Squint Eye Surgery Cost in India

What is Cost of Squint Eye Surgery In India

The cost of squint eye surgery in India ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000. However, several factors can affect the cost of squint eye treatment in India, 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.

A squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are not aligned in the same direction. This condition majorly happens due to poor eye muscle control. Other reasons include improper balance of eye muscles, faulty nerve signals to the eye muscles, and focusing faults (usually long sight). In most circumstances, children get affected by squint eyes, and it can be constant or intermittent, but it can occur at any age. The squinting may turn in (converge), turn out (diverge), or sometimes turn up or down.

Driving may be difficult, and children, in particular, may have reading problems, as well as a hard time with sports due to the lack of visual coordination due to squint. A squint may first be detected because of apparent learning difficulties, which arise because the child cannot read well.

Treatment for squint eye surgery starts with glasses of the right power if visual acuity is harmed, followed by patching the eye to stimulate the lazy eye if amblyopia is present. Eye surgery is often needed for a squint eye to support or weaken various eye muscles so that both eyes move together in the same direction. Surgery is best done when the child is young. Visual acuity will still require correction by glasses, and surgery will not be successful if the lazy eye was not previously treated.

Surgery is only used if other treatment options, like glasses, vision therapy, botulinum toxin injection, or botox, etc, are not successful. It can realign the eyes and correct binocular vision. Sometimes both eyes need to be operated on to get the perfect balance. Severe squints may need eye surgery straightaway.

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. Recession: In a recession procedure, the eye surgeon separates the affected outside muscle (extraocular muscle) from the eye and reattaches it (resection) farther back on the eye to weaken the relative strength of the muscle if it is too strong. However, if the muscle is very weak, your surgeon may use a recession procedure to decrease the opposing muscle's strength to gain a more balanced function of the eye muscles.
2. Resection: In some instances, a resection procedure may be used to support an eye muscle to correct misalignment associated with squint. If you have inwardly turned eyes (esotropia), the surgeon may reinforce the lateral rectus muscles — found on the side of each eye, toward the ear — by reattaching the muscle in a different location (resection). In this manner, the lateral rectus muscles are strengthened, and they can turn the eyes farther outward. This results in better eye alignment.
3. Adjustable Suture Strabismus Surgery: With adjustable suture eye muscle surgery, the eye surgeon alters sutures holding eye muscles in place after a resection technique to improve the final result. This surgery is best for someone whose squint developed in adulthood. In most circumstances, adjustable suture surgery is performed in the operating room with local or general anesthesia. Afterward, the eye is patched. After 24 hours, the patch is removed, and ocular alignment is evaluated. Based on how the eyes are aligned, the surgeon may choose to use the suture that is in place to tighten or ease the treated muscle. Once the desired alignment is attained, the surgeon ties the adjustable suture permanently in place, and the procedure is complete.
4. Plication: Plication surgery for squint involves tightening or shortening the eye muscles to correct misalignment of the eyes. This procedure seeks to improve the alignment and coordination of the eyes, allowing them to work together correctly. It's a common treatment option for conditions like crossed eyes or lazy eyes to enhance visual function and appearance.
5. 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 fadened muscle. When Faden is performed, the basic muscle tone remains the same because the distance between the muscle origin and insertion remains the same. When Faden is combined with a recession, the impact of the recession is enhanced without much slackening, which is otherwise observed in large recessions. In a Faden operation, the eye muscle is repositioned back on the eyeball, confining its contraction and reducing the degree of misalignment.
6. 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.

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 India

What Factors Affect Squint Surgery Cost In India?

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

• Type of Surgery: Different types of squint eye surgeries, such as adjustable suture surgery, Faden operation, etc., can have varying costs based on their intricacy and the techniques involved.
• Hospital Location and Infrastructure: Hospitals in metropolitan cities or urban areas might have higher costs of medical services due to the higher cost of living and operational costs in those areas. Also, hospitals with advanced facilities, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art technology may have higher fees due to the quality of care provided.
• Surgeon's Experience: Highly professional and renowned surgeons might charge more for their services, leading to higher costs of squint eye treatment in India. 
• Diagnostic Tests: Pre-operative tests and evaluations performed before squint eye surgery can add to the overall cost, as they are essential to understanding the patient's suitability for the procedure.
• Anesthesia and Medications: Costs related to anesthesia administration and post-operative medications are usually included in the overall cost of treatment.
• Hospital Stay: Depending on the type of squint eye surgery, the patient might need to stay in the hospital for a particular duration, which can contribute to the cost of squint eye surgery in India.
• Follow-up Visits: The number of post-operative follow-up visits needed can influence the overall cost of squint eye surgery in India. The cost can also be influenced by any additional treatments or adjustments required.

Does Insurance Cover Squint Eye Surgery Costs In India?

Insurance coverage for squint eye surgery in India can vary depending on the type of insurance policy you have. Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of squint surgery, specifically if it's deemed medically necessary to correct vision and enhance overall eye health. However, elective or cosmetic procedures might not be covered by insurance. It's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your policy's specific terms and conditions, including whether squint surgery is covered and if any conditions or documentation are required for reimbursement. 

What are the costs of diagnostic tests performed for squint eye surgery in India?

Costs of diagnostic tests performed for squint eye surgery in India include:

• Visual acuity Test: This test measures the ability to see things at various distances. It's a primary test to determine the clarity of the vision. This basic eye test can cost around Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 or more.
• Cover Test: This test helps estimate the degree of squint by observing how the eyes work together when concentrating on an object. The cost for a cover test might range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 800 or more.
• Refraction Test: This test determines your eyeglass prescription and helps recognize any refractive errors that might cause squint. The cost of a refraction test could range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 800 or more.
• Ocular motility tests: These tests assess each eye's movement in different directions and angles to determine any restrictions or irregularities in eye movement. These tests could cost around Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 or more.