Medical Treatments in China
World-class healthcare at a fraction of Western prices. Browse 509 treatments and compare costs for international patients.
16 treatments in Eyes & Vision
SMILE Eye Surgery
SMILE激光近视手术
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is the latest generation of laser vision correction, offering a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK. China performs more SMILE procedures than any other country, with surgeons who have completed tens of thousands of cases. Leading eye hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu use the Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser system, providing world-class outcomes at significantly lower prices than Western countries.
ICL Implantable Lens
ICL人工晶体植入
The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is an advanced vision correction option ideal for patients with high myopia or thin corneas who are not candidates for LASIK or SMILE. China has extensive experience with ICL procedures, with leading eye hospitals performing thousands annually. The procedure is reversible, preserves the cornea, and provides excellent visual quality. Costs in China are 50-60% lower than in the US.
Cataract Surgery
白内障手术
Cataract surgery in China utilizes the latest phacoemulsification techniques and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) including multifocal, toric, and extended depth-of-focus lenses. China's top eye hospitals perform hundreds of thousands of cataract surgeries annually with excellent outcomes. The cost is 60-75% lower than in the US, with options for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) at leading centers.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK激光近视手术
Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. China performs millions of laser vision correction procedures annually — one of the highest volumes globally. Leading centers: Beijing Tongren Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital Group (nationwide), He Eye Specialist Hospital. Uses latest excimer and femtosecond laser systems (Zeiss, Alcon, Johnson & Johnson).
Glaucoma Surgery
青光眼手术
Glaucoma surgery lowers intraocular pressure to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss through procedures like trabeculectomy, tube shunt implantation, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Chinese eye hospitals, particularly those in the Zhongshan and Aier Eye Hospital networks, perform high volumes of glaucoma surgeries with modern drainage devices. Early surgical intervention is increasingly recommended for moderate to advanced glaucoma.
Retinal Detachment Repair
视网膜脱离修复
Retinal detachment repair is an emergency procedure that reattaches the retina to prevent permanent vision loss using techniques such as pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy with gas or silicone oil tamponade. China's retinal surgery centers provide urgent same-day or next-day surgical availability with experienced vitreoretinal specialists. Success rates for primary reattachment exceed 90% at major Chinese eye hospitals.
Corneal Transplant
角膜移植
Corneal transplant (keratoplasty) replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue to restore vision. Chinese eye banks and transplant centers perform full-thickness (penetrating) and partial-thickness (DALK, DSAEK, DMEK) procedures. China's large donor tissue availability and experienced corneal surgeons make it an attractive destination for patients with keratoconus, corneal scarring, or endothelial dysfunction.
Strabismus Surgery
斜视矫正手术
Strabismus surgery corrects misaligned eyes by adjusting the length or position of eye muscles to restore binocular vision and improve appearance. Chinese pediatric and adult strabismus specialists handle complex cases including paralytic, restrictive, and residual strabismus. The procedure is performed as day surgery with high success rates and significant improvement in both function and self-confidence.
Pterygium Surgery
翼状胬肉手术
Pterygium surgery removes a benign growth of tissue from the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea, restoring vision clarity and comfort. Chinese ophthalmologists commonly perform this procedure with conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane transplant to reduce recurrence. The procedure is quick, performed under local anesthesia, and has a high success rate at specialized eye hospitals.
Vitrectomy
玻璃体切除术
Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel from inside the eye to treat conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, and floaters. China's vitreoretinal surgeons use 25G and 27G microincision systems for sutureless surgery with faster healing. Major eye hospitals perform thousands of vitrectomies annually with outcomes matching international benchmarks.
PRK Laser Eye Surgery
PRK激光手术
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) reshapes the corneal surface with an excimer laser to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism without creating a corneal flap. Chinese refractive surgery centers offer PRK and its modern variants (TransPRK, SMART surface ablation) for patients who are not candidates for LASIK or SMILE due to thin corneas or lifestyle needs. PRK provides equivalent long-term visual outcomes to LASIK with no flap-related risks.
Anti-VEGF Injection (AMD Treatment)
抗VEGF注射治疗
Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections are the gold standard treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. Chinese retinal specialists administer these injections using internationally approved agents (ranibizumab, aflibercept) as well as effective biosimilar options at lower cost. Treatment preserves and often improves central vision when started promptly.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Our AI assistant can help you explore options and answer your questions.