Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Cost in India

What is Cost of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment In India

The diabetic retinopathy treatment cost in India can range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000. However, several factors are vital in determining the overall treatment cost in India. Some major factors that determine the cost of diabetic retinopathy treatment include the location or city of the hospital where the treatment takes place, the type of healthcare center, the fees of the surgeon, the severity of the condition, and more.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that impacts the eyes. It happens due to damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Initially, diabetic retinopathy might cause no symptoms or only mild vision issues. But it can gradually worsen and lead to blindness.

The condition can develop in any individual who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes, and the less managed your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop this eye complication.

The treatment of diabetic retinopathy depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of diabetic retinopathy may not need treatment, but frequent eye exams are essential. However, more advanced cases might be treated with laser treatment to close leaking blood vessels or injections of medication into the eye to slow down the condition's progression. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Individuals with diabetes must manage their blood sugar levels to help prevent diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, it is better to always consult with a healthcare expert for personalized guidance.

What Are The Types Of Surgeries Performed For The Treatment Of Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy usually only needs specific treatment when it reaches an advanced stage, and there's a significant risk to your vision. For diabetic retinopathy that is threatening or impacting your sight, the main treatments include the following:

1. Photocoagulation: Photocoagulation, also known as focal laser treatment, can prevent or delay the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. During this procedure, leaks from abnormal blood vessels are treated with laser burns. Focal laser treatment is generally done in a single session in the doctor's office or eye clinic. If you had blurred vision due to macular edema before surgery, the treatment might not return your vision to normal. However, it's likely to lower the chance of the macular edema from aggravating.
2. Panretinal photocoagulation: Panretinal photocoagulation, also known as scatter laser treatment, can shrink abnormal blood vessels. During this procedure, the regions of the retina away from the macula are treated using scattered laser burns. The burns cause the abnormal new blood vessels to shrink and scar. Panretinal photocoagulation is usually performed in your doctor's office or eye clinic in two or more sessions. The aim of the treatment is to prevent the eye from becoming painful through a build-up of fluid in the eye, raising the pressure in the eyeball.
3. Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy is the surgical operation of removing the vitreous humor from the eyeball. Vitreous humor is a transparent, jelly-like substance that occupies the space behind the eye's lens. The surgery, known as a vitreoretinal operation, may be required if a large amount of blood has accumulated in your eye or there's extensive scar tissue that's likely to cause or has already caused retinal detachment. During the surgical procedure, the ophthalmologist will make a tiny cut (incision) or use certain blades to insert the instruments into the white part of the eye (sclera). They will utilize a microscope to see inside your eye and use tiny tools to remove all cloudy vitreous, scar tissue from the retina or any object that should not be in the eye. Vitreoretinal surgery is usually carried out under local anesthetic and sedation. 

Cost of different surgeries performed for diabetic retinopathy treatment in India

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment In India?

Here are some more factors that can affect diabetic retinopathy treatment cost in India:

• Type of Treatment: The specific treatment the ophthalmologist advises will significantly influence the cost of treatment in India. Eye injections, laser treatment, panretinal photocoagulation, and vitrectomy are options, each with its own costs.
• Hospital or Clinic: The hospital or clinic you choose for your treatment can greatly impact the diabetic retinopathy treatment cost in India. Reputed hospitals or specialized clinics might have higher treatment charges than general hospitals.
• Doctor's Experience: The experience of the ophthalmologist performing the treatment can affect the cost. Highly skilled and reputed doctors charge more for their services.
• Amenities at the healthcare facility: Hospitals or clinics with state-of-the-art equipment and better amenities might charge more for diabetic retinopathy treatment in India.
• Follow-up Visits: Diabetic retinopathy often needs multiple visits for treatment and monitoring by the surgeon. The number of follow-up visits can affect the overall cost of treatment in India.
• Diagnostic Tests: Additional tests, such as slit lamp biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography scans, fluorescein angiography, and visual field tests, might be essential for proper diagnosis and monitoring, adding to the overall cost of treatment.
• The severity of condition: The stage and severity of diabetic retinopathy can affect the complexity of treatment needed, which in turn can affect the cost of diabetic retinopathy in India.
• Medication Costs: If medications such as ranibizumab (Lucentis) and aflibercept (Eylea) are prescribed as part of the treatment plan, they can contribute to the overall costs.
• Patient's Health: The patient's overall health and any other existing medical conditions might influence the treatment approach and, consequently, the cost.

Does Insurance Cover Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Cost In India?

As diabetic retinopathy is medically necessary, an individual's health insurance usually covers it. However, each health insurance plan in India varies, so people should check this with their insurance providers. Some policies may cover the cost of diabetic retinopathy treatment, while others may have certain restrictions or exclusions. Therefore, it's important to carefully check the policy documents, including the coverage details, inclusions, exclusions, and any pre-authorization requirements