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 | USD 16 – USD 109 | 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 | USD 121 – USD 805 | 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.
Panaji, India
79 Doctors
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 Xerophthalmia
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform xerophthalmia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 36 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram
- 35 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 30 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 14 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 14 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 26 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 14 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Salem