Squint Eye Surgery Cost in Kolkata

What is the cost of Squint Eye Surgery in Kolkata?

The cost of squint eye surgery in Kolkata ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 55,000. However, several factors can impact the cost of squint eye operation in Kolkata, including the type of surgery, experience and expertise of the ophthalmologist or eye surgeon, choice of hospital or eye care clinic, type of anesthesia used, etc.

Squint eye, also known as strabismus, is a vision condition in which the eyes do not align properly and point in different directions. When an individual has a squint, one eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment prevents both eyes from concentrating on the same point simultaneously, leading to a lack of binocular vision or stereopsis. Squint eye can be constant or intermittent, and it may impact one or both eyes. The misalignment can be present from birth or form later in life due to several factors, such as eye muscle imbalance, nerve problems, refractive errors, or underlying medical conditions. Treatment for squint eyes may include eyeglasses or contact lenses, vision therapy, patching the stronger eye to stimulate visual development in the weaker eye, or eye muscle surgery to align the eyes properly. The suitable treatment depends on the type and severity of the squint and the individual's age.

What are the types of strabismus eye surgery?

There are several types of surgeries for treating squint eyes, each designed to manage specific types and causes of misalignment. Here are some common types of squint eye surgeries:

1. Rectus Muscle Surgery: This is the most common type of squint surgery. It involves adjusting and altering the tension of the eye's rectus muscles (the four muscles that control eye movement) to realign the eyes correctly. The surgeon may either strengthen or weaken the muscles to attain the desired alignment. It is the easiest and most effective way of weakening and strengthening the medial rectus.
2. Oblique Muscle Surgery: This type of surgery involves adjusting the oblique muscles of the eye, which play a role in eye rotation. Oblique muscle surgery is less common and is generally performed in specific cases of vertical squint.
3. Adjustable Suture Surgery: It is a technique that is commonly used for more complicated cases of strabismus. In adjustable suture surgery, the surgeon uses sutures that can be adjusted after the surgery. This allows fine-tuning of the eye alignment in the immediate postoperative period, ensuring precise alignment. It is used in complex cases such as strabismus with large or unstable angles or strabismus with high myopia.
4. Faden Operation (Posterior Fixation Suture): Faden surgery, also known as posterior fixation suture surgery, is used to weaken the rotational force of a rectus muscle when the eye rotates in the field of action of the fastened muscle. In a faden operation, the eye muscle is repositioned back on the eyeball, confining its contraction and reducing the degree of misalignment.
5. Recess-Resect Procedure: This procedure combines muscle weakening (recession) and muscle strengthening (resection) in the same eye to reach the desired alignment.
6. Transposition surgery: Transposition surgery involves an adjustment in the mechanical properties of muscle action, such that the direction of movement of the eye following contraction of the muscle is modified. In some instances, particularly in paralytic squints, the surgeon may move the insertion point of the eye muscles to alter their pull direction and improve eye alignment.
7. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection: In some cases of squint caused by overactive eye muscles, Botox injections may be used to temporarily weaken the muscle's action and improve alignment.
8. Adjustable Strabismus Surgery with Adjustable Suture: Similar to adjustable suture surgery, this procedure allows for postoperative adjustments to achieve precise eye alignment.

The choice of surgery will depend on the specific characteristics of the squint and the surgeon's assessment of the best approach to achieve optimal eye alignment. Individuals with squint eyes must consult a skilled ophthalmologist to determine the most suitable treatment plan for their particular condition.

Cost of different surgeries performed for squint eye treatment in Kolkata

What factors affect the cost of squint eye surgery in Kolkata?

The cost of squint eye surgery in Kolkata can be impacted by several factors. Some of the factors that can affect the cost of surgery in Kolkata include:

• Type of Squint: The specific type of squint and the complexity of the eye misalignment can impact the surgical technique and the cost.
• The severity of Squint: The extent of misalignment of the eyes may affect the complexity of the surgery and the required surgical techniques, which can affect the overall cost.
• Surgeon's Experience: The experience of the ophthalmologist or eye surgeon performing the surgery may influence the cost. Highly qualified surgeons with extensive surgical experience may charge higher fees.
• Choice of hospital: The choice of hospital can also influence the cost of the surgery. Superior facilities with advanced technology may have higher fees compared to standard healthcare centers.
• Location: The location of the medical facility can play a huge role in determining the cost of squint surgery.
• Preoperative Assessments: The cost of preoperative evaluations, such as eye examinations and imaging tests, may be incorporated into the overall package cost.
• Preexisting Health Conditions: The existence of any preexisting health conditions or medical complexities may need specialized care and could affect the overall cost of treatment.
• Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia used during squint eye surgery can also affect the cost. General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may have different price points.
• Postoperative Care: The cost of squint eye surgery may include postoperative care, follow-up visits, and medications needed during recovery.
• Health Insurance Coverage: The availability of health insurance coverage for squint eye surgery can significantly affect out-of-pocket costs for the patient. Insurance coverage can differ depending on the type of insurance plan and the terms and conditions of the policy.

Does insurance cover squint eye surgery costs in Kolkata?

Whether insurance covers squint eye surgery costs in Kolkata can vary depending on the type of insurance plan and the terms and conditions of the policy. In many cases, health insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary squint eye surgery. However, it's crucial to review the policy details and consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage.

However, a general criterion that needs to be met for insurance coverage of squint eye surgery includes:

• Medical Necessity: The squint eye surgery must be deemed medically necessary to correct or treat a vision issue or eye misalignment that significantly affects visual function, depth perception, or quality of life.
• Visual Impairment: The squint eye must lead to visual impairment or a problem in maintaining proper eye alignment, leading to discomfort, double vision, or loss of binocular vision.
• No Cosmetic Purpose: Squint eye surgery, mainly performed for cosmetic reasons, may not be covered by insurance, as cosmetic procedures are typically not considered medically necessary.