Xerophthalmia Treatment in India
About Xerophthalmia
Key Highlights
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Addresses the root cause (Vitamin A deficiency) to prevent permanent blindness.Non-surgical management focuses on medical supplementation and lubrication.Can reverse early stages of corneal damage (Xerosis, Bitot's spots) if treated promptly.Multidisciplinary approach ensures both ocular and systemic nutritional health are restored.Cost-effective intervention with high impact on preserving vision and quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of Vitamin A deficiency based on clinical signs like night blindness (nyctalopia).
- Presence of conjunctival xerosis (dryness) or Bitot's spots (foamy patches on the conjunctiva).
- Corneal xerosis (dry, hazy cornea), ulceration, or keratomalacia (corneal melting).
- Patients with conditions causing malabsorption (e.g., Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis).
- Severe malnutrition, especially in children in developing regions.
How to prepare
- Detailed patient history focusing on dietary habits, recent infections (like measles), and gastrointestinal issues.
- Comprehensive ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy to assess corneal and conjunctival status.
- Blood tests may be ordered to confirm serum retinol (Vitamin A) levels, though treatment often begins based on clinical signs.
- No surgical fasting required as primary treatment is medical.
- Counseling the patient and family about the nature of the condition and the importance of adherence to treatment.
Risks & possible complications
- If untreated, progression to corneal ulceration, perforation, and irreversible blindness.
- Scarring of the cornea leading to permanent visual impairment even after treatment.
- Potential side effects of high-dose Vitamin A supplementation, including nausea, headache, and, rarely, acute hypervitaminosis A.
- Infection risk in corneal ulcers that develop due to extreme dryness.
- Recurrence if the underlying nutritional deficiency is not corrected long-term.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate initiation of Vitamin A therapy as per WHO protocol (oral doses on diagnosis, next day, and at 1-4 weeks).
- Frequent application of preservative-free artificial tears and lubricating ointments, especially at night.
- Close follow-up with the ophthalmologist (often within 1-2 weeks) to monitor corneal healing.
- Protection of the eye with sunglasses or shields if corneal sensitivity is reduced.
- Long-term dietary modification to include Vitamin A-rich foods (leafy greens, orange vegetables, eggs, liver) and possible ongoing low-dose supplementation.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (typically outpatient) or 1-2 days if severe corneal ulcer requires inpatient monitoring
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Expected recovery time:
Initial symptomatic relief in days; full corneal healing may take 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering xerophthalmia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for xerophthalmia in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform xerophthalmia. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for xerophthalmia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 10 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) or 1-2 days if severe corneal ulcer requires inpatient monitoring | ~ Initial symptomatic relief in days; full corneal healing may take 2-4 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 35 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) or 1-2 days if severe corneal ulcer requires inpatient monitoring | ~ Initial symptomatic relief in days; full corneal healing may take 2-4 weeks | Know More |
Top hospitals for Xerophthalmia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing xerophthalmia.
vijayawada, India
44 Doctors
Sarah Roy, a 42-year-old accountant and...
Sarah Roy, a 42-year-old accountant and mother of two, had been struggling for months. Her eyes constantly felt gritty, as if filled with sand, and were persistently red and sensitive to light. Reading spreadsheets or her children's bedtime stories had become a painful chore, often ending in a burning sensation and blurred vision. Her ophthalmologist, Dr. Evans, diagnosed her with moderate Xerophthalmia, explaining that her eyes weren't producing enough quality tears, likely exacerbated by long hours on the computer and hormonal changes. He recommended a multi-step treatment plan starting with preservative-free artificial tear drops every two hours, a nightly application of lubricating ointment, and temporary use of punctal plugs to conserve her natural tears. Sarah was initially overwhelmed by the strict regimen. The first week felt cumbersome, but she set phone reminders. Within two weeks, the constant gritty feeling subsided. After a month, her eyes felt comfortable for most of the day, and she could read and work without pain. Emotionally, she moved from frustration and worry about a permanent disability to immense relief and gratitude. She felt like she had regained a fundamental part of her daily life and connection with her family.
Ophthalmologists for Xerophthalmia
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform xerophthalmia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist