Cost of Cataract Surgery in India: A Professional Outlook

1. On average, the cost of cataract surgery in India ranges from USD 800 to 2000.
2. This surgery has a high success rate of 98% in India.
3. Some of India’s renowned hospitals, such as Spectra Eye, Centre for Sight, and Artemis Hospital, have experienced doctors for cataract surgery.
4. The surgery is performed in one sitting, but doctors recommend staying for at least a week post-surgery to avoid complications.

About Cataract Surgery

Cataract is one of the most common vision-related issues worldwide. A cataract occurs due to the clouding of the natural lens in the human eye, leading to blurred vision and visual disorientation. Replacing the natural lens with an artificial one is the correction procedure that improves vision. The improvement is significant and immediate, and the entire operation takes about 30 minutes. Due to its high success rate, surgery is a safe and effective treatment for cataract.

Types of Cataract That Require Surgical Intervention

1. Subcapsular Cataract – This type commonly occurs in people with diabetes or those taking high doses of steroidal medication. The subcapsular cataract forms at the backside of the lens.
2. Nuclear cataract – This type is linked with ageing individuals. Nuclear cataracts form in the central nucleus of the lens.
3. Cortical cataract – Forming around the lens cortex, it leads to opacities spreading towards the center of the lens from the periphery.

Risks Associated with Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a standard procedure but comes with its fair share of complications. Despite the procedure being highly safe and efficient, there can be a few risks associated with the surgery and aftercare. These include eye inflammation due to surgery, swollen retina, droopy eyelids, and an increase in eye pressure. Patient may also experience increased sensitivity to bright lights and have trouble driving during the healing stage. Patients can prevent infections and complications during the recovery period by following the care regime recommended by the ophthalmologist.

Before the Surgery

1. Doctors will perform a thorough assessment of a patient’s medical history to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
2. The surgeon will ask the patient to share details of pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, irregular blood pressure, etc.
3. The doctor will discuss the lens they will use for replacement: Monofocal lens, Multifocal lens, and Adjusting lens.

During the Surgery

1. The surgeon will dilate the patient’s pupil before the procedure, which acts as an anesthetic for the surgery.
2. A tiny incision made by the surgeon will lead to the cataract breaking away, and the surgeon will gradually suck out the lens.
3. The doctor will insert the artificial lens through the incision, and the entire procedure will take roughly 30 minutes. In some cases, the surgeon may need to use dissolvable sutures.

After the Surgery

1. Patients leave with eye pads on the operated eye and should avoid any activity that could lead to infection or cause stress during the recovery phase.
2. Initially, patients may face difficulty performing routine tasks, and activities such as driving, reading, exposure to direct sunlight and dust, or use of cosmetic products are to be avoided.
3. The recovery period lasts around a week, during which the sutures dissolve and fully heal.
4. Doctors recommend patients follow up with regular and frequent check-ups periodically.

Factors That Influence the Price of Cataract Surgery in India

1. Technology Quality of eye care hospitals that provide the latest technology, reputed eye specialists, and state-of-the-art equipment may charge a bit more than other hospitals.
2. Type of Procedure The cost of cataract surgery varies depending upon the type of procedure, such as Micro-incision Cataract Surgery or Laser.
3. Location of Clinic Location of the hospital is one of the most important factors affecting the cost of cataract surgery. Bigger and metropolitan cities have more expensive hospitals as compared to smaller cities.
4. Surgeon Fees Reputed and specialist eye doctors may charge higher fees that influence the price of cataract surgery in India.
5. Intraocular Lens Surgery costs differ depending on the type of intraocular lens chosen. Certain intraocular implant lenses cost more as compared to others.