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