Learn about Cataract Surgery Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cataract Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a highly effective and common outpatient procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to restore clear vision clouded by a cataract, a natural lens that has become opaque. During the surgery, the clouded natural lens is gently removed and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Modern techniques, primarily phacoemulsification, use ultrasonic waves to break up the cataract for removal through a tiny incision, promoting faster healing. This safe procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 15-30 minutes. It is the definitive treatment for cataracts and can significantly improve quality of life, often reducing dependence on glasses. Most patients experience a dramatic improvement in vision clarity, color perception, and overall visual function.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient)
  • checked 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.

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 USD 218 – USD 1,305 0 days (outpatient) ~ 1-2 weeks for basic activities, 4-8 weeks for full stabilization Know More
Turkey USD 1,611 – USD 9,663 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.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to a couple of...

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Ophthalmologists for Cataract Surgery

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform cataract surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Archana Kumari
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sugato Paul
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Varsha Acharya
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Trishala M B
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shamika Ghaisas
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. M Bharath Kumar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Neelima Sodhi
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Deepa M
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Leslie Ravi Kumar
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sangeeta Rao
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Somnath Ghosh
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohammed Sadiq
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Naveen S Kumaraswamy
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bhaskar Roy Choudhury
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nirmala
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukta Shrivastava
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. M Manjunath Kamath
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dipali Prabhu
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kunjlata Khunteta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. G Seethapathy
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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