What glaucoma treatment covers
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve is slowly damaged, most often because the pressure inside the eye is too high for that nerve. Lost vision cannot be restored, so treatment aims to lower pressure and protect the sight that remains. Many people start with drops. Laser and surgery are options when drops are not enough, are not tolerated or when the type of glaucoma calls for them.
This category covers general glaucoma treatment and four specific procedures. All belong to Eye Surgery treatments in Turkey.
Glaucoma in Turkey
How the procedures differ
Laser trabeculoplasty
A laser is aimed at the eye's drainage mesh so that fluid leaves more easily. It is done in the clinic, takes minutes and is usually offered for open-angle glaucoma. The effect can wear off over the years.
Laser iridotomy
A tiny hole is made in the iris with a laser to open a path for fluid. It is used for narrow or closed angles, where the drainage channel is blocked by the iris, and it may prevent sudden pressure rises.
Trabeculotomy
This is a surgical operation that opens the drainage channel to improve outflow. It is often used in children with congenital glaucoma and in selected adult cases.
Glaucoma surgery
Trabeculectomy, drainage implants and minimally invasive procedures create or improve a route for fluid to leave the eye. They are used when pressure stays too high despite drops or laser.
Who it is for and how to choose
The right treatment depends on the type of glaucoma, the pressure, the damage already seen on the nerve and visual field tests, your age and other eye conditions. Open-angle glaucoma is often managed with drops, then laser trabeculoplasty, then surgery if needed. Narrow-angle glaucoma often starts with iridotomy. Children and some adults need trabeculotomy. If you have advanced damage, a surgeon may suggest surgery earlier.
Bring earlier pressure readings, visual field results and optic nerve scans. These let a Turkish surgeon see whether the disease is stable or moving. Ask why one option was chosen, how much pressure reduction is expected and what the plan is if it is not enough. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, so ongoing checks at home matter as much as the procedure.
What the trip and recovery look like
Laser procedures take minutes and need little or no recovery, apart from drops and a check after a day or so. Surgery takes longer, with eye drops for several weeks, an eye shield at night and restrictions on lifting and rubbing the eye. Vision may be blurry at first. Expect to stay in Turkey for a few days to a week after surgery so the surgeon can check pressure and healing. Arrange regular glaucoma follow-up with an eye specialist at home.
What affects the price
Price depends on the procedure, whether one or both eyes are treated, the technology or implant used, the hospital, and the length of stay. Laser treatments cost less than surgery, while drainage implants add the cost of the device. Pre-operative tests such as visual fields and nerve scans, follow-up visits and take-home medicines should be listed. A written plan makes offers comparable.
Choosing a hospital and sending an enquiry
Confirm that the hospital is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health and authorised for international patients. Ask whether the surgeon is a glaucoma specialist, how often they perform your procedure and what equipment is available for visual field testing and nerve imaging. Ask how pressure spikes and infections are handled, who sees you after the operation and how reports will reach your doctor at home. An English report with your pressure readings and operative details is reasonable to request.
How an enquiry with us works
Send your eye reports, current drops and a short history through the free quote form. A glaucoma specialist at a licensed hospital reviews the file and recommends one or more options. You receive a written plan with the surgeon's name, the procedure, the number of days and the full price, and there is no payment to us. You may read about glaucoma treatment first, or request your free quote when you are ready.
Hospitals with Eye Surgery in Turkey
Conditions
Other Eye Surgery categories
Frequently asked questions
No. Glaucoma is a lifelong condition and damage already done cannot be reversed. Laser and surgery lower eye pressure to slow or stop further loss, and regular check-ups remain necessary afterwards.
It is a quick clinic laser treatment that improves drainage in the eye's filter mesh to lower pressure. It is mainly used for open-angle glaucoma, and its effect can fade over the years.
A laser iridotomy makes a small hole in the iris to let fluid pass. It is used for narrow or closed angles and can reduce the risk of a sudden, painful pressure rise.
Surgery is considered when drops and laser do not keep pressure low enough, when drops cannot be tolerated, or when the nerve is already badly damaged. The decision rests on pressure, nerve scans and visual field tests.
Drops are used for several weeks, vision may be blurry at first and heavy lifting or rubbing is avoided. Your surgeon will check pressure within days and again over the following weeks.
It is commonly used in children with congenital glaucoma, but it can also be used in selected adults. A glaucoma surgeon decides after examining the drainage angle of the eye and reviewing your pressure and nerve results.
Bring pressure readings, visual field results, optic nerve scans, a list of your drops and doses, and any earlier laser or surgery reports. They help the surgeon see how your disease has changed.