About Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
Key Highlights
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Highly effective for removing dense, mature, or complicated cataracts that may be challenging for other techniques.Preserves the posterior lens capsule, providing stable support for the implanted artificial lens (IOL).A well-established and reliable procedure with a long track record of success in restoring vision.Can be performed with standard surgical instruments, making it accessible in various healthcare settings.Often results in excellent visual outcomes, significantly improving quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Advanced, dense, or hyper-mature cataracts where the lens nucleus is too hard for phacoemulsification.
- Presence of corneal endothelial disease or other conditions where minimizing ultrasound energy in the eye is beneficial.
- Traumatic cataracts with associated zonular weakness or damage.
- Subluxated or dislocated lenses where greater surgical control is needed.
- In settings where advanced phacoemulsification technology is not available.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination including biometry to calculate the correct power for the artificial lens (IOL).
- Review of medical history and current medications; may need to temporarily stop blood thinners as advised.
- Pre-operative tests as required, which may include blood tests, ECG, or clearance from a physician.
- Use of antibiotic eye drops for 1-3 days before surgery to minimize infection risk.
- Fasting for several hours before the procedure if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
- Arranging for transportation home post-surgery as driving will not be permitted.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection (endophthalmitis) or severe inflammation inside the eye.
- Swelling of the cornea or retina (cystoid macular edema).
- Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
- Bleeding inside the eye.
- Retinal detachment, a serious condition requiring immediate treatment.
- Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a common late complication where the capsule clouds, often treatable with a laser.
- Dislocation or incorrect positioning of the implanted lens.
- Persistent blurred vision or need for corrective glasses.
Recovery & hospital stay
- An eye shield or patch is typically worn for protection, especially while sleeping, for the first few days.
- Strict use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks to prevent infection and control swelling.
- Avoid rubbing, pressing, or getting water directly in the eye for at least 1-2 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first few weeks.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from bright light and dust.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and eye pressure.
- Vision may be blurry initially and will gradually improve over weeks as the eye heals.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (often outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for full stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering extracapsular cataract extraction in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for extracapsular cataract extraction 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 extracapsular cataract extraction. 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 extracapsular cataract extraction compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Extracapsular Cataract Extraction in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction.
Krishna Chopra, a 72-year-old retired school...
Krishna Chopra, a 72-year-old retired school principal and avid reader, had noticed his world dimming and blurring over the past two years. His beloved morning newspaper became a frustrating blur of grey, and he could no longer distinguish the intricate details in his miniature painting hobby. His ophthalmologist, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed a dense, mature cataract in his right eye. Due to its advanced state and hardness, Dr. Sharma recommended an Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE), explaining it was the safest and most effective method for his type of cataract. Krishna was nervous about the surgery but trusted his doctor. The procedure itself was quick and painless under local anesthesia. The recovery required careful use of eye drops and wearing a protective shield at night. Within weeks, the cloudiness lifted. At his follow-up, reading the eye chart was effortless. Krishna felt a profound wave of relief and joy; he could see his grandchildren's faces clearly again and returned to his paintings with renewed passion, deeply grateful for the restoration of his visual world.
Ophthalmologists for Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform extracapsular cataract extraction 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