Vitreoretinal Surgery in India: Costs, Top Doctors & Hospitals
Vitreoretinal diseases affect millions worldwide, with retinal disorders contributing to nearly 15 to 20% of global blindness cases. Suppose you have been struggling with conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, retinal detachments, and vitreous haemorrhage that often progress silently, leading to debilitating symptoms. In that case, Vitreo retinal surgery might be the best treatment option for you.
Over the last decade, India has rapidly emerged as one of the top global destinations for Vitreo retinal treatment. The country offers world-class care powered by highly trained Vitreo retinal specialists, advanced technologies like 25G vitrectomy and endolaser systems, and internationally accredited eye hospitals. With treatment costs nearly 60 to 80% lower than in countries like the US, UK, or Singapore, India is the preferred destination for international patients seeking affordable, safe, and advanced retinal treatments.
What are the Indications for Vitreo retinal Surgery in India?
The right candidate for Vitreo retinal disease treatment varies depending on the nature and severity of their condition. But patients display any signs of disorders that affect the vitreoretina and are at a higher risk of developing more severe conditions. Here are some indications that you are an ideal candidate for Vitreo retinal surgery in India:
Sudden or gradual vision loss
Blurred vision that does not improve with glasses
The presence of floaters or flashes of light
Distorted or wavy vision
Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
Shadows or dark spots in the field of vision
What Conditions are Treated With a Vitreo retinal Surgery?
Vitrectomy is performed to treat several serious Vitreo retinal diseases that cause vision loss, distortion, or persistent Vitreo retinal symptoms. The procedure aims to restore retinal stability and prevent further deterioration.
Here are the conditions that can be treated with Vitreo retinal surgery in India:
What are the Types of Vitreo retinal Surgery in India?
India offers multiple advanced Vitreo retinal surgical procedures performed by expert Vitreo retinal specialists to treat various Vitreo retinal diseases. Below are the types of Vitreo retinal surgery in India:
25G Vitrectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure using ultra-thin instruments to remove the vitreous gel and treat retinal detachment, macular holes, and other Vitreo retinal symptoms with faster healing.
Fluid-Air Exchange: The surgeon replaces intraocular fluid with sterile air or gas to stabilise the retina in this procedure, often in conjunction with vitrectomy.
Membrane Peeling: During this procedure, the surgeon peels epiretinal or internal limiting membranes to improve vision and reduce retinal wrinkling or distortion.
Silicone Oil Implantation: This is used in complex or recurrent detachments to support and hold the retina in place for long-term stability.
Laser Photocoagulation: A focused laser closes up retinal tears, treats diabetic retinopathy, and stops the retina from getting worse.
Scleral Buckle: For this procedure, a silicone band is placed around the eye’s surface to relieve traction and reattach the retina.
Pneumatic Retinopexy: A gas bubble is injected inside the eye to push the retina back into position; commonly used for specific tear patterns.
Intravitreal Injections: Medications are injected into the vitreous cavity to treat infections, swelling, or diabetic retinal changes.
Retinal Prosthesis: Retinal prosthesis is an advanced implant that helps restore partial vision in severe retinal degeneration, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Endo laser Retinopexy: Internal laser treatment performed during vitrectomy to permanently seal retinal breaks and enhance retinal stability.
What is the Step-by-Step Procedure for Vitreo retinal Surgery in India?
The procedure aims to restore or preserve vision by providing better access to the retina for treatment. Here’s how the procedure is performed in India:
Step 1: Pre-op assessment: Your Vitreo retinal specialist reviews your history, performs OCT/ultrasound, and explains to you the treatment options. Consent and fasting instructions are completed at this stage.
Step 2: Anaesthesia: You will receive local (retrobulbar/peribulbar) or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity, to ensure comfort during your surgery.
Step 3: Port placement & 25G vitrectomy: Tiny sclerotomies are made by the surgeon, and a 25G vitrectomy probe removes vitreous gel, clearing media and exposing the retina.
Step 4: Targeted manoeuvres: Next, your surgeon will perform membrane peeling, laser, fluid–air exchange (FAx), pneumatic retinopexy, or silicone-oil implantation as required for your underlying Vitreo retinal disease.
Step 5: Closure & dressing: Ports are self-sealing or sutured; the doctor applies an eye shield.
Step 6: Immediate post-op care: You are monitored briefly after the surgery; pain is minimal. Specific positioning, e.g., face-down, is advised if a gas bubble was used.
What is the Cost of Vitreo retinal Surgery in India?
