Retinal Surgery Abroad: Vitrectomy & Retinal Detachment Treatment Guide

Common Retinal Conditions

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye that converts images into electrical signals sent to the brain. Retinal conditions that may require surgery include: retinal detachment (the retina peels away from its underlying support tissue — a medical emergency), macular hole (a small break in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision), epiretinal membrane (a thin layer of scar tissue forms on the macular surface, causing distorted vision), diabetic retinopathy (diabetes damages blood vessels in the retina, potentially causing bleeding and retinal detachment), and vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding into the vitreous gel that fills the eye).

Retinal surgery is among the most technically demanding procedures in ophthalmology, requiring specialized fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery (typically 2-3 years beyond ophthalmology residency). The precision required is extraordinary — surgeons work with instruments thinner than a human hair inside an eye measuring only 24mm in diameter, using a high-powered surgical microscope and wide-angle viewing systems. This specialization means that choosing an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon is even more critical than for routine eye procedures.

Understanding the urgency of your retinal condition is essential for planning treatment abroad. Retinal detachment — particularly when the macula (the area responsible for central vision) is still attached — is a time-sensitive emergency where surgery within 24-72 hours produces significantly better visual outcomes than delayed intervention. Macula-on retinal detachments should be treated as urgent, and many Turkish hospitals can accommodate international patients for emergency retinal surgery with minimal notice. In contrast, conditions like epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, and stable macular holes are typically elective procedures that can be planned and scheduled weeks or months in advance, giving patients ample time to research surgeons, compare costs, and make travel arrangements.

Diabetic retinopathy deserves particular attention because it affects a growing proportion of the global population and the treatment pathway often involves multiple procedures over time. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) — where abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retinal surface — may require panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser, anti-VEGF injections, or vitrectomy surgery depending on the severity. Diabetic macular edema (DME), which causes swelling and fluid accumulation in the macula, is typically managed with a series of anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. For patients in the US, the cost of a single anti-VEGF injection ranges from $1,500-$3,000, and treatment protocols often require injections every 4-8 weeks for the first year. At Memorial Şişli Hospital, the same injections cost $400-$800 each, making it feasible for some patients to travel for a loading dose of three injections over 6-8 weeks and then continue maintenance injections with their local ophthalmologist.

Surgical Approaches

Modern vitreoretinal surgery has undergone a technological revolution over the past two decades. The transition from 20-gauge vitrectomy (requiring large incisions and sutures) to 25-gauge and 27-gauge micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) has transformed retinal surgery from a procedure requiring days of hospitalization to one that is often performed as an outpatient procedure with self-sealing, sutureless incisions. These smaller instruments cause less trauma to the eye, reduce post-operative inflammation, and allow for a faster visual recovery. Leading international vitreoretinal centers have fully adopted micro-incision technology, and patients should confirm that their chosen clinic uses 25-gauge or 27-gauge systems rather than older, larger-gauge instruments.

• Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV): The most common retinal surgery. Three tiny ports (0.4-0.6mm) are created in the sclera, through which the surgeon inserts a light probe, an infusion cannula (to maintain eye pressure), and a vitrectomy cutter (to remove the vitreous gel). Once the vitreous is cleared, the surgeon can access and repair the retina. Modern 25-gauge and 27-gauge micro-incision vitrectomy (MIVS) has dramatically reduced recovery time.
• Scleral Buckle: An external approach for retinal detachment repair. A silicone band is sutured to the outer surface of the eye, indenting the sclera to bring the eye wall closer to the detached retina. Often combined with cryotherapy or laser to seal retinal tears. Effective for certain types of detachment, particularly in younger patients.
• Pneumatic Retinopexy: A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity, which rises and pushes the detached retina against the eye wall. The tear is then sealed with cryotherapy or laser. This office-based procedure is suitable for simple retinal detachments with a single break in the upper portion of the retina.
• Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections: For diabetic macular edema, wet age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusions. Medications (Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea, Vabysmo) are injected directly into the vitreous cavity to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. Typically requires multiple injections over months to years.
• Endolaser Photocoagulation: Laser applied inside the eye during vitrectomy to seal retinal tears, treat ischemic retina, or reinforce reattached retinal tissue. This is typically performed as part of a vitrectomy procedure rather than as a standalone treatment.
• Combined Vitrectomy-Cataract Surgery: Patients who need both vitrectomy and cataract surgery can have both procedures performed simultaneously, avoiding a second anesthesia and recovery period. This combined approach is common because vitrectomy accelerates cataract development, and performing both together produces better overall visual outcomes.

