What is it?
High blood sugar slowly damages the tiny blood vessels of the retina. They leak fluid and blood, and some close off. The starved retina then sends signals that make fragile new vessels grow, which can bleed into the eye or pull the retina off.
India has one of the largest diabetic populations in the world, and roughly 1 in 6 people with diabetes have some retinopathy. With regular checks and timely laser or injections, severe vision loss from diabetes is largely preventable.
Stages
- Mild non-proliferativeTiny bulges (microaneurysms) in vessels. No symptoms. Control sugar, BP and cholesterol; check every year.
- Moderate non-proliferativeMore bleeding spots and leaks. Check every 6 months.
- Severe non-proliferativeMany vessels closed off. High risk of progressing within a year; check every 3 months, laser may be advised.
- ProliferativeNew fragile vessels grow. Needs PRP laser and/or injections promptly; vitrectomy if there is bleeding or traction.
- Diabetic macular oedemaSwelling at the centre of vision, which can happen at any stage. Treated with injections, sometimes laser or Ozurdex.
Symptoms
- Usually none in the early stages
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or strings floating in vision
- Sudden loss of vision from a bleed
- Difficulty reading even with new glasses
Risk factors and causes
- Diabetes for more than 5 years
- Poorly controlled blood sugar (high HbA1c)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy in a diabetic woman
- Smoking
Sudden loss of vision or a shower of dark floaters in a diabetic eye needs a same-day check. Otherwise, book a screening once a year even if you see well.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- Dilated retina examination
- OCT scan for macular swelling
- FFA to find leaks and closed vessels
- Fundus photographs to compare year to year
Treatment options
Control of sugar, BP and cholesterol
The foundation of treatment at every stage. Work with your physician on HbA1c, blood pressure and lipids.
Anti-VEGF injections
First choice for diabetic macular oedema, and used for proliferative disease.
PRP laser
Shrinks new vessels in proliferative retinopathy and protects against bleeding.
Ozurdex implant
A steroid implant for macular oedema that does not respond well to anti-VEGF.
Vitrectomy
For bleeding that does not clear, or scar tissue pulling on the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy cost in Kolkata
At Spectra Eye Hospital, a diabetic retina check-up (consultation and OCT) costs ₹1,500, FFA ₹3,500, laser ₹3,000 per session, anti-VEGF injection ₹10,000–12,000, and vitrectomy from ₹22,000–25,000. CGHS, WBHS, ESI and cashless insurance are accepted.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetic retina check-up (consultation + OCT)per visit | ₹1,500 | ₹1,000 – ₹3,500 |
| Retinal laser (one session)per session per eye | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 – ₹8,000 |
| PRP laser, full course (3–4 sessions)per eye | ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹9,000 – ₹24,000 |
| Anti-VEGF injection (Spectra standard)per injection | ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Vitrectomyper eye | from ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)per test | ₹3,500 | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 |
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 retinopathy
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 diabetic retinopathy treatment in Kolkata?
It depends on the stage. At Spectra: check-up with OCT ₹1,500, laser ₹3,000 per session (PRP course about ₹9,000–12,000), injections ₹10,000–12,000 each, and vitrectomy from ₹22,000–25,000.
How often should a diabetic get the retina checked?
At least once a year from the time diabetes is diagnosed (type 2), or 5 years after diagnosis (type 1). More often if retinopathy is found, and during pregnancy.
Can diabetic retinopathy be reversed?
Early changes can improve with good sugar and BP control. Macular swelling often improves with injections. Damage that has already scarred the retina cannot be reversed, which is why early detection matters.
Is laser or injection better?
For macular swelling, injections are usually first choice. For proliferative disease, both PRP laser and injections work; often they are combined.
Who is the best doctor for diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata?
Look for a retina specialist with OCT, FFA, laser and surgery under one roof. Spectra's retina team includes vitreo-retina surgeons Dr. Subhajit Das, Dr. Aniruddha Maiti and Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury.
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.