Learn about Keratoconus Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Keratoconus and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the normally round cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone-like shape, causing distorted vision. An ophthalmologist manages this condition through a range of procedures aimed at halting progression and improving sight. Initial treatment often involves specialized contact lenses. For more advanced cases, a minimally invasive procedure called Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) is performed to strengthen corneal tissue and stop the bulging. In severe cases, surgical interventions like Intacs (corneal ring segments) or a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary. These treatments are tailored to stabilize the cornea and restore functional vision, significantly improving the patient's quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Halts the progression of corneal thinning and bulging.Can significantly improve visual acuity and reduce dependence on corrective lenses.Minimally invasive options like CXL have a high success rate with a short procedure time.Helps prevent the need for a full corneal transplant in many patients.Procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of progressive keratoconus confirmed by corneal topography.
  • Increasing astigmatism and myopia that cannot be adequately corrected with glasses.
  • Intolerance or poor fit of rigid gas permeable contact lenses.
  • Corneal thinning and steepening observed in follow-up examinations.
  • Vision impairment affecting daily activities and quality of life.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive eye examination including corneal topography and pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement).
  • Discontinuation of contact lens wear for a period specified by the ophthalmologist (typically 2-4 weeks) to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape.
  • Discussion of medical history and any current medications with the doctor.
  • Arranging for transportation to and from the surgical facility, as driving will not be possible immediately after the procedure.
  • Using prescribed antibiotic eye drops for a few days prior to surgery, if instructed.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection or inflammation of the eye.
  • Corneal haze, which is usually temporary but can affect vision.
  • Over-correction or under-correction, potentially requiring further treatment.
  • Delayed healing of the corneal epithelium.
  • In rare cases, corneal scarring or the need for a corneal transplant.
  • For CXL, a risk of sterile corneal infiltrates.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediately after the procedure, the eye will be patched, and you may experience light sensitivity, tearing, and a foreign body sensation.
  • Use all prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops exactly as directed to prevent infection and control inflammation.
  • Avoid rubbing the eye vigorously for several weeks.
  • Wear protective eyewear, especially sunglasses, outdoors.
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and dusty environments for the first few weeks.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and visual recovery.
  • Final visual stability and optimal correction with glasses or contact lenses may take several months.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full visual stabilization

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering keratoconus in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for keratoconus compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 40 Thousand – 250 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 3-6 months for full visual stabilization Know More
Turkey TRY 140 Thousand – 875 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 3-6 months for full visual stabilization Know More

Top hospitals for Keratoconus in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing keratoconus.

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89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Neha Sharma, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...

Neha Sharma, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had always been passionate about her work, but over the past two years, her vision became a constant source of frustration. Images on her screen appeared increasingly blurred and distorted, and no matter how many times she changed her contact lens prescription, her sight never felt sharp. Frequent headaches and eye strain were becoming the norm. Her optometrist, concerned by the irregular astigmatism, referred her to an ophthalmologist. After a corneal topography scan confirmed a diagnosis of progressive keratoconus, the doctor recommended corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) to halt the disease and prevent the need for a future corneal transplant. The procedure itself was quick, though the initial recovery involved light sensitivity and discomfort for a few days. Over the following months, her cornea stabilized. While she still needs glasses for optimal vision, the terrifying progression has stopped. Neha's emotional journey shifted from anxiety about losing her career and independence to immense relief and a newfound sense of control over her future.

Ophthalmologists for Keratoconus

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform keratoconus and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Poonam Yadav
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rita Dash
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. NAVYA MANNEM
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lucky Kharbanda
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajat Anand
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. L Geetha
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rakesh Parashar
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prarthana Anand
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gaurav Suryawanshi
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. N V Raghunath Rao
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sugato Pal
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Naveen Kumar Naik
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashwini P
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 950
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mridula Pentapati
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukta Shrivastava
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anindya Anuradha
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nirmala
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohammed Sadiq
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 350
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. G Seethapathy
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated