Squint (Strabismus) Surgery Cost in India

Here we are explaining the various factors that impact the squint eye surgery cost. 

1: Type of Strabismus 

Squint eye or strabismus is categorized based on the direction the eye turns. The most common types are- 

• Esotropia- Inward turning 
• Exotropia- Outward turning 
• Hypertropia- Upward turning 
• Hypotropia- Downward turning 

Usually, treating a horizontal squint eye is comparatively easier and cheaper than a vertical squint eye. In addition to this, if the surgeon has to address the cause of the squint as well during the procedure, the treatment expense will increase. 

2: Type of Eye Muscle Surgery & Number of Muscles That Needs Correction 

In squint surgery, also known as eye muscle surgery, there are different requirements- 

• Resection- It involves cutting the muscle fibers to make them short or small. 
• Recession- It involves separating the eye muscle from the existing position and attaching it to a different position. 
• Plication- It involves folding the eye muscle and stitching it to form a new shape. 

Each technique can be used alone or combined with the other two as required. When the techniques are combined, the cost will be extra. In addition to this, the number of muscles that need to be corrected will also impact the cost. 

There can be cases where each muscle will require a different technique to align the eye properly. If so, the squint surgery cost will again increase. 

3: Choice & Location of the Hospital/Clinic 

Undergoing squint eye surgery in Delhi is more expensive than getting treatment in Jaipur, Kanpur, or other tertiary cities. Medical care is expensive in metro cities because the quality of care and facilities at the treatment center is also better in these cities. 

You will also have the option to choose between a private and a government treatment center. Usually, the cost is lower at government facilities, but the amenities and quality of care are much better at private centers. 

4: Experience & Specialization of the Doctor 

With years of practice, a surgeon gains more knowledge and expertise. Some eye surgeons even have a specialization in squint surgery. So, when you choose a better-trained and highly experienced surgeon, his/her consultation and the operating fee are likely to be higher than a less experienced eye surgeon. 

5: Age of the Patient 

Yes, many people would think that surgery on a child would cost less than on an adult, but the truth is the opposite. Strabismus surgery on a child is going to cost more than on an adult. 

A child needs to be put under general anesthesia for the procedure and is likely to require a highly experienced pediatric ophthalmologist. Furthermore, the child needs to be kept under observation after the surgery, which means hospitalization may be required. This will increase the cost. 

In adults, the surgery is performed with local anesthesia, and hospitalization is also not required. Therefore, treatment will cost less. 

6: First-time Procedure or Revision Surgery 

Most of the patients undergo squint surgery the first time, and the condition never recurs. However, in some patients, one or both eyes start squinting again. The first-time surgery will be safe and cost less. But if you are undergoing the procedure a second or third time, the surgery will be more complex and risky, which will increase the cost. 

7: Diagnostic Tests & Evaluations 

Usually, strabismus is diagnosed in children during a routine eye exam. As it can also develop in adults, the doctor may perform a comprehensive eye exam to analyze the overall eye health. The exam will include the following tests- 

• Visual Acuity Test- To check if strabismus is affecting the vision. 
• Refraction Test– To determine the refractive power of the lens that will allow the patient to see clearly. 
• Alignment & Focus Testing- To examine how the eyes move and focus together. This is helpful in determining whether the squint eye is unilateral or bilateral. 
• Internal Structure Exam- The internal components of the eye are examined to identify the cause or to rule out other eye conditions that can be the potential cause of strabismus. 
• Corneal Reflex Test- This is a special test done specifically for squint eye patients. It helps to determine the type of strabismus and the extent of correction required. 

All these tests may cost around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 7,000 approximately, which can make a significant impact on the overall expense. 

8: Post-surgery Medications & Follow-ups 

After squint surgery, you will be prescribed eye drops and medications. These medicated eye drops will cost around Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000 approx. Furthermore, you will have to take follow-up consultations with the eye specialist to ensure that the eyes are healing properly and rule out potential complications. These follow-ups are also chargeable which will add to the cost of squint eye treatment. 

Yes, squint surgery cost in India is covered by health insurance. The surgery is reconstructive, not cosmetic, and has medical benefits for the patients. Without proper treatment, strabismus or squint eye can cause serious vision problems. Thus, the treatment cost is covered by insurance under the base policy. 

It is advised that you talk to the health insurance provider and discuss the terms and conditions regarding the treatment. The insurance agent will also help you to understand the claim and approval process. 

If you or your child has been diagnosed with strabismus in one or both eyes, you can get in touch with Pristyn Care and consult our eye specialists. We provide safe and effective treatment through eye muscle surgery. Along with providing advanced care, we offer services that further minimize the expenses at the patient’s end, such as free consultation, free pick & drop service, free post-surgery consultation, and No-Cost EMI service. 

Our main focus is to ensure that all patients get high-quality treatment at the best prices. To learn more about our services, you can give us a call and talk to our medical care coordinators.