Keratoconus Surgery Cost In India

Keratoconus surgery is a vital step in managing a condition where the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, becomes thin and bulges outward into a cone-like shape. This change affects how light enters the eye, causing blurred or distorted vision. Over time, the cornea also becomes weaker due to changes in natural structure, making the condition progressive. Surgical treatment of a keratoconus eye concentrates on improving the strength, shape, and clarity of the cornea. Instead of just correcting the vision, these methods work on stabilizing the cornea and enhancing how it functions. Some methods assist in strengthening the corneal fibers, while others aim at improving its surface for a better light focus. In more advanced situations, surgery for keratoconus can assist in restoring clarity and support better vision. With developments in eye care. Keratoconus surgery has become more accurate and effective. It not only assists in controlling the disease from getting worse, but also plays an important role in maintaining long-term visual quality and overall health of the eye. Keratoconus surgery is normally carried out as a minimally invasive day-care treatment under the influence of local anesthesia. The eye is numbed, and depending on the approach, the surgeon gently removes the outer layer of cornea to work through it. A special vitamin solution is applied, which is followed by a controlled exposure to light to provide strength to corneal fibers, or little implants might be placed to reshape the cornea. In advanced cases, the damaged part of the eye might be replaced with healthy donor tissue.

What is the cost of keratoconus surgery in India?

The cost of keratoconus surgery in India ranges from 25,000 Rs to 1,50,000 Rs per eye. The table below provides approximate cost ranges for all recognized types of Keratoconus surgery in India.

Enquire now

Who Needs Keratoconus Surgery?

• Keratoconus surgery is recommended in patients with progressive worsening of vision despite glasses or contact lenses.
• It is also suggested that in patients with increased corneal thinning or bulging as seen on eye scans.
• It is also recommended when there are frequent changes in spectacle power with poor visual clarity.
• Keratoconus surgery is also recommended in patients with inability to tolerate contact lenses due to the discomfort caused by them.
• It is also suggested for patients with advanced keratoconus that results in significant vision distortion.
• It is also suggested that when there is a development of corneal scarring, it affects vision.
• Surgery is also recommended as a treatment option in case of very irregular astigmatism that cannot be corrected by lenses.
• Surgery is recommended in younger patients who are at risk of keratoconus progressing further in them.
• It is also recommended, when the condition suddenly becomes worse due to corneal swelling.
• It is also suggested that non-surgical treatments fail to maintain vision.

Enquire now

Types Of Treatment For Keratoconus

• Glasses: These are useful in the initial stages to correct mild blurred vision, but become less effective as the cornea becomes irregular.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Special soft contact lenses can improve comfort and vision in mild cases of Keratoconus, even though they might not fully correct the irregular shape.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Are hard lenses that provide clearer vision by creating a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea.
• Hybrid Contact Lenses: Are used to combine a rigid center with a soft outer ring, offering both sharp vision as well as improved comfort.
• Scleral Lenses: Are large lenses that rest on the white part of the eye and vault over the cornea, giving excellent vision in advanced cases.
• Piggyback Lens System: Is a soft lens that is worn under the rigid gas permeable lens to improve comfort, while maintaining good vision quality.
• Custom Soft Lenses For Keratoconus: Are designed especially for irregular corneas, offering better fit and vision than regular soft lenses.
• PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement Of The Ocular Surface Ecosystem) is a highly customized scleral lens system used in severe cases to improve vision and protect the cornea.
• Eye Drops (Lubricants): Helps in relieving dryness and irritation, but it does not treat the underlying condition.
• Avoiding eye rubbing is a crucial lifestyle measure, as rubbing eyes can worsen corneal thinning and also worsen the progression of keratoconus.
• Allergy Management: Treating eye allergies reduces itching and rubbing, thereby slowing keratoconus disease progression.

Enquire now

Factors Influencing the Cost Of Keratoconus Surgery

• Type of surgery performed
• Stage/severity of keratoconus
• Surgeon’s experience and expertise
• Hospital or clinic type
• City/location of the treatment
• Technology and equipment used
• Complexity of the case
• Pre-operative tests and diagnostics
• Post-operative care and follow-ups
• Insurance coverage
• Additional expenses

Enquire now

Types Of Keratoconus Surgery

• Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL/C3R): Provides strength to the cornea using riboflavin drops and UV light to stop the progression of the keratoconus disease.
• Epithelium-On (Transepithelial Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking):A gentle version of corneal collagen cross-linking is performed without removing the outer layer, thereby enabling a quicker recovery.
• Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking: A faster form of corneal collagen cross-linking using higher intensity UV light to reduce the time of treatment.
• Customized/Combined Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking: Tailored corneal collagen cross linking mostly combined with other techniques to stabilize and improve vision.
• Intracorneal Ring Segments (INTACS/ICRS): Small ring implants are placed in the cornea to flatten and reshape it for better vision.
• Topography-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy + Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking: Laser reshapes the cornea, followed by corneal collagen cross-linking to provide strength to it and prevent further worsening.
• Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL): A lens is inserted into the eye to correct vision without altering the cornea.
• DALK (Partial Corneal Transplant): Is a technique that replaces the front layers of the cornea while keeping the inner layers intact.
• Penetrating Keratoplasty (Full Transplant): The entire cornea is replaced with donor tissue in advanced cases of keratoconus.
• DSEK (Endothelial Transplant): Only the inner corneal layer is replaced, leading to quicker healing than the full transplant.
• DMEK (Advanced Endothelial Transplant): Is a more accurate inner layer transplant with better visual outcomes and faster recovery.
• Bowman Layer Transplant: A rare procedure where a thin layer is added to provide strength to the cornea and also provide support.

Enquire now

Post-Operative Care Of Keratoconus Surgery

• The patient should use the doctor-suggested eye drops frequently (antibiotics, steroids, and lubricants) as advised.
• The patient should avoid rubbing or touching the eyes to prevent damage or infection.
• The patient should wear protective glasses or an eye shield while sleeping.
• The patient should also keep the eyes clean and dry, and avoid water entering the eye for a few days.
• The patient should avoid dusty environments, smoke, and pollution.
• The individual should also limit screen time, as it can cause eye strain in the initial phases of recovery.
• The patient should also not apply any eye makeup until the doctor allows, and avoid swimming and heavy physical activity for at least a few days after surgery.
• The patient should attend all follow-up appointments for proper monitoring and report any signs such as pain, redness, or sudden loss of vision, immediately.
• The patient should also follow a healthy lifestyle and stay hydrated to support proper healing.

Enquire now

Making An Informed Decision On Keratoconus Surgery

The patient making an informed decision about surgery for keratoconus needs to have a clear understanding of their condition and treatment goals. The patient should consult an experienced specialist to evaluate the stage and progression of the disease before choosing a procedure. The patient should understand the benefits, limitations, and expected results of each surgical option. They should also consider factors like recovery time, long-term stability, and impact on vision quality. The patient should also discuss costs, follow-up care, and possible risks to avoid being surprised later. A well-informed choice by the patient helps in ensuring better results, safety, and long-term eye health.

Yashoda Hospitals should be the premier choice for patients who want to undergo keratoconus surgery due to their advanced cornea transplant center and specialized treatments like corneal collagen cross-linking, designed to stop the progression of keratoconus disease. Yashoda Hospitals’ ophthalmology department is provided with modern diagnostic tools like corneal mapping and pachymetry to accurately examine corneal thinning and shape. Patients at Yashoda Hospitals have access to advanced laser systems and specific operating theaters for both minimally invasive and complicated ocular surgeries.

Enquire now