Cost of SILK Eye Laser Surgery in India
The cost of SILK surgery in India is between INR 1,10,000 to 1,40,000 for both eyes, with potential variations based on the region, the hospital's reputation, and the surgeon's expertise.
Metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai may have a higher price compared to smaller cities.
Comparative Costs: SILK vs. Other Laser Vision Correction Procedures
To better understand SILK's cost, here's a comparison with other popular laser vision correction procedures in India:
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Conventional Lasik: INR 20,000 - 30,000 (both eyes)
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Sub Bowman’s Lasik (SBK): INR 30,000 - 40,000 (both eyes)
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Femtosecond Bladeless or Robotic Lasik: INR 80,000 - 1,00,000 (both eyes)
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SMILE Laser Eye Surgery: INR 80,000 – 1,00,000 (both eyes)
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Contoura Vision Surgery: INR 95,000 - 1,05,000 (both eyes)
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SILK Eye Surgery: INR 1,10,000 to 1,40,000 (both eyes)
SILK, being among the premium procedures, offers superior safety and efficacy, justifying its higher cost. Notably, the cost of SILK surgery in India is substantially lower compared to American and European countries, where it can be almost ten times higher.
This significant price difference makes SILK in India an attractive option for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality, cost-effective vision correction surgery.
Insurance Coverage for SILK Eye Procedure
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General Coverage: Vision correction surgeries like SILK are often categorized as cosmetic procedures and typically aren't covered by standard insurance policies.
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Exceptions for Higher Prescriptions: Some insurance companies in India might offer coverage for SILK if the prescription is particularly high (above -5 diopters).
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Government Health Schemes: Government panels such as CGHS and ECHS usually do not include cosmetic eye procedures like SILK in their coverage. However, there are exceptions, like the Haryana government providing coverage for LASIK surgery.
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Ayushman Bharat Golden Card: It's important to note that the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card does not cover SILK procedures.
Long-Term Financial Benefits of SILK
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Cost-Effectiveness Over Time: While the initial cost of SILK surgery may appear substantial, it proves to be a financially prudent choice in the long term.
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Comparison with Glasses and Contact Lenses: The ongoing expenses of glasses and contact lenses can accumulate significantly over the years. In contrast, the one-time cost of SILK surgery can be up to 20 times less than the lifetime cost of these traditional vision correction methods.
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Investment in Vision: Therefore, SILK should be viewed not just as a vision correction procedure but as a long-term investment. It offers not only improved vision but also potential savings in the future, making it a financially sound decision for many individuals.
Additional Costs to Consider in SILK Surgery
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Doctor's Consultation Fees: Typically, the consultation fee for a surgeon is around INR 1,000. This fee is for the initial assessment to determine if you're a suitable candidate for SILK surgery.
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Post-Operative Medications: After the surgery, you'll need certain medications, including antibiotics, lubricants and anti-inflammatory eye drops. These are estimated to cost around INR 3,000.
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Pre-Surgery Evaluation Charges: Some hospitals may charge for the pre-surgery evaluation or workup. This is to assess your eligibility for SILK and can add an extra INR 2,000 to your bill. However, it's worth noting that many centers include these costs in the overall surgery package.
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Potential Additional Expenses: There might be other minor costs associated with post-surgery care, such as follow-up appointments or specific care requirements. These costs can vary and should be discussed with your surgeon or hospital.