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 USD 435 – USD 2,719 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 3-6 months for full visual stabilization Know More
Turkey USD 3,221 – USD 20,131 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.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to a couple of...

I'd been to a couple of doctors for this nagging stomach pain and fatigue, and everyone just said it was stress. Dr. Karunakaran actually listened. He asked a lot of questions I hadn't been asked before and ordered some specific tests. Turns out it was a tricky gallbladder issue that wasn't showing up on the standard scans. He explained it in a way that finally made sense. I had the surgery at MGM last month and feel like myself again.

Ophthalmologists for Keratoconus

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

Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anindya Anuradha
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mridula Pentapati
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashwini P
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Indranil Bhattacharya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kaushik Dhume
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Richa
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated