Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that occurs when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. Over time, this damage can cause blurred vision, floaters, or even vision loss if untreated.
Early detection and proper treatment can prevent permanent blindness and preserve vision quality in people with diabetes.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina. When these tiny vessels leak or become blocked, the retina can't get enough oxygen, leading to vision changes or blindness.
It usually affects both eyes and progresses in stages, from mild (non-proliferative) to severe (proliferative retinopathy).
Key Takeaways
| Name of Treatment | Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment |
|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Eye / Retinal Treatments (laser, injections, or surgery) |
| Anesthesia | Topical / local for laser and injections; local sedation or general for vitrectomy |
| Procedure Duration | Injections: 10-15 min; Laser: 15-30 min; Vitrectomy: 1-2 hours |
| Recovery Time | Injections/laser: same day to a few days; Vitrectomy: 1-4 weeks (varies) |
| Typical Cost Range (India) | Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 1,50,000 (depends on treatment type and severity) |
Benefits of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
- Helps prevent vision loss and blindness.
- Improves or stabilizes vision in most cases.
- Reduces retinal swelling and bleeding.
- Allows patients to maintain daily activities with better visual clarity.
- Modern techniques are safe, quick and mostly painless.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionDiabetic Retinopathy Treatment Cost in India?
The average cost of diabetic retinopathy treatment in India ranges between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 1,50,000, depending on the type of treatment, stage of the disease, and hospital location.
Laser therapy and injections are usually less expensive, while vitrectomy surgery tends to cost more due to advanced equipment and hospitalization needs.
Basic Cost Components - Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
- Doctor's Fee: Consultation and specialist charges
- Procedure Cost: Laser, injections or vitrectomy
- Anesthesia Charges: Local or sedation, if needed
- Diagnostic Tests: OCT, fundus imaging or blood tests
- Medication and Consumables: Drugs, injections and supplies
- Hospital / OT Charges: Procedure room or short hospital stay
- Follow-ups: Post-treatment checkups and monitoring
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Cost in Major Indian Cities
| City | Average Cost Range (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 1,40,000 |
| Navi Mumbai | Rs. 40,000 - Rs. 1,50,000 |
| Vizag | Rs. 35,000 - Rs. 1,40,000 |
| Bangalore | Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 1,40,000 |
| Pune | Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 1,10,000 |
Disclaimer: Costs may vary based on the hospital, doctor's expertise and patient condition. Please consult your ophthalmologist for an accurate estimate.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Factors Affecting Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Cost
The cost may vary based on:
- Stage of disease: Early stages need fewer treatments.
- Type of treatment: Laser and injections cost less than surgery.
- Doctor's expertise: Experienced ophthalmologists may charge higher consultation or procedure fees.
- Technology used: Advanced retinal lasers or vitrectomy equipment increase cost.
- Hospital location: Costs are higher in metro cities compared to smaller towns.
- Number of sessions required: Some patients need multiple injections or laser sittings.
Who Needs Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment?
You may need treatment if you experience:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden vision loss
- Swelling in the retina (macular edema) detected by your doctor
People with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes are at the highest risk. Regular eye check-ups every 6 to12 months are vital for early detection.
Types of Diabetic Retinopathy Treatments (with Approx. Cost)
| Treatment | What it does (simple) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Photocoagulation | Uses a focused laser to seal leaking retinal blood vessels and prevent further damage. Quick outpatient procedure. | Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 50,000 |
| Anti-VEGF Injections | Medicine injected into the eye (e.g., Eylea, Lucentis, Avastin) to reduce retinal swelling and improve vision. Often multiple doses needed. | Rs. 12,000 - Rs. 40,000 per dose |
| Vitrectomy Surgery | Microsurgery that removes blood, scar tissue, or membranes from inside the eye to restore vision. Used for severe bleeding or traction. | Rs. 70,000 - Rs. 1,50,000 |
| Intravitreal Steroid Injection | Steroid injected into the eye to reduce inflammation and persistent swelling when injections alone are insufficient. | Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 30,000 |
Why Choose Medicover Hospitals?
- Experienced Eye Specialists and Retinal Surgeons
- Advanced Imaging and Laser Equipment
- Safe, Painless and Proven Treatments
- Personalized Care Plans for Every Patient
- Transparent Pricing and Insurance Support
- Post-Treatment Eye Care and Regular Follow-Ups

Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!
040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
While it can't always be fully cured, timely treatment can stop or slow its progression and help preserve vision.
Usually, multiple anti-VEGF injections are given over several months depending on how the eye responds to treatment.
Yes, laser treatment is generally safe and effective. Mild blurriness or temporary light sensitivity may occur for a short period.
It can reoccur if blood sugar levels remain high. Regular follow-ups and good diabetes control are key to preventing recurrence.
Untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe vision loss or blindness over time due to bleeding or retinal detachment.