What is it?
Anti-VEGF medicines block a protein called VEGF that makes abnormal, leaky blood vessels grow in the retina. Injected into the eye, they dry up swelling at the macula and stop bleeding. They are the main treatment for wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion, and are sometimes used for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and ROP.
The injection itself takes a few seconds. The eye is numbed with drops and cleaned with antiseptic, and a very fine needle is used. Most people feel only slight pressure. Treatment usually starts with three monthly injections, then the gap is stretched according to your OCT scans.
What injections are used for
- Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic macular oedema (swelling at the centre of the retina)
- Macular swelling after a retinal vein occlusion
- Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, before vitrectomy or with laser
- Choroidal neovascular membrane from high myopia or other causes
- Retinopathy of prematurity (in selected babies)
If your OCT shows active fluid at the macula, injections work best when started within days to a couple of weeks. Delaying wet AMD treatment by months can cause permanent central vision loss.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- OCT scan before every injection to measure swelling
- FFA or OCT angiography at the start, to confirm the diagnosis
- Blood pressure and sugar check
Treatment options
Bevacizumab (Avastin)
The lowest-cost option, used 'off-label' in the eye for many years with good results. Prepared in small doses from a cancer-medicine vial.
Biosimilar ranibizumab (e.g. Razumab)
An Indian biosimilar of ranibizumab, approved for eye use. A popular middle-cost choice.
Ranibizumab (Accentrix)
The original ranibizumab. Similar effect to the biosimilar, at a higher price.
Aflibercept (Eylea and biosimilars)
Can often be given at longer intervals once the eye is stable, so fewer injections may be needed over a year.
Brolucizumab (Pagenax) and faricimab (Vabysmo)
Newer long-acting medicines that may allow 2 to 4 months between injections in suitable eyes.
Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex)
A slow-release steroid implant that lasts 3 to 6 months. Used for diabetic macular oedema not responding to anti-VEGF, vein occlusion and uveitis.
What happens, step by step
- Check and scan
Vision test and OCT. The doctor confirms the injection is needed today.
- Preparation
Numbing drops, antiseptic (povidone-iodine) and a sterile drape in a clean injection room or OT.
- Injection
A few seconds. You may see a moving dark blob afterwards; it is the medicine and fades in a day.
- Home the same day
Antibiotic drops if advised. Avoid rubbing the eye and getting water in it for 2 to 3 days.
Recovery timeline
- Same day
Mild grittiness and a small red patch on the white of the eye are common and harmless.
- Next 3 days
Call at once if pain, increasing redness or falling vision develop: this can mean infection, which is rare (about 1 in 2,000) but urgent.
- 4 weeks
Next OCT and decision on the following injection.
Anti-VEGF eye injections cost in Kolkata
At Spectra Eye Hospital, the standard anti-VEGF injection costs ₹10,000–12,000 including the procedure. If you choose a different medicine, the price follows the table below. Many patients need 5 to 8 injections in the first year, so ask your doctor to plan the year's total with you. CGHS, WBHS, ESI and most insurers cover intravitreal injections as a day-care procedure.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-VEGF injection (Spectra standard)per injection | ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Bevacizumab (Avastin) injectionper injection | Written estimate | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Biosimilar ranibizumab (e.g. Razumab)per injection | Written estimate | ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Ranibizumab (Accentrix)per injection | Written estimate | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Aflibercept (Eylea and biosimilars)per injection | Written estimate | ₹30,000 – ₹65,000 |
| Brolucizumab (Pagenax)per injection | Written estimate | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Faricimab (Vabysmo)per injection | Written estimate | ₹65,000 – ₹95,000 |
| Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex)per implant | Written estimate | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Triamcinolone (steroid) injectionper injection | Written estimate | ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 |
| OCT scan (retina / macula)per scan | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
Spectra prices are those published by Spectra Eye Hospital. Kolkata ranges are indicative 2026 ranges across private eye hospitals in the city. Your final cost depends on the eye, the medicine, and the gas, oil or lens used, and is given to you in writing before any procedure.
Cashless and government schemes
Retina specialists for anti-vegf eye injections
Dr. Subhajit Das
MBBS, DO, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, FMRF
25+ years in medical and surgical retina, 7,500+ retinal procedures, vitreo-retina fellowship at Sankara Nethralaya (FMRF), ZEISS trained.
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle
- Anti-VEGF injections
Dr. Aniruddha Maiti
MBBS, DO, DNB, FVRS, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
10,000+ vitreo-retinal operations since 2008, former Head of Retina at Susrut Eye Foundation, ASRS Honor Award recipient.
- Macular hole & ERM surgery
- Complex retinal detachment
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF & Ozurdex
Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury
MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellowship
Fellowship-trained retina surgeon at Madhyamgram for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Retina & vitreous surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Uveitis
Dr. Subijoy Sinha
MBBS, MD
Retina and vitreous specialist for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and medical retina at Madhyamgram.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Swarup Pathak
MBBS, MS
Retina and vitreous specialist at Madhyamgram, also seeing uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology and squint.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Zeenat Shah
MBBS (Cal), DO (Cal)
Retina and vitreous specialist at Chinar Park for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of an eye injection in Kolkata?
At Spectra Eye Hospital the standard anti-VEGF injection costs ₹10,000–12,000. Across Kolkata, bevacizumab costs about ₹3,000–8,000, biosimilar ranibizumab ₹10,000–18,000, Accentrix ₹18,000–30,000, aflibercept ₹30,000–65,000, and faricimab ₹65,000–95,000 per injection.
How many injections will I need?
Usually three monthly injections to start, then more depending on your OCT. Many patients need 5 to 8 in the first year and fewer later. Some eyes need injections for years; others can stop.
Does the eye injection hurt?
Very little. The eye is numbed with drops and a very fine needle is used. Most people feel pressure for a second or two.
Is the eye injection covered by insurance or CGHS?
Yes. Intravitreal injections are covered as a day-care procedure by most health insurance policies and by CGHS, WBHS and ESI. Spectra handles cashless approval.
Which injection is the best?
All approved anti-VEGF medicines work well. The differences are mainly how long each dose lasts and the price. Your retina specialist will suggest one based on your disease, your scans and your budget.
What is the Ozurdex injection price?
The dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) usually costs ₹30,000–45,000 in Kolkata including the procedure. One implant lasts about 3 to 6 months.
Related
Written by the retina team at Spectra Eye Hospital. Last updated 22 October 2026. This page explains common situations and is not a substitute for an eye examination.