Anti-VEGF Therapy Cost in India

What Is Anti-VEGF Therapy and When Is It Needed?

Anti-VEGF therapy is used to manage retinal diseases where abnormal blood vessels cause leakage, swelling, and vision loss. VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) promotes blood vessel growth, and Anti-VEGF medications block this action.

Conditions Treated:

• Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Diabetic Retinopathy & Diabetic Macular Edema

• Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

• Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV)

Patients typically begin treatment after symptoms like blurry vision, distortion, or dark spots are diagnosed by a retina specialist.

What Are the Different Types or Techniques of This Treatment?

Common Anti-VEGF Drugs:

• Avastin (Bevacizumab) – Affordable, widely used off-label

• Lucentis (Ranibizumab) – High precision, FDA-approved

• Eylea (Aflibercept) – Long-acting, broader spectrum

• Beovu (Brolucizumab) – Requires fewer injections

• Vabysmo (Faricimab) – Targets two pathways (VEGF + Ang-2)

Techniques:

• Loading Phase: 3 injections over 3 months

• Maintenance: Based on disease activity (PRN or treat-and-extend)

The drug is injected into the eye using a sterile, pain-minimized method. The entire session usually takes less than 30 minutes.

What Is the Standard Treatment Protocol for International Patients in India?

India provides a seamless, efficient process for visiting patients:

1. Initial Consultation:
   Retinal exam with OCT, angiography, and diagnosis confirmation.

2. Counseling:
   Detailed explanation of drug options, schedule, and expected results.

3. Injection Day:
   Administered painlessly under topical anesthesia in a sterile setting.

4. Monitoring:
   Observation for 1–2 hours post-procedure. Eye drops prescribed.

5. Follow-Up Plan:
   Frequency of future injections based on disease response.

This complete cycle is often completed in just 1 to 2 days, ideal for short visits.

What Kind of Devices or Tools Are Used?

Though no implant is used, the procedure relies on precision tools:

• Fine-gauge sterile needles (30–32G)

• Topical anesthetic drops and povidone-iodine

• Eyelid speculum

• OCT and digital fundus cameras

• FDA-approved Anti-VEGF vials or prefilled syringes

• Post-injection antibiotic eye drops

Indian eye hospitals follow global best practices for hygiene and equipment.

What Is the Cost Breakdown of Anti-VEGF Therapy in India?

Additional Charges:

• OCT & Evaluation: $30 – $80

• Consultation: $20 – $50

• Follow-Up: $25 – $40

Most Indian centers offer bundled packages that include consultation, injection, procedure fees, and post-care instructions.

Why Should International Patients Choose India for This Treatment?

• Globally trained retina surgeons

• FDA-approved medications used

• Fast appointments with minimal wait time

• Complete packages with no hidden charges

• Multilingual staff for easier communication

• Medical tourism facilitation from start to finish

Patients from across the globe trust India for safe, timely, and cost-effective Anti-VEGF care.

Why Choose Healzone for Safe and Stress-Free Treatment in India?

Healzone offers complete support for international patients:

• Pre-Arrival Help: Video consults, expert opinions, cost estimates

• Hospital Tie-Ups: With top retina specialists and hospitals

• Transparent Pricing: All-inclusive packages

• Travel & Lodging Support: Hotel booking, airport pickup, and in-city transport

• 24/7 Assistance: A dedicated care manager for your stay

• Language Interpreters: Smooth communication at every step

Healzone ensures that you focus on healing while they manage the rest.

What Is the Recovery Process and Post-Op Care Timeline?

Recovery is usually smooth and fast:

Immediately After Injection:

• Redness, mild irritation, or tearing may occur

• Antibiotic drops prescribed for 3–5 days

• Avoid rubbing the eye or exposure to dust and water

Follow-Up Plan:

• Visit within 1–3 days post-injection

• OCT scan after 4 weeks

• Further injections spaced 4–6 weeks apart based on response

Activity Resumption:

• Normal activities in 24 hours

• Avoid heavy workouts or swimming for 3–5 days

Patients often report improvement after just a few doses, though ongoing care is usually required.

