Prof. Dr. Tansu Erakgün

Prof. Dr. Tansu Erakgün runs a specialized eye surgery practice in İzmir's Alsancak district, Turkey. The clinic operates within Private Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital. It focuses on advanced retinal diseases and vitreoretinal surgery. A team of four physicians treats complex posterior segment cases and cataract complications.

Key Achievements and Statistics

Lead specialist Dr. Tansu Erakgün has completed over 15,000 surgical interventions throughout his career. He holds Associate Professor and Professor titles, reflecting decades of academic and clinical work. The practice is known for surgical innovation, including the design of custom instruments.

The clinic maintains active memberships in major professional organizations:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
• European Vitreoretinal Society (EVRS)
• Turkish Ophthalmology Association (TOD)

Dr. Erakgün has served as faculty for the EVRS Training School in Ankara. He has also presented surgical findings at international meetings, including at Tbilisi State Medical University.

Retina and Vitreoretinal Surgery

The clinic treats retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular holes. For rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, the team uses suprachoroidal viscopexy (SCVEXY) with cryotherapy. This approach often avoids the need for gas or silicone oil tamponades.

Specific procedures and success rates include:

• Retinal detachment surgery: 85–90% success rate with a single intervention.
• Vitrectomy: Used for massive submacular hemorrhages and severe diabetic cases.
• Tenon patch graft: A specialized technique for severe tractional diabetic retinopathy with tears.
• Cryotherapy: Stabilizes vision in patients with stage 1–3 Coats' Disease.

Vitreoretinal procedures take 30 minutes to two hours, depending on complexity. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks.

Cataract and Glaucoma Care

Surgeons perform cataract surgery using the phacoemulsification (phaco) method. Ultrasound waves break up the lens through a small 2 mm incision. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and includes placing an artificial intraocular lens.

The practice also manages Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in newborns. The team treats all stages, including plus and proliferative phases. Treatment options include laser therapy, injections, and surgical removal of abnormal vessels.

Surgical Technologies and Diagnostics

The clinic uses surgical instruments designed by Dr. Erakgün for vitrectomy. These include the Erakgun Spatula Knife and the Erakgun Snare, both recognized in medical literature. A nitinol flex loop assists endolaser photocoagulation in advanced diabetic cases.

Diagnostic tools available at the facility include:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Corneal topography
• Ultrasound of the eye
• Neuro-ophthalmic examination
• Slit lamp examination

These tools allow detailed evaluation before surgery, so the team can plan anesthesia and medication carefully.

International Patient Services

The clinic serves patients who travel to İzmir for specialized retina treatments. Select specialists share their surgical experience through international training programs. Pre-operative preparation includes a full review of chronic and systemic diseases to ensure patient safety.