About Cataract Surgery
Key Highlights
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Highly successful procedure with a success rate exceeding 95%.Minimally invasive technique (phacoemulsification) with a very small incision.Rapid visual recovery, often with improved vision within 24-48 hours.Outpatient procedure, typically allowing you to return home the same day.Can correct other vision problems (like nearsightedness or farsightedness) with premium IOL options.Significantly improves quality of life, independence, and safety (e.g., for driving).liPermanent solution; the artificial lens implant does not develop a cataract./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Vision impairment from a cataract that interferes with daily activities like reading, driving, or watching TV.
- Cataract causing glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision.
- Cataract that is making it difficult for your ophthalmologist to examine or treat another eye condition (e.g., diabetic retinopathy).
- Significant blurring or clouding of vision that glasses or contact lenses cannot correct.
- Double vision in one eye caused by the cataract.
- Advanced cataract that may lead to complications like inflammation or glaucoma.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination to measure eye shape, corneal curvature, and determine the power of the IOL.
- Discussion with your ophthalmologist about IOL options (monofocal, multifocal, toric).
- Review of your medical history and current medications; you may be asked to temporarily stop certain drugs (like blood thinners).
- Use of prescribed antibiotic eye drops for 1-2 days before surgery to prevent infection.
- Arranging for transportation to and from the surgical center, as you cannot drive immediately after.
- Fasting for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection or inflammation inside the eye (endophthalmitis).
- Bleeding, swelling, or increased pressure inside the eye.
- Retinal detachment, a serious condition requiring prompt treatment.
- Dislocation of the implanted lens.
- Persistent swelling of the cornea or retina (cystoid macular edema).
- Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a common but easily treated clouding of the lens capsule.
- Rare complications like drooping eyelid or damage to other eye structures.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You will go home with a protective shield over the eye. Use it as directed, especially while sleeping.
- Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks to prevent infection and control swelling.
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on the operated eye.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from bright light and dust.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first week.
- Keep water, soap, and shampoo out of the eye for at least a week. Shower with caution.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist.
- Vision may be blurry initially but typically stabilizes within a few days to weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for basic activities, 4-8 weeks for full stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cataract surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cataract surgery in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cataract surgery. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cataract surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 20 Thousand – 120 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for basic activities, 4-8 weeks for full stabilization | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 70 Thousand – 420 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for basic activities, 4-8 weeks for full stabilization | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cataract Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cataract surgery.
John Reddy, a 72-year-old retired postal...
John Reddy, a 72-year-old retired postal worker and avid birdwatcher, had noticed his world slowly fading over the past three years. His beloved bird identification books became blurry, colors seemed washed out, and night driving became dangerously difficult due to intense glare from headlights. His hobby was slipping away, and he felt a growing sense of isolation. His ophthalmologist, Dr. Chen, explained that a dense cataract in his right eye was the cause. She recommended cataract surgery with a monofocal lens set for distance, ideal for his birdwatching. John was nervous about surgery on his eye, but his desire to see clearly again outweighed his fear. The procedure itself was quick and painless. The next morning, when the patch came off, John was astonished. The colors in Dr. Chen's office were vibrant, and he could read the clock on the wall across the room. Within a week, with new glasses for reading, he was back in his garden, his binoculars in hand, his world restored in brilliant, sharp detail. The emotional fog of frustration lifted, replaced by profound gratitude and a rekindled joy for the simple pleasure of seeing.
Ophthalmologists for Cataract Surgery
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform cataract surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist