Vitreoretinal Cost in Bangalore, India

Vitreoretinal surgery treats problems of the retina and the gel inside the eye (vitreous), such as retinal detachment, diabetic eye disease and macular holes, usually by vitrectomy.

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust lists retinal detachment, diabetic eye disease including bleeding into the vitreous, macular hole and membranes on the retina among the conditions treated with vitrectomy.

The operation is mostly done under local anaesthetic. The surgeon removes the gel with fine instruments, repairs the retina and may place a gas bubble or silicone oil to hold it in place.

The Royal Free advises not flying while there is gas in the eye, as it can expand and raise eye pressure. Face-down positioning may be needed for some days, and the eye usually heals over two to six weeks.

Possible risks include cataract, further detachment, raised eye pressure and, very rarely, infection.

Flying home: if a gas bubble is used, the UK Civil Aviation Authority's guidance for doctors says not to fly for about 2 weeks with sulphur hexafluoride or about 6 weeks with perfluoropropane, so confirm the gas type with your surgeon.

The cost of vitreoretinal surgery in Bangalore typically ranges from $1,700 to $6,350 USD (about ₹1.61 lakh to ₹6.02 lakh), depending on the hospital, room category and type of procedure.

A typical estimate for vitreoretinal surgery in Bangalore is around $4,750 (about ₹4.51 lakh). What you pay depends mainly on your own case. If one eye is treated with a standard lens or technique, your bill is likely to be closer to $1,700 (about ₹1.61 lakh). It is likely to be nearer $6,350 (about ₹6.02 lakh) if a specialised lens or graft is used, both eyes are treated or advanced equipment is needed.

When comparing Bangalore packages for vitreoretinal surgery, check whether each quote includes:

• Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
• Operating theatre or procedure room
• The lens, implant or graft
• Hospital stay and room category
• Medicines and consumables
• Follow-up visits before you fly home

Bangalore hospitals usually put together an estimate for vitreoretinal surgery from these elements:

• Pre-operative eye tests: measurements and scans.
• Lens, implant or graft: standard or premium options.
• Surgeon grade: consultant fees vary.
• Condition treated: detachment, diabetes or hole.
• Gas or oil: and a second operation for oil.
• Anaesthesia: usually local.
• Posturing and follow-up: after surgery.

Ask whether the Bangalore eye quote covers the lens or implant, surgeon, theatre, medicines and follow-up checks, as these are often listed separately.

Eye care in Bengaluru ranges from hospital ophthalmology departments to stand-alone eye hospitals with dedicated cataract, cornea, glaucoma and retina services.

Accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), part of the Quality Council of India, is India's main hospital quality standard, and the NABH website shows whether a Bangalore hospital's accreditation is current.

Some Bengaluru hospitals also hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, an international standard, and JCI's public directory lets you confirm a hospital's status before you book.

International patients usually arrive at Kempegowda International Airport, which lies north of the city, so allow for road travel time to hospitals in southern and eastern Bengaluru.