Cataract surgery is one of the most effective and commonly carried out eye surgeries in India, making millions see again. If you are planning for cataract surgery in 2024, then knowing the cost involved may prove to be the difference that makes all the difference in making an informed choice. Let’s explore what the cost range for cataract surgery in India is, what influences these costs, and why India is popular for Indian patients and international patients.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts make the eye’s natural lens become cloudy that creates vision distortion. If not treated, cataracts may lead to loss of complete or partial eyesight. Cataract surgery is the removal of the cloudy lens where an intraocular lens (IOL) replaces it to restore clear eyesight. Cataract surgery is safe and short in time, usually between 15 to 30 minutes for each eye, and is most frequently performed.
Cataract Surgery Cost in India 2024
The price for cataract surgery in India largely depends on the type of surgery, choice of lens, and location of the clinic or hospital. For instance, average cataract surgery in India costs between ₹15,000 and ₹1,00,000 for one eye. And here is the cost broken down into simpler terms, detailing the cost as far as the type of cataract surgery is concerned:
1. Cost according to types of cataract surgery
- Phacoemulsification (Phaco Surgery): Among numerous procedures performed during cataract surgery, phaco is the most standardized and common procedure. Here, the cataract is broken into small pieces using ultrasonic energy before it is extracted and then followed with IOL implantation. The cost for one eye starts from around ₹15,000 to ₹50,000.
- FLACS: This is the most recent and advanced kind of cataract surgery. FLACS uses laser technology support to create incisions in the eye and break up the cataract. FLACS comes at a much higher cost than phaco, which may range from ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 per eye.
2. Type of Intraocular Lens (IOL)
The type of artificial lens used during the surgery substantially determines the total expenditure. The lenses vary according to technology and functioning:
• Monofocal Lenses: Monofocal lenses are for one distance either near or far and are the cheapest lens. The cost for the surgery of cataract by monofocal lenses ranges between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 for every eye.
• Multifocal Lenses: They allow seeing well at several distances (near, intermediate, and far). Multifocal lenses are more expensive. The surgery will cost between ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 per eye.
• Toric Lenses: Toric lenses are used in astigmatism. Toric lenses correct cataracts along with refractive errors. This type of lens costs between ₹35,000 and ₹60,000 per eye.
• Trifocal and EDOF Lenses: These are the premium lenses, focusing better at all distances, and are one of the costliest options, usually between ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per eye.
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3. Location and Hospital
Again, it all depends on the city and the type of hospital or clinic. The cost may vary based on the facility in metropolitan cities, which might be much more advanced in facilities.
Cataract surgery could be expensive in private hospitals and specialty eye clinics because of better technology as well as personalized care. However, government hospitals or charitable institutions can undertake the surgery at a much lower cost, or even free of charge, for eligible patients.
Determinants of the Cost of Cataract Surgery
Several factors determine the cost-variability of cataract surgeries:
• Applied Technology: Advanced technologies like FLACS are comparatively much pricier compared to more traditional methods because their equipment is pricier.
• Surgeon’s Expertise: How much is dependent on the reputation and experience of the surgeon. High-profile surgeons are pretty pricey.
• Type of IOL: The total expense is dependent on whether you opt for a basic monofocal or more advanced multifocal and even trifocal lenses.
• Hospital Facilities: The price often to be a bit higher in the case of patients who opt for high-priced hospitals with quality treatment and services that smaller clinics would not generally offer.
• Pre and Post-Surgery Care: The price may or may not include the costs of any test procedures before surgery, drugs used etc, and any further care required after surgery, so be sure to clarify these points beforehand.
Cataract Surgery Insurance Coverage in India
The most important advantage is that most health insurance policies in India do cover the surgery for a cataract; however, the level of cover provided would depend from insurer to insurer. Most monofocal lenses are covered, while premium intraocular lenses would have to be paid by patients themselves. Check with your insurance provider about your specific cover.
Why Choose India for Cataract Surgery?
Ophthalmologists, latest techniques, and the most modern techniques and technology are at their best in India. The cost is relatively low too. The same applies to other international patients coming from countries where healthcare is more expensive.
Conclusion
In India, cataract surgery is extremely cheap compared with many others, without sacrificing on quality of care. You can have the simplest form of phaco surgery or even laser-assisted techniques with superior quality IOLs-India offers all.
If you are planning cataract surgery, ensure that you visit an experienced ophthalmologist to discuss your needs and get an accurate estimate based on specific requirements.
Visit Deevine Eye Care and Multispecialty Centre and let us help you in changing the quality of your life with better vision. We specialize in Cataract Surgery in Ghatkopar, offering advanced treatment options to restore your sight and enhance your overall well-being.