Retinal Transplantation in Turkey | Techniques, Indications & Prices 2025

Retinal transplantation: What does it involve?

The retina is a vital part of the eye that converts light into electrical signals transmitted to the brain. However, when this thin layer of tissue is damaged—due to degenerative or hereditary diseases—the photoreceptor cells stop functioning, leading to progressive and sometimes irreversible vision loss.

Retinal transplantation, also known as retina grafting, is an ophthalmologic procedure aimed at restoring or stabilizing vision in individuals with severe eye conditions.

This procedure is primarily intended for people whose vision is severely impaired by diseases such as:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Certain forms of hereditary blindness or rare retinal degenerations

The goal of this procedure is to replace or stimulate the failing retinal cells in order to restore (at least partially) visual capacity.

Retinal transplant techniques in Turkey

In Turkey, retinal specialists adopt a personalized approach for each patient, taking into account the nature of the disease, the degree of vision loss, and the general condition of the retina. Thanks to advances in ophthalmology, several innovative methods are available to partially restore or stabilize vision. Here are the main options:

Gene Therapy

Among the most promising advances, gene therapy plays a central role. This approach involves introducing a healthy gene into the retinal cells to compensate for a genetic mutation responsible for visual degeneration.

In Turkey, this technique is primarily used to treat certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa or rare hereditary atrophies. Clinical trials have already allowed several patients to partially regain perception of light or shapes.

Retinal Cell Transplantation

Retinal cell grafting, especially using stem cells or bioengineered tissues, aims to replace damaged photoreceptors with new cells capable of reactivating retinal function.

These cells, initially unspecialized, are reprogrammed to become photoreceptor cells (cones or rods),essential for vision. This regenerative strategy offers long-lasting results, particularly in patients at an intermediate stage of degeneration.

Retinal Implants or "Bionic Eye"

The implantation of retinal prostheses, also known as a bionic eye, relies on the use of miniaturized electronic devices to directly stimulate the remaining active nerve cells of the retina.

These epiretinal or subretinal prostheses do not restore fine vision, but they allow patients to recognize shapes, detect movements, or distinguish light sources—greatly improving daily autonomy.

Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Cell Patches

These biological micro-structures are implanted under the central retina, where the lesions are most severe, especially in cases of dry AMD. They help slow disease progression by supporting the vital functions of nearby photoreceptor cells.

The goal of this operation is to stabilize remaining vision and preserve visual independence for as long as possible.

Choice of retinal transplant technique in Turkey

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for all retinal diseases. Each patient is unique, which is why a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation is essential to determine:

• The level of remaining functional vision
• The degree of retinal degeneration
• Your age, general health condition, and expectations
• Treatments already received or being considered

Thanks to the expertise of Turquie Santé's partner centers, you will benefit from a fully personalized care plan, approved by a committee of specialists, with dedicated support at every step.

How does a Retinal Transplantation procedure work in Turkey?

Retinal transplantation is a state-of-the-art procedure, performed in specialized retinal surgery centers. Although the stages may vary depending on the technique used (gene therapy, cell transplantation, implants...),the patient experience generally follows a structured path:

Comprehensive pre-operative assessment

Before any operation, you will undergo a thorough ophthalmological assessment to evaluate the extent of retinal damage and determine your eligibility for transplantation.

Medical preparation and anesthesia

The procedure is generally performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the technique used and your overall state of health. Preparatory treatments (drops, antibiotics or corticosteroids) may be prescribed a few days before surgery.

Surgical procedure

Surgery takes place in a sterile operating room, using an operating microscope and ultra-precise instruments. The duration of the operation varies:

• Approximately 1 to 2 hours for gene therapy or cell patching.
• Up to 4 hours for retinal prosthesis implantation.

The surgical procedure involves :

• Injecting a genetic vector or stem cells under the retina (subretinal route).
• Implant a prosthesis on or under the retina.
• Placing a patch of pigment epithelial cells, depending on the areas to be treated.

Immediate post-operative monitoring

After surgery, you are transferred to a rest room or observation room. You will be monitored for a few hours to one night to check for early complications (hemorrhage, retinal detachment, inflammation, etc.).

Post-operative care (eye drops, dressings, antibiotics) is provided as soon as you wake up.

Regular post-operative follow-up

During your stay in Turkey, you will benefit from close follow-up visits with your surgeon and his team. Once back in your own country, follow-up continues remotely via teleconsultations, exchanges of medical reports and personalized advice.

State-of-the-art eye clinics in Turkey

The country boasts internationally recognized, certified medical centers with state-of-the-art equipment, specialized in retinal surgery. Here are just a few of the renowned establishments:

• Dünyagöz Hospitals Group (Istanbul): Network of JCI-certified ophthalmology clinics, pioneers in visual transplants and implants.
• Liv Hospital (Istanbul & Ankara): State-of-the-art hospital with a multidisciplinary team in neuro-ophthalmology and cellular therapies.
• Memorial Hospitals (Antalya & Izmir): Ophthalmology research center offering personalized protocols for degenerative diseases.

Thanks to its network of partners, Turquie Santé gives you access to these excellent establishments with rigorous follow-up, from the first assessment to your return home.

Contact us now for a free teleconsultation with one of our ophthalmology specialists. Take advantage of a personalized remote assessment of your medical file to determine your eligibility for retinal transplantation in Turkey.