CGHS Rates for Glaucoma Surgery: YAG Laser, Bleb Repair, iStent

Managing glaucoma sometimes requires surgical interventions beyond initial treatments like trabeculectomy. This guide details the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates for several such follow-up and alternative procedures aimed at controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) and preserving vision. These treatments include managing surgical blebs, using lasers to improve fluid drainage, reducing fluid production in the eye, and implanting micro-stents.

The procedures covered on this page are: Bleb repair with conjunctival autograft, Bleb compression sutures, Bleb needling, Surgical posterior capsulotomy, Goniotomy, AC wash, Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP), Cyclocryotherapy (TSCPC), YAG Laser capsulotomy, Laser Trabeculoplasty, and iStent Inject implantation.

CGHS beneficiaries can avail these treatments at empanelled hospitals at pre-determined package rates. The rates vary depending on whether the hospital is NABH-accredited or not. This page serves as a resource for understanding the coverage and process for accessing these specialized eye procedures under CGHS.

CGHS Glaucoma Surgery Rates — Additional Procedures (effective 13 October 2025)

Ophthalmology codes carry no separate super-speciality rate.

• Bleb repair with conjunctival autograft per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 12,750
• Bleb repair with conjunctival autograft per eye, NABH — Rs 15,000
• Bleb compression sutures per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 5,950
• Bleb compression sutures per eye, NABH — Rs 7,000
• Bleb needling with MMC/5-FU per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 6,800
• Bleb needling with MMC/5-FU per eye, NABH — Rs 8,000
• Surgical posterior capsulotomy one eye, Non-NABH — Rs 8,500
• Surgical posterior capsulotomy one eye, NABH — Rs 10,000
• Goniotomy per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• Goniotomy per eye, NABH — Rs 5,000
• AC wash per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• AC wash per eye, NABH — Rs 5,000
• Endocyclophotocoagulation per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 15,300
• Endocyclophotocoagulation per eye, NABH — Rs 18,000
• Cyclocryotherapy /Trans scleral cyclophotocoagulation TSCPC per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• Cyclocryotherapy /Trans scleral cyclophotocoagulation TSCPC per eye, NABH — Rs 5,000
• YAG Laser capsulotomy per eye, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• YAG Laser capsulotomy per eye, NABH — Rs 5,000
• Laser Trabeculoplasty Gonioplasty - Both Eyes, Non-NABH — Rs 13,600
• Laser Trabeculoplasty Gonioplasty - Both Eyes, NABH — Rs 16,000
• iStent Inject per eye including the cost of consumables and implant, Non-NABH — Rs 68,000
• iStent Inject per eye including the cost of consumables and implant, NABH — Rs 80,000

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Who this covers

This rate list is for CGHS beneficiaries who have been advised by a specialist to undergo specific surgical or laser procedures for glaucoma management or related post-surgical complications. It is particularly relevant for individuals who:

• Require management of a filtration bleb following a previous glaucoma surgery, such as a bleb repair, compression sutures, or needling.

• Need a laser procedure to improve the eye's drainage system, like Laser Trabeculoplasty or a YAG Laser capsulotomy to clear a clouded lens capsule after cataract surgery.

• Are recommended for procedures that reduce the eye's fluid production, such as Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) or Cyclocryotherapy.

• Are candidates for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) with an iStent Inject device.

• Require other interventions like a goniotomy (often for congenital glaucoma) or an anterior chamber (AC) wash to clear inflammation or debris.

What CGHS covers vs. what you pay separately

The CGHS package rates listed in the table are intended to cover the cost of the specific surgical or laser procedure. This typically includes the surgeon's fee, operation theatre charges, and a standard length of hospital stay if required. However, the inclusions can vary.

For most procedures, the cost of specialized consumables, medications, or implants may not be part of the package rate and could be billed separately. Patients should inquire about any potential out-of-pocket expenses before undergoing the procedure.

It is important to note a specific inclusion for the 'iStent Inject' procedure. The CGHS rate for this particular treatment explicitly includes the cost of the implant and all related consumables. For all other procedures, it is advisable to confirm with the hospital's billing department what is covered under the package and what will be an additional expense.

How to use this at a CGHS-empanelled hospital

To avail treatment using these CGHS rates, you must first have a referral for the specific procedure from a government or polyclinic specialist. When you visit a CGHS-empanelled hospital, present your CGHS card and the valid referral letter at the CGHS counter.

Confirm the exact procedure code and its corresponding rate with the hospital administration before your admission. This ensures clarity on the billing and avoids any confusion later. The rate applicable to your treatment will depend on the accreditation status of the hospital you choose.

Hospitals with National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accreditation are eligible for a higher reimbursement rate compared to non-NABH accredited facilities. This distinction is based on the hospital's certification and is not a choice available to the patient. Always verify the procedure and rate with the hospital's CGHS helpdesk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bleb repair and why is it necessary?

A filtration bleb is a small blister-like elevation created on the eye during a trabeculectomy to help drain fluid. Sometimes, this bleb can leak, become too large, or get infected. A bleb repair is a surgical procedure to correct these issues, often using a conjunctival autograft (tissue from another part of the eye's surface) to patch the area.

What is the difference between YAG Laser Capsulotomy and Surgical Posterior Capsulotomy?

Both procedures address a clouded posterior lens capsule, a common occurrence after cataract surgery. YAG Laser Capsulotomy is a non-invasive laser procedure to create an opening in the cloudy capsule. A Surgical Posterior Capsulotomy is an incisional surgery performed in an operating room to achieve the same outcome, typically when a laser treatment is not suitable.

Does the CGHS rate for iStent Inject cover the cost of the implant?

Yes. According to the CGHS rate list, the package rate for 'iStent Inject per eye' is inclusive of the cost of the implant and associated consumables. This is an important detail to confirm, as implants are often billed separately for other procedures.

What are Cyclocryotherapy and Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP)?

Both are procedures designed to reduce the amount of aqueous humor (fluid) the eye produces, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. Cyclocryotherapy uses freezing temperatures (cryo) applied to the outside of the eye (trans-scleral). ECP is an endoscopic procedure that uses a laser applied directly to the ciliary body inside the eye to reduce its fluid production.

What is Laser Trabeculoplasty and how does it help with glaucoma?

Laser Trabeculoplasty is a procedure that uses a focused laser beam to treat the eye's drainage angle (trabecular meshwork). This treatment improves the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, which helps to lower intraocular pressure. The CGHS list mentions a rate for treating both eyes.

Do I need a new referral for a follow-up procedure like bleb needling?

Yes, in most cases, a valid and current referral from a government or polyclinic specialist is required for any planned surgical or laser procedure at a CGHS-empanelled hospital, even if it is a follow-up to a previous surgery. Confirm the specific documentation requirements at the hospital's CGHS desk.

Related

• How to apply for a CGHS card
• CGHS rate list for common procedures
• CGHS vs Ayushman Bharat: what's the difference

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.