Best Clinics for Keratoconus in Turkey

Benefits of Getting Keratoconus Treatment in Turkey

There are several reasons why it's an excellent choice for getting keratoconus treatment in Turkey. The top three reasons are:

• Cost-Effective Treatment: Turkish clinics offer keratoconus treatment at a fraction of the cost compared to many European and American clinics (usually 30-40% less), making it an affordable option.
• Multilingual Staff: English-speaking medical staff in Turkish Hospitals facilitates clear communication for a comfortable experience for international patients.
• International Accreditation: Many healthcare facilities in Turkey adhere to international standards and are accredited by recognized medical organizations like JCI and ISO. This commitment to quality ensures that patients receive treatment in hospitals that meet global healthcare standards.

Best Clinics for Keratoconus in Turkey

• The ophthalmology department at Liv Hospital offers technologies like corneal cross-linking (CXL) and corneal rings for keratoconus treatment. The hospital has excellent doctors and is internationally famous for its services.
• Memorial Health Group has a prominent presence in Turkey with advanced medical services. It is famous for successful outcomes in complex keratoconus cases by offering procedures like corneal transplants and IOL (intraocular lens) implantation.

Best Doctors for Keratoconus in Turkey

• Dr. Nukhet Ozsoy from Emsey Hospital is a highly respected ophthalmologist in Turkey, specializing in corneal diseases such as keratoconus. .
•  Dr. Uyesi Bugra Duman is a highly regarded ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience. He specializes in treating various eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and astigmatism.

Diagnosis of Keratoconus in Turkey

The diagnosis of keratoconus in Turkey involves the following steps:

• Corneal Topography:

Through corneal topography, a detailed mapping of the cornea's surface is done to pinpoint irregularities associated with keratoconus.

• Slit-Lamp Examination:

By using a specialized microscope known as a slit lamp, a Turkish surgeon closely examines the cornea's structure to identify and assess any abnormalities.

• Refraction Test:

This test determines the patient's prescription and assesses visual acuity to measure the extent of vision loss.

• Pachymetry:

This test is done to measure the thickness of the cornea to detect its potential thinning for the diagnosis of keratoconus.

What Treatment Methods are Available for Keratoconus in Turkey

There are several techniques which are followed to treat the keratoconus. Some of these techniques include:

Contact Lenses:

Specialized contact lenses, such as rigid gas permeable lenses or scleral lenses, can help manage the condition effectively. These provide a smooth corneal surface and improve the irregularities caused by keratoconus.

For more comfort and vision corrections, scleral lenses, covering a larger area, can also be applied. These lenses are suitable for advanced cases. These contact lenses improve the clinical outcomes in 86.9% of the cases (Source: Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses).

Cross-Linking:

Cross-linking stands out as a minimally invasive procedure widely used in Turkey to treat keratoconus. During this process, ultraviolet light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) are applied to the cornea.

The primary purpose of cross-linking is to strengthen collagen fibers in the cornea to slow down the progression of the disease. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. Cross-linking has a success rate of about 95% (Source: Texas Eye Center), while the complete recovery takes about a week.

Intracorneal Ring Segments:

In Turkey, the use of intracorneal ring segments has become a valuable treatment method for reshaping and stabilizing the cornea in patients with keratoconus. In this procedure, the Turkish surgeon implants small, crescent-shaped rings into the cornea.

The rings improve the cornea's stability and vision problems. Notably, this procedure is reversible as the rings can be adjusted or removed as needed.

Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty):

For advanced cases of keratoconus, corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is considered by Turkish ophthalmologists. This procedure is done by replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea. Keratoplasty is considered when other treatments prove insufficient to restore vision, especially in cases of severe keratoconus.

Various types of keratoplasty, including penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), offer different benefits and considerations. Recovery times and post-operative care vary based on the type of transplant. About 19 in 20 cases have a good vision improvement for at least 5 years after the procedure. (Source: NIH)

Recovery After Keratoconus Treatment in Turkey

The recovery process after keratoconus treatment in Turkey varies based on the specific procedure performed. Patients are advised to follow post-treatment instructions given by their ophthalmologist, which may include:

• Follow the proper lens care practices to prevent irritation and reduce the risk of infection.
• Give yourself some time for adaptation to the lenses, and report any discomfort or vision changes.
• During the initial recovery period after the cross-linking procedure, avoid strenuous activities and exposure to bright lights.
• Promptly report any changes in vision, discomfort, or unusual symptoms to your doctor.
• Attend follow-up visits as scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and make any necessary adjustments
• Avoid rubbing your eyes and protect them from trauma or injury during the recovery period.
• Attend regular follow-up visits to monitor graft integration after a corneal transplant, detect early signs of complications, and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Complications of Keratoconus Treatment

While keratoconus treatments are generally safe, potential complications may include:

• Irritation and Dryness
• Temporary Discomfort
• Infection (can occur in cross-linking, intracorneal ring segment, and corneal transplant procedures)
• Halos and Glare
• Rejection of the donor cornea (in corneal transplant)
• Astigmatism
• Changes in vision
• Need for additional procedures or adjustments