What is it?
In DME, leaky vessels let fluid collect inside the macula, which swells like a sponge. Vision becomes blurred and colours look washed out. It can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy.
OCT measures the swelling in microns, so treatment decisions are based on numbers, not guesswork. Most eyes dry up well with a course of injections.
Symptoms
- Blurred central vision
- Difficulty reading
- Colours look faded
- Vision that changes through the day
Risk factors and causes
- Long-standing diabetes
- High HbA1c
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Recent cataract surgery in a diabetic eye
Book within 1 to 2 weeks if reading vision drops in a diabetic eye.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- OCT: confirms and measures swelling
- FFA in selected cases
- HbA1c, BP and kidney tests with your physician
Treatment options
Anti-VEGF injections
Monthly loading doses, then spaced out as the OCT dries. Most eyes gain vision.
Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex)
For eyes that respond poorly to anti-VEGF, or in patients who have had cataract surgery. Lasts 3 to 6 months.
Focal laser
Sometimes added for leaks away from the centre.
Diabetic macular oedema cost in Kolkata
At Spectra, anti-VEGF injections cost ₹10,000–12,000 and OCT ₹1,000. Over a year, many DME patients need 5 to 8 injections. Ozurdex usually costs ₹30,000–45,000 in Kolkata. Insurance and CGHS/WBHS cover injections as day-care treatment.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-VEGF injection (Spectra standard)per injection | ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Biosimilar ranibizumab (e.g. Razumab)per injection | Written estimate | ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Aflibercept (Eylea and biosimilars)per injection | Written estimate | ₹30,000 – ₹65,000 |
| Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex)per implant | Written estimate | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 |
| OCT scan (retina / macula)per scan | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Retinal laser (one session)per session per eye | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 – ₹8,000 |
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 diabetic macular oedema
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
How many injections are needed for diabetic macular edema?
Typically 3 monthly injections to start, then more based on OCT. Many need 5 to 8 in the first year and fewer in the second.
What is the cost of DME treatment in Kolkata?
At Spectra, each anti-VEGF injection costs ₹10,000–12,000 and each OCT ₹1,000. Other medicines cost more; see our injection price table.
Can DME go away on its own?
Mild swelling away from the centre sometimes settles with better sugar control. Swelling involving the centre usually needs treatment.
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.