Cataract Surgery Cost

Cataract surgery of the eyes is a surgical procedure used to remove the lens of one or both affected eyes and replace them with artificial lenses (called intraocular lens or IOL). This procedure is performed to remove a condition known as "cataract," in which one or both the lenses of the eyes become cloudy, affecting vision and clarity. Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist or an eye doctor, and it is a very common procedure, especially in people over the age of 60.

Cataract surgery can be performed using different specialized procedures:

• Phacoemulsification 
• Laser cataract surgery 
• Manual small incision cataract surgery

The cataract treatment takes around 30-45 minutes on average to be completed. Patients usually return home the same day. 

What are the types of Cataract Surgery? 

There are two primary methods of cataract surgery:

1. Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery: This is the more common approach, where the surgeon creates a small incision in the cornea. A tiny surgical instrument called a probe is inserted through this incision. The probe employs ultrasound waves to fragment the cataract lens into small fragments, which are then removed. After the removal of the damaged lens, a new artificial lens is inserted in its place.
2. Extracapsular Surgery: In this method, the surgeon opts for a larger incision in the cornea to facilitate the removal of the entire cloudy core of the lens as a single piece. The remaining parts of the lens are subsequently suctioned out. Extracapsular surgery is chosen in situations where cost considerations play a significant role in the decision-making process.

What is the Cost of Cataract Surgery in India?

The cataract surgery cost in India varies from city to city and with the type of procedure performed, among other factors. For example, the cost of laser cataract surgery in India will be different from the robotic cataract surgery cost in India. The cost of eye cataract surgery in India ranges between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 2,00,000. The average cost of laser cataract surgery in India is around Rs. 27,000.

Here is a list of costs for different types of cataract eye surgery.

Among the popular places in India, the cataract surgery cost in Hyderabad is around Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 2,15,000 and in Bhubaneswar, it is around Rs. 76,000. Here is a list of the average cataract eye surgery costs in different cities across India:

What are the factors affecting Cataract Surgery Cost?

There are several factors affecting the eye cataract surgery cost:

• City: The city in which you undergo cataract surgery may impact the laser cataract surgery cost. Going for surgery in metro cities may cost more than in tier 2 or tier 3 cities.
• Type of IOL used: The type of intraocular lens used for placement in the eye(s) may vary, as various lenses may have different benefits.
• One or both eyes treated: During diagnosis and consultation, it may be discovered that the patient has cataracts in both eyes, or that the cataract has progressed more in one eye than the other. This situation can affect the laser cataract surgery cost in India.
• Insurance coverage: Insurance policy coverage is another factor that may directly impact the amount spent by the patients themselves. The insurance company chosen may offer partial or full coverage for the surgery, reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for the patient.
• Preoperative tests and diagnosis: The type of diagnostic or other tests required after consultation with an ophthalmologist may affect the overall cataract surgery cost.
• Consultation fees: Renowned doctors with many years of experience may have higher consultation fees. Sometimes, some practicing or retired ophthalmologists may offer free consultations and treatment, significantly reducing the overall cost of cataract treatment in certain cities.
• Cost of living: The cost of living can affect the surgery cataract cost, especially for those who have traveled interstate for treatment, particularly to tier 1 cities in India.

Cataract Surgery Recovery Time 

Recovering from cataract surgery is usually quick and uncomplicated, provided you don't have major eye issues. The entire procedure lasts around 10 to 15 minutes, and it's advisable to rest for about an hour afterward. The chances of achieving improved vision after the surgery are very high. You'll receive protective glasses to wear for a few days to shield your eyes from bright light and dust.

It's normal for your vision to be somewhat unclear or hazy for a while because your eyes need time to get used to the new lens. Some people may experience redness in their eyes due to temporary damage to blood vessels, but this is a normal part of the healing process and will resolve as your eyes heal in a few days. While some patients may have clear vision within a few hours after surgery, the healing process varies from person to person. So, even if it takes a week or two longer for your eyes to see clearly, there's no need to worry.

Cataract Surgery Aftercare 

To ensure a safe and prompt recovery following cataract surgery, consider the following guidelines:

• Refrain from driving on the first day post-surgery.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks.
• Be cautious about bending over immediately after the surgery to prevent placing excessive pressure on your eye.
• Exercise care when moving around and take measures to prevent accidental collisions with objects.
• Steer clear of swimming or using a bathtub in the first week to minimize infection risks.
• Be extra vigilant about shielding your eye from water, dust, and wind during the initial week after the procedure.
• Resist the urge to rub your eyes.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of cataract eye surgery in Hyderabad, you can contact us directly at CARE Hospitals. Here, you can opt for a consultation with some of the best ophthalmologists in India and receive the highest quality of cataract eye surgery using your preferred mode of treatment.

FAQs

1. What is the average cataract surgery cost in Hyderabad? 

The average cost of cataract surgery in Hyderabad can vary widely based on factors like the type of surgery and the healthcare facility. It's advisable to consult with local healthcare providers for specific cost estimates.

2. What are the risks of cataract surgery? 

Risks associated with cataract surgery can include infection, bleeding, swelling, retinal detachment, and secondary cataracts. Complications are relatively rare, and most patients have successful outcomes.

3. What are the types of cataract surgery?

There are two primary types of cataract surgery: Phacoemulsification (Phaco) and Extracapsular Surgery. Phaco is the most common method, involving the use of ultrasound to break up the cataract for removal. Extracapsular Surgery requires a larger incision to remove the cloudy lens.

4. What is the best age to get cataract surgery?

The best age for cataract surgery is determined on an individual basis. It is typically recommended when cataracts significantly affect one's vision and quality of life, typically in the 60s or older. However, age is not the sole factor, and the decision depends on the patient's overall health and visual needs.