How Should International Patients Prepare for This Treatment in India?

Checklist Before Travel:

1. Medical Records:
   OCT scans, prior injections, angiography reports.

2. Visa & Travel:
   Apply for a Medical Visa; book flights and confirm stay for 3–5 days.

3. Consultation:
   Many clinics offer virtual assessments pre-arrival.

4. Health & Medications:
   Share any chronic conditions or allergies; carry current prescriptions.

5. Travel Services:
   Partner with Healzone for coordinated care, accommodation, and transport.

What Long-Term Care or Lifestyle Changes Are Needed Post-Treatment?

Anti-VEGF therapy requires continuous monitoring to protect vision long term.

Ongoing Care Includes:

• Regular injections as advised

• OCT scans to monitor changes

• Yearly eye exams

Lifestyle Recommendations:

• Manage diabetes and blood pressure

• Avoid smoking

• Eat antioxidant-rich foods (leafy greens, fish)

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses

Supportive Care:

• Use vision aids if needed

• Counseling or support groups for chronic cases

Staying consistent with follow-up ensures the best visual outcome.

What Kind of Support Do Patients Get Before, During, and After Treatment?

India’s medical tourism ecosystem ensures comprehensive support:

Before Treatment:

• Video consultations and diagnosis

• Visa help and invitation letters

• Pre-arranged cost estimates

During Treatment:

• Fast-track hospital access

• Language support

• Hotel booking and transport

• 24/7 patient coordination

After Treatment:

• Repeat scans and post-care

• Telemedicine consults

• Vision rehabilitation services

• Discharge summaries and records

With facilitators like Healzone, the entire treatment process is smooth, safe, and completely guided.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Anti-VEGF Therapy in India

Several variables can influence the total cost of Anti-VEGF treatment in India:

1. Type of Drug Used:
   Avastin is more cost-effective, while Lucentis and Eylea come at a premium due to brand and formulation differences.

2. Number of Injections:
   Some conditions need ongoing injections over months or years, increasing cumulative cost.

3. Hospital Type and Location:
   Tertiary care hospitals and metro cities may have higher rates than regional or mid-tier centers.

4. Diagnostic Tests:
   OCT scans, fundus imaging, and angiography may be needed, adding to the total expense.

5. Specialist’s Experience:
   Renowned retinal specialists may charge more for their expertise and precision.

6. Consultation and Follow-Ups:
   These charges can be included in a package or billed separately.

7. Facility Fees:
   Some patients opt for a short rest post-procedure; room category can affect the final bill.

8. Patient’s Condition:
   Additional monitoring and medication may be needed in complex or comorbid cases.

9. Eye Drops and Medications:
   Post-procedure care includes antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops.

10. Medical Tourism Services:
    Extra services like airport pickup, translation, and visa assistance may add to the total if using facilitators like Healzone.

What Are the Advantages of Undergoing Anti-VEGF Therapy in India?

• Affordable Cost: Up to 75% cheaper than Western countries.

• Access to Latest Drugs: Including Lucentis, Eylea, Beovu, and Vabysmo.

• Expert Retinal Surgeons: Globally trained and experienced.

• Fast Evaluation & Treatment: Often completed within 1–2 days.

• Excellent Success Rates: High rates of visual improvement in chronic conditions.

• Advanced Equipment: OCT, digital angiography, and fundus cameras.

• Personalized Treatment: Tailored to disease severity and patient response.

India’s medical tourism support system ensures a hassle-free and quality treatment journey.

What Are the Possible Risks or Complications?

While Anti-VEGF therapy is generally safe, minor risks can occur:

Common Mild Effects:

• Temporary redness or irritation

• Mild discomfort or scratchy sensation

• Floaters for 1–2 days

• Slight increase in eye pressure

Rare Complications:

• Endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye) – extremely rare

• Retinal Detachment – rare but serious

• Intraocular Inflammation – may occur with some drugs

• High Eye Pressure – needs monitoring

Most issues are preventable with sterile technique and early care. Indian hospitals maintain strict hygiene protocols to minimize risks.