The growing age and various chronic conditions lead one to several diseases, among which cataract is quite common. In cataracts, the top of the eye lens gets cloudy and hampers the vision. It is easily treated through surgery, which is done in a controlled environment, under the supervision of an experienced eye surgeon. In the procedure, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens. The patient requires extra care until the vision is restored. With the increasing cost of medical equipment and surgeries, the cataract surgery cost becomes a concern for those patients and their family members, who do not have
health insurance or medical insurance.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Costs in India?
The cost of the surgery depends on its type. Generally, three types of surgery are performed for the treatment of cataract:
Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery: This type of cataract surgery is the most conventional surgery in India. The procedure involves the breaking down of the cataract into small pieces and then sucking it through a tube. The artificial plastic lens is then introduced into the eye. This type of surgery nearly costs around Rs. 40,000 for a single eye.
Extracapsular Cataract Surgery: This type of surgery includes creating a larger incision than the previous method. The patient is numbed in the eye area only. The natural lens is removed without breaking it into pieces. The artificial lens is then inserted to provide clear vision. The incision is then closed with the help of sutures, which heals with time. This type of surgery cost ranges anywhere between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 60,000.
Bladeless Cataract Surgery: Incision is not made on the eye in this type of procedure. This process is carried out with the help of a computer-guided laser. This can reduce human errors. A 3-D image of the eye is created that helps in the procedure. The process is extremely precise and faster than the other cataract surgeries. The cost of this surgery nearly ranges between Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1 lakh.
Other factors that might impact cataract surgery cost in India
There are various factors involved in the surgery that directly or indirectly affect the cost of the surgery:
Reputation and place of the hospitalComplications created during the surgery that requires treatment or observationReputation, the experience of the surgeonType of Intraocular LensDoctor visits pre-and post-operationCare and medicationsDiagnoses of the patient post the operation
How does health insurance help in reducing cataract surgery cost?
Health Insurance provides you with the financial support that you need during the time of a medical emergency. The cataract surgery cost in India is almost partially or fully covered with health insurance.
Here's how having medical insurance helps:
Medical insurance covers the hospitalization expenses They provide tax benefitsAffordable premiumsAvail cashless hospital treatment in a partner hospital and don't have to worry about the cost They help provide various second opinions from the most renowned doctorsYou can compare and find the best health insurance online
FAQs
Is the surgery a major surgery?
In most cases, the surgery is an OPD procedure and is not considered a “major" one.
Is the surgery pain-free?
Yes, the surgery is pain-free and there are medication and anaesthesia given during the surgery.
How much time does the surgery take?
Generally, the total time that the surgery takes to complete is two and a half hours.
Is it necessary to wear sunglasses post-surgery?
After the surgery, more light use to enter your eyes, which is why you are suggested to wear sunglasses post-surgery. However, it depends on the photosensitivity of your eyes.
