Retina Detachment Surgery Cost in India

What is Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is an eye disorder where the retinal tissues start to peel away from the underlying layer of tissues. The initial detachment is usually localized, appearing as retinal tears or holes. But once the vitreous fluid from the eye reaches underneath the retinal tissues, it starts to peel the retina. 

In most cases, retinal detachment is an emergency; if not treated on time, it can lead to vision loss. In most cases, the detachment is unilateral, but there is a 15% chance that the other eye’s retina will also get affected. 

Factors That Affect Retinal Detachment Surgery Cost

The key factors that are considered while calculating the overall cost of treatment for retinal detachment are explained below. 

• Type of Retinal Detachment 

Retinal detachment doesn’t happen at once. The condition progresses slowly from retinal tears and holes. The types of retinal detachment are- 

• Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment- This type of retinal detachment starts from a tear or hole (considered breaks) in the retina. It allows the vitreous humor to enter the space between the epithelium and sensory retina, which detaches the retinal tissues. 
• Exudative Retinal Detachment- Also known as serous or secondary retinal detachment, this type occurs as a result of eye injury, inflammation, or vascular abnormalities without the presence of holes, tears, or breaks. 
• Tractional Retinal Detachment- This type occurs when the retinal pigment epithelium is pulled by the fibrovascular tissue. 

The small tears and holes can be treated using cryopexy or photocoagulation. As the condition advances, the doctor will have to take a different approach for the treatment of retinal detachment. 

• Method of Treatment 

The general principle of retinal detachment treatment is to find all the retinal tears and holes, seal them, and prevent future retinal breaks. The different methods that are used to achieve this include the following- 

• Photocoagulation– The cost ranges from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 per eye. Recommended for retinal tears or holes, it involves using a laser to burn the retina, which results in the formation of scar tissue that reattaches the retinal tissue with epithelium. 
• Cryopexy– Average cost of retinal cryopexy is Rs. 4,000. This technique is also chosen for retinal tears (rhegmatogenous retinal detachment). It involves using a freezing problem that closes the tears and reattaches the peeled tissues to the surface. 
• Pneumatic Retinopexy– The cost of pneumatic retinopexy is around Rs. 48,000. Chosen for patients with multiple minor detachments, this method involves extraction of the eye fluid and injecting an air bubble that pushes back the detached retina into the proper place. 
• Scleral Buckling– The average cost of scleral buckling surgery is around Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 56,0000. Preferred for severe cases of retinal detachment, this method involves placing a small and flexible band around the sclera that pushes the eye toward the retina. 
• Vitrectomy– This retinal detachment surgery cost varies from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000. The final and last resort for the treatment of a detached retina is a vitrectomy. It involves the removal of scar tissues, vitreous, and cataracts (if present) and then inserting an air bubble to reattach the retinal tissues. 

As you can see, the treatment method is the primary factor that will impact how much the entire treatment will cost. So, the sooner you seek medical help, the less you will have to spend on the treatment. Early intervention will also preserve your vision. 

• Ophthalmologist’s Fees 

There is no doubt that you will need a retinal specialist for the surgery. And a specialist with ample experience, certifications, and superior skills, is likely to charge more for consultations and operations. It is important that regardless of the doctor’s fee, you choose an ophthalmologist who is capable of delivering the best results

• Location/City 

The cost of medical care across different cities in India differs a lot. Medical care quality and standards are better in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, etc. Compared to this, the expense in tertiary cities like Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Nagpur, etc., is slightly lower, along with the availability of the latest techniques and equipment. 

• Hospital/Clinic-Related Expenses 

The retinal detachment surgery cost will be affected depending on the hospital or clinic you choose. The treatment cost will be lower in a government facility compared to a private center. The facilities, amenities, and quality of care available at these facilities are quite different. 

During the treatment, you’ll also have to bear the expense of rooms, ICU, OT, anesthesia, meal, nursing, etc. All these expenses are combined together in the hospital bill (discharge summary). 

• Diagnostic Tests and Evaluations 

Before suggesting the most suitable treatment method, the doctor needs to evaluate the eye thoroughly. This includes the following tests- 

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)– Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,500 per eye 
• Ocular Ultrasound– Rs. 600 to Rs. 2,000

In some cases, the doctor may also recommend tests after the surgery to confirm that the retinal tissues are successfully attached, and there are no complications. 

• Post-Surgery Care, Support, & Medications 

Even after retinal detachment surgery, you will have to bear other expenses, including medications, eye protection covers, eye drops, and post-op consultations. Post-op care is very important, and hence the expense is unavoidable. Typically, you’ll have to spend around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 altogether on consultations and medications. 

Is Retinal Detachment Surgery Cost Covered Under Health Insurance?

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that needs to be addressed on time to preserve the patient’s vision. Thus, most health insurance providers offer coverage for the treatment of a detached retina under the base policy. The amount that you can claim for the treatment may vary depending on the sum assured. There may also be a waiting period before you can claim the insurance. 

You should talk to your insurance providers to learn more about the terms and conditions and the claim process.

Contact Pristyn Care to Undergo Retinal Detachment Surgery Cost-Effectively

If you have been having vision problems and the cause is retinal tears or a detached retina, you should seek help from experts. Pristyn Care provides cost-effective treatment for retinal disorders. You will get optimal care from our eye specialists and additional benefits, such as- 

• Free pick-and-drop service on the day of surgery. 
• Insurance assistance from our team. 
• Assistance from our medical coordinators 
• No-Cost EMI service for payment through installments 
• Recovery Follow up consultations 

You can undergo retinal detachment surgery at Pristyn Care without worrying about the expense. Book your Discounted consultation with our retinal specialists and plan your surgery. 

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