Eye Treatments / Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy in Turkey
Vitrectomy is an operation to remove vitreous gel from inside the eye so a retinal specialist can treat selected problems affecting the retina or vitreous. Revitalize in Turkey helps patients arrange specialist review and a personal treatment plan in Izmir when planned care and travel are appropriate.
Seek urgent eye care where you are. Do not wait for a quotation, WhatsApp reply, UK meeting or travel to Turkey. Read our retinal detachment warning signs guide.
What is vitrectomy used for?
A specialist may consider vitrectomy for selected retinal detachments, bleeding related to diabetic eye disease, macular holes or membranes affecting the retina. It is not a treatment for every retinal condition. The diagnosis, examination and potential benefits determine whether surgery is appropriate.
During surgery, the vitreous gel is removed through small openings in the eye. Depending on the condition, the surgeon may carry out additional retinal treatment and use air, gas or silicone oil to support the retina. The National Eye Institute vitrectomy guide explains the basic procedure.
Your specialist assessment
Share your diagnosis, eye examination reports, scans, previous surgery and current medicines. The ophthalmologist will determine what additional examination is needed, whether care is urgent, and whether an operation is suitable. Ask who will perform the procedure, what the intended benefit is and what vision may remain limited.
Review our medical specialist information and hospital information when discussing the proposed clinician and facility. The exact retinal expertise, procedure and availability must be confirmed for your case before travel.
Benefits, limitations and risks
The aim depends on the diagnosis: for example, repairing a detachment or clearing blood that obstructs the view inside the eye. Surgery cannot guarantee normal sight. Some eyes need more than one operation, and existing retinal damage may limit visual recovery.
Risks include bleeding, infection, increased eye pressure, cataract development, inflammation, retinal detachment and worsening vision, including rare severe sight loss. Your specialist should explain your individual risks and alternatives. See Royal Free London’s vitrectomy information for an independent overview.
Recovery and safe travel
You will need postoperative reviews and individual instructions for drops, activity, eye protection and any head positioning. Your surgeon decides when work, driving and travel are appropriate. Silicone oil, if used, may require a later procedure to remove it.
Do not fly while a gas bubble remains. Obtain clearance from your ophthalmologist and ask about altitude restrictions. Tell all medical and dental staff that gas is in your eye: nitrous oxide, including some “gas and air” pain relief, can dangerously expand the bubble. Carry the hospital’s warning card or leaflet. See the Royal College of Ophthalmologists safety advice.
Planning vitrectomy with Revitalize in Turkey
With more than two decades of experience welcoming international patients to Izmir, Revitalize in Turkey provides a personal service around your specialist care. Our own Revitalize team remains your point of contact from the first enquiry through your stay and communication after returning home. Learn more about our approach to patient support.
Specialist review and a written plan before travel
Our treatment process starts with gathering your records for specialist review and arranging a doctor video consultation where appropriate. Your written plan and quotation should identify the proposed doctor, facility, procedure, review appointments and agreed accommodation and transfers. Your retinal specialist determines whether planned travel and treatment are suitable.
Personal support in Izmir and at Mandarin Grove
Agreed arrangements can include a private driver meeting you at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, transport to your clinic or hospital and follow-up appointments, and bilingual assistance with communication. Hospital chaperone support is confirmed according to your plan.
Our own Mandarin Grove retreat in Urla offers private rooms, peaceful gardens, freshly prepared breakfast and dinner, and round-the-clock practical and English-speaking hospitality support. If a concern arises, the team helps you contact your clinician and arranges transport for assessment when needed. Clinical care, eye drops and postoperative positioning instructions come from the medical team; Mandarin Grove is your accommodation, not a retinal care facility.
Follow-up and continued contact after returning home
Our aftercare support includes organising review appointments, forwarding requested progress information and helping relay your doctor’s feedback after departure. Plan enough time for checks and possible extensions; a package timetable cannot override medical travel restrictions. UK meetings are available for planned discussions, not emergency eye assessment.
Read about the patient experience
Explore patient reviews and UK press coverage and patient experience and Mandarin Grove videos to see how people describe the team, accommodation and journey. Independent ratings can be checked at the sources linked on our reviews page. These experiences cover different treatments and do not represent a vitrectomy success rate.
Related retina guides
These articles explain different retinal conditions. A link here does not mean vitrectomy is the appropriate treatment for that condition.
- Vitrectomy surgery guide
- Retina decollement: another term for retinal detachment
- Macular oedema: causes and assessment
- Age-related macular degeneration: symptoms and treatment
- Wet macular degeneration and exudative macular degeneration
- Understanding macular degeneration
Frequently asked questions
Is vitrectomy suitable for every retinal condition?
No. Suitability depends on the diagnosis and examination. Some retinal conditions need other treatments or monitoring. A specialist must decide what is appropriate.
Can I book travel before my assessment?
Wait for a confirmed clinical plan and advice on travel and follow-up. New or worsening eye symptoms require urgent local care, not travel planning.
When can I fly home?
There is no single timetable. Do not fly while gas remains in your eye. Your ophthalmologist must confirm when travel is safe.
Will surgery restore normal vision?
Normal vision cannot be guaranteed. The cause and extent of retinal damage affect the potential outcome, and further treatment may be necessary.
What should my quotation cover?
Ask for the proposed clinician, facility, procedure, follow-up schedule, included accommodation and transfers, and arrangements for additional treatment or a longer stay.
Request a planned specialist review
If urgent care has already been addressed and your treating doctor considers a planned consultation appropriate, contact the Revitalize team with your reports and questions. Confirm the treatment and travel plan before making bookings.