About Phacoemulsification
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive with a very small, self-sealing incision.Gold standard, highly effective procedure for cataract removal.Typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient surgery.Rapid visual recovery and significantly shorter healing time compared to older techniques.Low risk of complications like astigmatism and infection.Allows for precise implantation of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) to correct vision./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Visually significant cataract causing blurred vision, glare, or difficulty with daily activities.
- Cataract interfering with the diagnosis or treatment of another eye condition (e.g., diabetic retinopathy).
- Lens-induced conditions such as phacomorphic or phacolytic glaucoma.
- Patient desire for improved uncorrected vision, often with premium IOL options.
- Significant refractive error where lens replacement is preferable to other corrections.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination including biometry to calculate the correct IOL power.
- Review of medical history and current medications; may need to adjust blood thinners as advised.
- Pre-operative tests as required, which may include blood work or an ECG.
- Use of prescribed antibiotic eye drops starting 1-3 days before surgery to prevent infection.
- Fasting for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned.
- Arranging for transportation to and from the surgical facility.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection (endophthalmitis) or inflammation inside the eye.
- Swelling of the cornea or retina (cystoid macular edema).
- Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
- Retinal detachment, a serious but uncommon complication.
- Dislocation of the implanted IOL or residual lens material.
- Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a common but easily treated clouding of the lens capsule.
- Rare risks include bleeding, persistent pain, or loss of vision.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Vision may be blurry initially but typically improves within a few days.
- Strict use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks.
- Wear a protective eye shield, especially while sleeping, for the first week.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming for 2-4 weeks.
- Protect eyes from dust, wind, and bright light; wear sunglasses outdoors.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist.
- Most normal activities can be resumed within a few days, with full stabilization in 4-8 weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for full stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering phacoemulsification in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for phacoemulsification 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 phacoemulsification. 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 phacoemulsification compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Phacoemulsification in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing phacoemulsification.
Rahul Bhatia, a 52-year-old software architect...
Rahul Bhatia, a 52-year-old software architect and amateur photographer, first noticed issues while editing photos. Colors seemed washed out, and fine details were lost. As a diabetic for 15 years, he managed his health meticulously, but his ophthalmologist confirmed his fears: rapidly progressing cataracts in both eyes, likely accelerated by his diabetes. His vision deteriorated quickly, impacting his high-precision job and his passion for capturing sunsets. His doctor urged him not to delay, explaining that phacoemulsification was the safest, most effective option and that clearer vision would also help him monitor his diabetic eye health better. Rahul feared complications but knew he couldn't continue his life in a haze. The surgery on his left eye was remarkably swift. The recovery was straightforward, with mild itching but no pain. The outcome was transformative. The world regained its vibrancy and sharpness. He felt an immense wave of relief and gratitude, not just for the return of his artistic vision, but for the regained confidence in managing his long-term health. He felt back in control.
Ophthalmologists for Phacoemulsification
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform phacoemulsification 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