Anti-VEGF therapy in Turkey: Treatment, results, effectiveness and cost

What is Anti-VEGF therapy? Mechanism and indications

Anti-VEGF therapy is the first-line treatment for the most vision-threatening retinal diseases. These intraocular injections work by blocking a specific protein that drives abnormal blood vessel growth, slowing disease progression, reducing macular swelling, and, in many patients, meaningfully improving visual acuity.

The role of VEGF in retinal disease

VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is a protein naturally produced by the body to stimulate new blood vessel formation. Under healthy conditions, this process is tightly regulated. In certain eye diseases, however, VEGF is overproduced, triggering the growth of fragile, leaky neovessels that can cause:

• Macular edema (fluid buildup under the retina)
• Retinal hemorrhages
• Progressive loss of central vision

Anti-VEGF molecules are injected directly into the vitreous body of the eye, hence the term "intravitreal injection", where they bind to VEGF and neutralize its effect, halting abnormal vessel growth and reducing retinal swelling. The goal: stabilize and ideally improve your remaining vision.

Conditions treated with Anti-VEGF injections

Anti-VEGF therapy is approved and clinically validated for several serious retinal conditions:

• Wet AMD (neovascular age-related macular degeneration): The most aggressive form of AMD, responsible for the majority of severe vision loss in patients over 60.
• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A leading ocular complication of diabetes, causing the macula to thicken and blur central vision.
• Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Blockage of a retinal vein leading to hemorrhage and macular edema.
• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): An advanced stage of diabetic eye disease with active retinal neovascularization.
• Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV): A rare but vision-threatening complication of high myopia.

Anti-VEGF injections are used to treat wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, and advanced diabetic retinopathy by blocking the protein that causes abnormal blood vessel growth inside the eye.

Which Anti-VEGF molecules are used in Turkey?

All major anti-VEGF agents approved internationally are available at Turquie Santé partner clinics in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya:

The choice of molecule is made by the treating ophthalmologist based on your diagnosis, disease activity, and medical history, not cost considerations alone.

Pre-treatment workup: What tests are required?

Before your first injection, a thorough retinal examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis, assess disease activity, and select the optimal treatment protocol. This workup typically includes:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): The cornerstone of retinal imaging measures macular thickness and detects fluid, drusen, or structural changes with micrometer precision.
• Fluorescein or ICG angiography: Visualizes active neovessels and maps retinal circulation. Essential for diagnosing wet AMD and guiding treatment decisions.
• Fundus examination: A comprehensive view of the retina, macula, and optic nerve.
• Visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurement: Baseline measurements to track treatment response and monitor safety.

Already have recent imaging results? Send them to your Turquie Santé medical coordinator before departure, we review them with the retinal specialist to determine which exams can be skipped, optimizing your stay.

How is an Anti-VEGF injection performed?

The injection itself is a quick, outpatient procedure performed in a sterile environment. The entire clinical visit typically lasts 20-30 minutes.

The injection procedure

Here is what to expect, step by step:

1. Anesthetic eye drops are instilled; the procedure is entirely painless.
2. Antiseptic preparation of the eye surface and eyelids with povidone-iodine solution.
3. A sterile eyelid speculum is placed to keep the eye gently open.
4. The injection: a very fine needle introduces the anti-VEGF molecule into the vitreous cavity in 2-3 seconds.
5. Eye rinse and removal of the speculum. No patch or bandage is needed.
6. Post-injection IOP check before discharge.

You leave the clinic the same day. Most patients experience only minor, transient floaters or mild redness, both of which typically resolve within 24-48 hours.

How many injections will I need?

Anti-VEGF treatment follows a structured, two-phase protocol:

• Loading phase: 3 consecutive monthly injections to rapidly achieve therapeutic drug levels in the eye.
• Maintenance phase: Injections spaced every 6-12 weeks depending on the molecule, disease activity, and your clinical response, sometimes continuing for several years.

For international patients, the typical strategy is to complete the loading phase in Turkey (or split it across two visits) and continue the maintenance phase with a local ophthalmologist at home. Turquie Santé transmits a full medical report, imaging, injection records, and treatment protocol, to ensure smooth continuity of care.

Clinical efficacy: What does the evidence say?

Anti-VEGF therapy is among the best-studied treatments in modern ophthalmology. Over 20 years of clinical trial data consistently demonstrate its superiority over laser photocoagulation and sham treatment across all major retinal indications.

Key findings from landmark trials:

• ANCHOR & MARINA trials (ranibizumab, wet AMD): Vision stabilized in more than 94% of patients; 30-40% experienced meaningful visual improvement.
• VIVID & VISTA trials (aflibercept, DME): Superior to laser treatment, with an average gain of approximately 10 ETDRS letters at 2 years.
• Cochrane meta-analyses: Confirmed the clinical benefit across indications and molecular agents.

Sources: New England Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Ophthalmology, European Society of Ophthalmology, Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS).

Important: Anti-VEGF therapy controls retinal disease, it does not permanently cure it. Adherence to the maintenance schedule is the single most important predictor of long-term vision preservation.

Post-injection recovery and follow-up

Recovery is rapid. The vast majority of patients resume normal activities the following day.

What to expect in the first 72 hours

• Day 0: Possible floaters and mild eye redness, normal and transient.
• Days 0-1: Avoid driving, rubbing the eye, or swimming.
• Days 1-7: Apply prescribed antibiotic eye drops and artificial tears as directed.
• Return to work: Most patients return the next day.

Warning signs that require urgent evaluation

Serious complications are rare but demand immediate attention. Contact your ophthalmologist or go to an emergency eye unit if you experience:

• Sudden, severe eye pain.
• Rapid deterioration of vision.
• Intense, persistent redness.
• Extreme light sensitivity.
• Significant discharge from the eye.

These symptoms may indicate endophthalmitis, a rare but serious intraocular infection (incidence < 0.1%) that requires prompt treatment.

Planning your medical trip to Turkey for Anti-VEGF treatment

Unlike major surgical procedures, anti-VEGF therapy requires no prolonged hospitalization. Most international patients travel for just 2-3 days, enough time for imaging, the injection, and a next-day follow-up check before flying home.

The key to a successful medical trip is not the complexity of the procedure itself, but the quality of coordination: seamless exam transmission, well-timed injection scheduling, and a complete handover package to your home ophthalmologist.

What Turquie Santé handles for you

Turquie Santé is not a booking platform; we are your full-service medical coordinator:

• Free pre-departure teleconsultation with a retinal specialist
• VIP airport-to-clinic transfer (private driver)
• Accommodation at partner hotels (3-5 star) near the clinic
• Multilingual medical interpreter at every step
• Remote post-treatment follow-up with your home physician
• Full medical report in your language for care continuity

Recommended stay duration

Insurance and reimbursement

Coverage varies by country and insurance plan:

• USA: Anti-VEGF injections abroad are generally not covered by Medicare or standard US insurance, but HSA/FSA funds can often be applied. The out-of-pocket cost in Turkey frequently remains lower than US insurance copays.
• UK (NHS patients): Out-of-pocket; private health insurers may partially reimburse. Verify your policy's international coverage clause.
• France / Belgium: Partial reimbursement may be possible through prior CPAM or mutuelle agreement, check before departure.
• North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco): Treatment abroad is generally not reimbursed, but costs in Turkey may be comparable to or lower than local private sector rates.