Cost Comparison

Retinal Surgery Cost Comparison 2025

Prices include surgeon fee, operating room, anesthesia, and standard post-operative care. Complex combined procedures and repeat surgeries may cost more. Anti-VEGF injection prices are per injection; multiple injections are typically required.

Retinal surgery shows some of the largest absolute savings when performed abroad. A vitrectomy for retinal detachment repair costs $6,000-$12,000 in the US, compared to $2,500-$5,000 at leading Turkish hospitals. The savings are even more dramatic for patients requiring ongoing anti-VEGF injections for diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration — at $1,500-$3,000 per injection in the US vs. $400-$800 in Turkey, the cumulative savings over a course of treatment can exceed $20,000.

For complex retinal surgery, hospital-based ophthalmology departments provide the safest environment. Memorial Şişli Hospital and Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul have dedicated vitreoretinal surgery teams equipped with the latest micro-incision vitrectomy systems (Alcon Constellation, EVA), wide-angle viewing systems (BIOM, Resight), and advanced retinal imaging (OCT, fluorescein angiography, OCT-A) for comprehensive diagnosis and surgical planning.

It is worth noting that retinal surgery costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the individual case. A straightforward macular hole surgery or epiretinal membrane peel with a single vitrectomy is on the lower end of the price range, while complex retinal detachment repair involving combined scleral buckle and vitrectomy, silicone oil tamponade, or multiple surgical interventions will be at the higher end. Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring extensive endolaser and anti-VEGF treatment alongside vitrectomy should expect costs at the upper range. When requesting quotes from international clinics, provide as much clinical information as possible — including OCT scans, ultrasound images, and your ophthalmologist's surgical recommendation — so the quoted price accurately reflects the complexity of your specific case.

Choosing a Retinal Surgeon

Vitreoretinal surgery demands a higher level of subspecialty expertise than most other eye procedures. When selecting a retinal surgeon abroad, verify: completion of a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship (typically 2-3 years), annual surgical volume (experienced retinal surgeons perform 200+ vitrectomies per year), hospital affiliation and support infrastructure, and the availability of modern micro-incision vitrectomy systems and wide-angle viewing technology.

In Turkey, Dünyagöz Eye Hospital maintains a dedicated vitreoretinal surgery department with fellowship-trained retinal specialists who handle the full spectrum of retinal conditions. Çağın Eye Hospital also offers specialized retinal surgery services with experienced vitreoretinal surgeons and modern surgical equipment.

Beyond fellowship training and surgical volume, patients evaluating vitreoretinal surgeons abroad should inquire about the surgeon's experience with their specific condition. Retinal detachment repair, macular hole surgery, diabetic vitrectomy, and epiretinal membrane peel each require different surgical techniques and decision-making. A surgeon who performs 300 vitrectomies per year — of which 200 are for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage — may have less experience with macular hole surgery than a lower-volume surgeon who specializes in macular conditions. Ask specifically how many cases of your particular condition the surgeon treats annually, what their anatomical success rate is for that condition, and what their visual outcome data shows. Surgeons who publish their outcomes in peer-reviewed journals or present at international conferences like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) or the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA) demonstrate a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

Recovery Considerations

Retinal surgery recovery is more intensive than LASIK or cataract surgery. After vitrectomy, a gas bubble or silicone oil may be placed in the eye to hold the retina in position during healing. If a gas bubble is used, you MUST NOT fly until the gas has fully absorbed (2-8 weeks depending on the gas type). You may need to maintain a specific head position (face-down or on one side) for several days to weeks to keep the gas bubble pressing against the retina. Plan your trip accordingly — most retinal surgery patients need 2-3 weeks abroad before safely flying home.

