Urgent Surgical Intervention for Sight-Saving Results at Erdem Hospital

Retinal Detachment is a time-critical medical emergency where the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position and its blood supply. If this separation is left untreated, the retinal cells are starved of oxygen and nutrients, leading to rapid and irreversible vision loss and potential blindness in the affected eye.

At Erdem Hospital, our specialized Vitreoretinal Surgery team treats Retinal Detachment as an emergency. We combine advanced diagnostic tools with sophisticated surgical techniques to re-attach the retina and stabilize vision, achieving success rates comparable to international standards.

For patients requiring urgent, highly complex retinal surgery, the cost in countries like the United States or Western Europe is substantial. Turkey offers access to experienced vitreoretinal surgeons and cutting-edge surgical technology at a significantly reduced price, ensuring timely, quality care.

Symptoms, Causes, and Urgency

Retinal detachment is typically painless, but it presents distinct and sudden warning signs that require immediate attention:

• Flashes of Light (Photopsia): Sudden appearance of light flashes in one or both eyes.
• Floaters: A sudden and significant increase in the number of dark specks, threads, or squiggly lines drifting across the field of vision.
• Shadow or Curtain: A dark shadow or "curtain" moving across or obscuring part of the peripheral or central vision.

Causes and Risk Factors: The most common type is Rhegmatogenous Detachment, caused by a tear or hole in the retina that allows fluid to leak beneath it. Risk factors include:

• Aging.
• Extreme Nearsightedness (Myopia).
• Previous Eye Surgery (like cataract surgery) or Eye Injury.
• Diabetic Retinopathy (can cause Tractional Detachment).

Timing is Critical: If the macula (the center of the retina responsible for sharp vision) is threatened or detached, surgery must be performed urgently, often within 24 hours, to maximize the chance of visual recovery.

Surgical Treatment Options

Treatment is almost always surgical, with the technique chosen based on the detachment type and severity:

1. Vitrectomy (Pars Plana Vitrectomy - PPV): The most common technique. The vitreous gel is removed, and the retina is re-attached and held in place by replacing the vitreous with a gas bubble or silicone oil. Laser or cryotherapy is used to seal the tears.
2. Scleral Buckle: A silicone band is sewn onto the outside of the eye (the sclera) to gently push the eye wall inward, relieving traction and supporting the tear closure. It is often used for young patients or complex cases.
3. Pneumatic Retinopexy: In selected, less severe cases, a gas bubble is injected into the eye, and the patient maintains a specific head position to push the retina back. The tear is then sealed with laser or cryotherapy.
4. Laser/Cryotherapy Alone: Used to seal small tears or holes before a full detachment occurs.

Success Rate: The anatomical success rate for reattaching the retina in Turkey is high, generally around 85–90% with a single operation. Visual recovery, however, is gradual and may take months to a year.

What's Included in the Retinal Detachment Journey

Given the emergency nature, our "all-in-one" approach provides fast, comprehensive care:

• VIP airport-hotel-hospital transfers so you're never navigating on your own.
• A three-night stay in premium accommodation (often with rapid transfer to the surgical unit).
• Urgent Pre-surgery Consultation and necessary diagnostics (Ultrasound, OCT).
• The Surgical Procedure (Vitrectomy, Scleral Buckle, etc.).
• A full aftercare kit with required medications and drops.
• One year follow-up support to monitor the retina and visual stability.
• English-speaking staff and interpreters so nothing gets lost in translation.

Treatment Prices Compare

Turkey offers expert surgical repair at exceptionally competitive prices.

• Retinal Detachment Surgery (Vitrectomy) costs in Turkey are approximately $4,000.
• Scleral Buckle surgery averages around $2,000.
• This represents savings of 40–60% compared to average international prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the Vitrectomy procedure typically take?
• Will I need to maintain a specific head position after the surgery?
• Can I fly home if there is still a gas bubble in my eye?
• How long until my vision stabilizes after the retina is re-attached?
• What are the risks of a re-detachment occurring?
• How soon after the onset of symptoms must the surgery be done?
• What are the long-term risks after retinal surgery?
• Is the surgery performed under local or general anesthesia?

Restoring Confidence Through Specialized Retinal Care

A Retinal Detachment is an acute threat to your sight. At Erdem Hospital, we treat this condition with the speed, precision, and dedication it demands. With 37 years of experience in patient care, our vitreoretinal specialists ensure you receive world-class, timely intervention. Our goal is for you to feel looked after, supported, and confident that we are maximizing every opportunity to preserve your sight.