Procedure in Azerbaijan
Vitrectomy and retina surgery in Baku
Planned vitrectomy and retina surgery in Baku after an eye surgeon reviews your scans, with the stay planned around flying rules.
Typical figures. The exact plan is confirmed by the treating doctor after the medical review.
Vitrectomy is an operation in which the surgeon removes the vitreous gel from inside the eye through very small openings in order to reach the retina. It may be advised for diabetic retinopathy with bleeding or scar tissue, a macular hole, an epiretinal membrane or some forms of retinal detachment. At the end of the operation the eye may be filled with fluid, a gas bubble or silicone oil.
Through MedAzerbaijan, vitrectomy in Baku is arranged only as a planned operation. A sudden retinal detachment, with a dark curtain over part of your vision or many new floaters and flashes, is an emergency that must be treated at home without delay. For planned cases an eye surgeon at a partner clinic reviews your scans, you receive a written estimate, and the surgeon confirms the plan after examination.
Who it may suit
- Patients with diabetic retinopathy who have bleeding inside the eye or scar tissue pulling on the retina
- People with a macular hole or an epiretinal membrane that affects central vision
- Patients whose ophthalmologist has recommended a planned vitrectomy
- People who need silicone oil removed after an earlier retina operation
- Patients with a stable retinal condition who would like a specialist opinion before deciding
How the procedure is organised
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1
Review of your eye scans
You send recent ophthalmology reports, OCT scans and, if available, an ultrasound of the eye. An eye surgeon at a partner clinic gives a preliminary opinion on whether surgery, laser or injections may be suitable.
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2
Written estimate and travel planning
You receive a written estimate before booking anything. Because flying may be restricted after surgery, we plan the length of stay and accommodation with this in mind and help with the visa and transfers.
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3
Examination in Baku
The surgeon examines the retina, repeats scans if needed and explains the plan, including whether fluid, gas or silicone oil may be used. Blood sugar and blood pressure are checked before surgery.
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4
Surgery day
Vitrectomy is usually done under local anaesthesia with sedation, sometimes under general anaesthesia, and may take an hour or longer depending on the case. In some patients cataract surgery is combined, as the surgeon decides.
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5
Head positioning and check-ups
If gas or oil was used, the surgeon may ask you to keep your head in a set position, for example face down, for part of each day for several days. The eye is usually checked the next day and again later.
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6
Flying home and follow-up
You fly home only when the surgeon confirms it is safe. You receive a written report in Russian or English, and we help you arrange further check-ups with your local ophthalmologist.
What the cost depends on
The cost of retina surgery in Baku depends on the type and complexity of the operation, whether gas or silicone oil is used, whether cataract surgery or laser is combined and how long you need to stay. After an eye surgeon reviews your scans, you receive a written estimate before travelling that lists what is included.
- The type and complexity of the operation
- Use of gas or silicone oil, and a possible later operation to remove the oil
- Combined cataract surgery or retinal laser, if needed
- Examinations before surgery, follow-up visits and eye drops
- Accommodation for a longer stay when flying is restricted, transfers and interpreter services
Recovery and the trip home
- Vision is often blurred for some time, especially while gas or silicone oil is in the eye, and it may take weeks to months to settle.
- Head positioning exactly as the surgeon instructs is an important part of healing after gas or oil, and eye drops are used for several weeks.
- With a gas bubble, flying, trips to high mountains and anaesthesia with nitrous oxide are not allowed until the surgeon confirms the gas has gone, which usually takes several weeks.
- Silicone oil is often removed in a second operation after some months, as the surgeon decides, and eye pressure is checked regularly.
Included in our coordination
- Personal coordinator
- Medical review
- Interpreter at the clinic
- Visa and invitation
- Airport and clinic transfers
- Accommodation
- Support for companions
- Follow-up at home
Documents for the medical review
Send whatever you already have. If something is missing, the doctor will tell you what else is needed.
- A recent ophthalmology report with the diagnosis
- OCT scans and, if available, an ultrasound of the eye or fluorescein angiography
- Reports from any previous eye surgery, retinal laser or injections
- Information about diabetes, including a recent HbA1c, and blood pressure
- A list of regular medicines, especially blood thinners
- A copy of your passport for travel planning
Frequently asked questions
Can I come to Baku for retinal detachment surgery?
A fresh retinal detachment, with a curtain over part of your vision or many new floaters and flashes, needs urgent treatment where you are, and waiting for a trip can cost vision. We coordinate only planned cases, for example surgery your ophthalmologist has scheduled in advance or removal of silicone oil after an earlier operation.
When can I fly home after vitrectomy?
If a gas bubble was used, flying is forbidden until the surgeon confirms that the gas has gone, which usually takes several weeks, so the stay or the route home is planned in advance. With fluid or silicone oil, flying may be possible sooner, but only the surgeon can allow it after a check-up.
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
Depending on the stage, options may include retinal laser, injections into the eye or vitrectomy when there is bleeding or scar tissue. The surgeon decides after examination and OCT. Good control of blood sugar and blood pressure with your own doctor remains essential before and after any treatment.
How long do I need to stay in Azerbaijan?
With fluid or silicone oil in the eye, most patients usually stay about one to two weeks for the operation and the first check-ups. With a gas bubble the stay is longer because flying is not allowed. The surgeon confirms the timing, and we plan dates once your case has been reviewed.
How much does retina surgery cost in Baku?
The cost depends on the operation, the use of gas or silicone oil, any combined procedure and the length of stay. After an eye surgeon reviews your scans, we send a written estimate before you travel. The final plan is confirmed after the examination in the clinic.
Send your reports and receive a treatment plan
Tell us about your condition. A coordinator will reply in your language, and the specialist will review your documents.