The type of tamponade agent used during vitrectomy significantly impacts your recovery timeline and travel plans. Short-acting gases like SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) absorb in approximately 2-3 weeks, while longer-acting gases like C3F8 (perfluoropropane) take 6-8 weeks to fully absorb. Silicone oil does not absorb at all and must be surgically removed in a second procedure — but it does not restrict flying or altitude changes. The choice of tamponade depends on the specific retinal condition: macular holes typically require C3F8 gas for optimal closure rates, while complex retinal detachments may require silicone oil for extended tamponade. If travel constraints are a significant concern, discuss tamponade options with your surgeon before surgery. In some cases, silicone oil may be chosen specifically to allow the patient to fly home sooner, with oil removal planned as a separate procedure at a later date — either abroad or locally.

Face-down positioning after retinal surgery is one of the most challenging aspects of recovery for patients. Macular hole surgery and certain retinal detachment repairs require the patient to maintain a face-down or prone position for 5-14 days to keep the gas bubble pressed against the affected area of the retina. This positioning is critical for surgical success but can be physically uncomfortable and psychologically taxing. Specialized equipment — including face-down support pillows, massage-table-style chairs, and angled mirrors for watching television — can significantly improve comfort during this period. Many hotels near Turkish eye hospitals are familiar with post-retinal-surgery patients and can accommodate specific bedding arrangements. Some clinics also rent face-down positioning equipment for the duration of your recovery stay.

Best Destinations

For retinal surgery, prioritize hospital-based settings with dedicated vitreoretinal teams over standalone clinics. Turkey (Istanbul), India (major cities), Singapore, and South Korea all have excellent vitreoretinal surgery capabilities. Turkey offers the best value combination, with experienced retinal surgeons at hospitals that provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative retinal imaging.

India has some of the world's most renowned vitreoretinal surgery centers, including institutions that perform thousands of retinal surgeries annually and have contributed significantly to the global literature on retinal disease management. Indian retinal surgeons are frequently invited to teach and demonstrate surgical techniques at international ophthalmology conferences, reflecting the caliber of expertise available. For patients with complex retinal conditions requiring multiple interventions over time, India's extremely competitive pricing makes it particularly attractive — the cost savings on a series of anti-VEGF injections or staged retinal surgeries can be substantial. Singapore, while more expensive than Turkey or India, offers retinal surgery at world-class private hospitals with rapid scheduling and minimal wait times, making it an excellent choice for urgent cases or patients who prioritize premium service and proximity (for those based in Asia-Pacific).

When selecting a destination for retinal surgery, patients should also consider the availability of advanced intraoperative visualization technology. Modern vitreoretinal surgery has been transformed by three-dimensional (3D) surgical visualization systems — such as the Alcon NGENUITY and TrueVision platforms — which project a high-definition 3D image of the surgical field onto a large screen, allowing the surgeon to operate with enhanced depth perception and magnification compared to traditional microscope-based surgery. These systems also enable surgical recording for quality review and patient education. Additionally, intraoperative OCT — which provides real-time cross-sectional imaging of the retina during surgery — allows the surgeon to confirm membrane removal, assess retinal reattachment, and verify macular architecture before concluding the procedure. Hospitals such as Veni Vidi Eye Clinics and Anadolu Medical Center that invest in these cutting-edge visualization technologies typically achieve more precise surgical outcomes and lower reoperation rates.

I had a retinal detachment in my left eye and was quoted $11,000 for emergency surgery in the US. I flew to Istanbul and had vitrectomy surgery within 24 hours of arrival for $3,500. The surgeon was trained at Johns Hopkins, and my vision was saved. Eight months later, I see 20/25 in that eye.

Mark A., retinal surgery in Turkey