The cost of Vitreo retinal surgery in India is significantly lower when compared to countries like the US, UK, and Singapore, making it a preferred destination for advanced retinal treatments. India provides advanced procedures like 25G vitrectomy, silicone oil implantation, membrane peeling, FAx, and endolaser retinopexy at a cost that is 60 to 80% cheaper than in other countries:
Treatment Name
Cost in India
Stay in India
Vitreo retinal Surgery in India
$2,000 - $3,000
5 - 10 Days
This table can help you quickly understand treatment affordability in India so that you can plan your medical travel efficiently with a clear idea of costs and expected stay duration for a smooth Vitreo retinal surgery recovery.
How is Recovery after Vitreo retinal Surgery in India?
Recovery after Vitreo retinal surgery varies based on the underlying Vitreo retinal disease and the specific procedure performed. Most patients experience gradual improvement within only a week after the surgery, while complete healing can take around 1 to 3 months:
Your Vitreo retinal specialist will provide personalised guidance based on your condition and surgical outcomes. Given below is a timeline-based recovery for you:
First 24-48 hours: Mild discomfort, redness, or blurred vision is common. You must avoid rubbing your eyes and must use the prescribed eye drops to control inflammation and infection.
First 1-2 weeks: Vision starts improving slowly, but activities like heavy lifting, bending forward, or using screens for long hours should be avoided. If a gas bubble is used, maintaining face-down positioning may be required to support retinal healing.
3-6 weeks: Most patients resume light activities, even though driving, strenuous exercise, or air travel should only be done after approval from the surgeon. Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor Vitreo retinal symptoms and healing progress.
After 2-3 months: Your visual clarity stabilises after 2-3 months of the surgery, with final recovery depending on the treated condition; macular holes, retinal detachments, or diabetic retinopathy may take longer to regain optimal function.
Why Opt for Vitreo retinal Surgery in India?
India has become a leading hub for Vitreo retinal surgery due to its strong medical infrastructure, advanced technology, and highly trained ophthalmic surgeons. This is why international patients with severe Vitreo retinal disease travel to India for world-class care at significantly lower costs compared to Western countries.
Here are the advantages of travelling to India for Vitreo retinal surgery:
Globally accredited hospitals, including multiple JCI-accredited centres, are equipped with modern systems for 25G vitrectomy, Endo laser Retinopexy, FAx, and retinal prosthesis procedures.
Highly experienced Vitreo retinal specialists skilled in managing complex cases like diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, retinal detachments, retinoblastoma and more.
Affordable treatment options, with costs nearly 60 to 80% lower than in the US, UK or Singapore, without compromising on quality.
Comprehensive care ecosystem including diagnostics, surgery, intravitreal injections, and personalised Vitreo retinal surgery recovery plans.
Shorter waiting times, quick scheduling, and seamless patient support for domestic and international patients.
All-inclusive Vitreo retinal treatment packages are offered by renowned eye care centres in India for international patients.
Vitreo retinal surgery is generally not painful because the procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia. You may feel mild discomfort or pressure afterward, but Vitreo retinal specialists will provide pain management medications for a smooth and early Vitreo retinal surgery recovery.
Your vision recovery after the treatment depends on the underlying Vitreo retinal disease and how early treatment was received. For conditions like macular holes or retinal detachments, the treatment often shows significant improvement, but complete restoration is not guaranteed. Your Vitreo retinal specialist will guide expectations based on your case.
Some Vitreo retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy or complex retinal detachments, may require staged or repeat surgeries. However, this doesn’t indicate surgical failure but rather reflects the complexity of your condition. Additional procedures like laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injections are standard.
The cost of Vitreo retinal surgery in India ranges from $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the disease and procedure type, such as vitrectomy, membrane peeling, or silicone oil implantation. This is significantly lower than Western countries, like the UK, USA, Singapore and Australia, where costs may be 3 to 5 times higher.
During Vitreo retinal surgery recovery, patients should avoid heavy lifting, bending forward, rubbing the eyes, or air travel if a gas bubble is used. These instructions, along with a set of restrictions, are provided to the patients beforehand by the care team. Also, your Vitreo retinal specialist will give personalised restrictions based on the treated Vitreo retinal disease.
India reports high success rates in Vitreo retinal surgery due to advanced technology, experienced surgeons, and improved techniques like 25G vitrectomy and endolaser retinopexy. The outcomes of the procedure depends on the condition, but most patients experience improvement in retinal stability and functional vision post-surgery.
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