Creating Drainage Pathways to Preserve Vision at Erdem Hospital

Glaucoma is a silent, progressive eye disease characterized by elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP), which damages the optic nerve and leads to irreversible vision loss. When eye drops and laser therapy (like SLT) are insufficient to control IOP and nerve damage is progressing, Glaucoma Surgery becomes necessary. The goal of surgery is to create a new drainage pathway for the aqueous humor, effectively lowering pressure and stabilizing vision.

At Erdem Hospital, our Ophthalmology Department offers a full spectrum of surgical interventions, including gold-standard techniques and modern Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), tailored to the patient's specific type and stage of glaucoma.

Turkey is renowned for offering high-quality, advanced glaucoma surgery with high success rates (typically 85-90%) at a significant cost reduction. International patients can save up to 50–70% on surgical procedures compared to the US and UK.

Advanced Surgical Options

Glaucoma surgery is reserved for cases where medication and laser treatments fail to prevent progressive vision loss.

1. Filtering Surgery (Gold Standard):
   • Trabeculectomy: A procedure to create a new, permanent drainage channel by removing a small portion of the trabecular meshwork (the eye’s natural drain). This is often augmented with antimetabolites to reduce scarring. It is highly effective but has a longer recovery time.
2. Glaucoma Drainage Implants (GDD / Shunts):
   • Tube Shunts: Implantation of tiny tubes or devices (such as the Baerveldt or Ahmed Glaucoma Valve) to divert excess fluid out of the eye. These are often preferred for refractory glaucoma (failed previous surgery) or certain complex secondary types. The cost for these procedures in Turkey starts from $2,500–$4,500.
3. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS):
   • MIGS Procedures: A group of keyhole surgeries (e.g., iStent, Xen gel stent) performed through a micro-incision. MIGS aims to lower IOP with a high safety profile, minimal trauma, and quicker recovery compared to traditional filtering surgery. MIGS is often performed in combination with Cataract Surgery.

What's Included in the Glaucoma Surgery Journey

A typical all-inclusive package ensures a carefully managed process:

• VIP airport-hotel-hospital transfers so you're never navigating on your own.
• Hospital Stay: Typically includes 1-2 days of hospitalization for post-operative monitoring, especially for filtering surgeries.
• Pre-surgery consultation and detailed diagnostic assessments (OCT, Visual Field Test, Pachymetry).
• The Surgical Procedure itself, performed under local or general anesthesia.
• A full aftercare kit with required antibiotic and steroid eye drops.
• One year follow-up support to monitor IOP control and adjust medications.
• English-speaking staff and interpreters so nothing gets lost in translation.

Recovery, Success, and Risks

• Success Rate: Glaucoma surgeries in Turkey boast a high efficacy rate of 85–90%. Long-term success for procedures like Trabectome surgery can be up to 78.6% at 60 months.
• Recovery: Visual recovery varies:
  • MIGS: Faster recovery, with minimal effect on vision the day after surgery.
  • Traditional Surgery (Trabeculectomy/Shunts): Recovery takes longer, usually 1–4 weeks, with full visual stabilization over several weeks to months.
• Post-Operative Care: Patients must strictly avoid activities that increase eye pressure (e.g., heavy lifting, bending over, straining) for the initial recovery period. Steroid drops are critical for managing inflammation and preventing failure.

Key Risks and Complications

Potential complications include infection, bleeding, Hypotony (excessively low pressure), the eventual need for repeat surgery, and increased risk of developing Cataracts.

Treatment Prices Compare

Turkey offers competitive pricing for these sight-saving surgeries:

• Traditional Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy) costs in Turkey range from $1,500 to $3,500.
• Glaucoma Drainage Implants start from $2,500 to $4,500.
• This offers patients savings of 50–70% compared to the US and UK, making long-term management more sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the goal of Glaucoma Surgery? To lower IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
• Will I still need eye drops after Glaucoma surgery? Many patients require fewer drops, but some may still need medication to maintain optimal pressure.
• What are the advantages of MIGS? Shorter surgery time, no stitches, quicker recovery, and a higher safety profile.
• How long must I avoid bending over after surgery? Typically, for the first week, or until advised by your doctor, to prevent low eye pressure complications.
• Does prior Trabeculectomy failure affect GDD success? Studies suggest Glaucoma Drainage Device (GDD) outcomes are similar, even after a prior failed trabeculectomy.
• What are the warning signs of a complication post-surgery? Severe pain, worsening redness, decreased vision, or discharge.

Restoring Confidence Through Specialized Glaucoma Care

Glaucoma is a serious, chronic threat to your vision. At Erdem Hospital, we approach this condition with expert surgical precision and dedicated post-operative care. With 37 years of experience in patient care, our specialists ensure you receive the most effective treatment to halt the disease's progression. Our goal is for you to feel looked after, supported, and confident in protecting your sight for life.