Learn about Small Incision 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 Small Incision Cataract Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) is a modern, minimally invasive surgical technique performed by an ophthalmologist to remove a clouded natural lens (cataract) and replace it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Unlike traditional large-incision surgery, SICS utilizes a self-sealing tunnel incision of 5-7 mm, typically in the sclera (the white of the eye). This advanced approach requires no stitches, significantly reduces surgical trauma, and promotes faster visual recovery. It is particularly beneficial in settings with dense, mature cataracts or where advanced phacoemulsification technology is not available. The procedure restores clear vision, reduces dependence on glasses, and dramatically improves quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive with a small, self-sealing incision that requires no stitches.Faster visual recovery and rehabilitation compared to older techniques.Reduced risk of surgically induced astigmatism.Highly effective for dense and mature cataracts.Lower cost and less dependence on sophisticated machinery than phacoemulsification.Performed under local anesthesia, minimizing systemic risks./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Visually significant cataract causing blurred vision, glare, or difficulty with daily activities.
  • Mature or hypermature cataracts where the lens is very dense.
  • Cataract-induced complications like phacomorphic glaucoma.
  • When phacoemulsification is not feasible due to equipment or economic constraints.
  • Patient desire to reduce dependence on glasses for distance vision.
  • Cataract interfering with the diagnosis or management of other eye diseases (e.g., diabetic retinopathy).

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive eye examination including biometry to calculate the power of the new artificial lens (IOL).
  • Review of medical history and medications; may need to adjust blood thinners pre-operatively.
  • Pre-operative tests as advised, which may include blood tests and an ECG.
  • Use of prescribed antibiotic eye drops for 1-3 days before surgery to minimize infection risk.
  • Fasting for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned.
  • Arranging for transportation home post-surgery as driving is not permitted.

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, though rare.
  • Dislocation of the implanted intraocular lens (IOL).
  • Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), causing later blurring, treatable with a laser.
  • Rare risks include bleeding, persistent pain, or loss of vision.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Eye will be covered with a shield for protection, especially while sleeping, for about a week.
  • Strict use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks.
  • Avoid rubbing the eye, strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming for 2-4 weeks.
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from bright light and dust.
  • Vision may be blurry initially but typically improves significantly within days to a week.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist to monitor healing.
  • Most normal activities can be resumed within a few days, with full stabilization in 4-6 weeks.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering small incision 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 small incision cataract surgery compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 15 Thousand – 40 Thousand 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 52.5 Thousand – 140 Thousand 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 2-4 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Small Incision Cataract Surgery in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing small incision cataract surgery.

  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Vikram Saxena, 72, is a retired...

Vikram Saxena, 72, is a retired history professor who loves reading and birdwatching. Over the past two years, he noticed his vision becoming increasingly cloudy and yellowed, like looking through a dirty windshield. Reading his beloved books became a strain, and he started confusing similar-looking birds. His ophthalmologist, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed a dense cataract in his right eye. She explained that Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) was the best option, a quick, minimally invasive procedure to replace his clouded lens with a clear artificial one. Vikram was nervous but trusted Dr. Sharma. The surgery itself was surprisingly fast and painless. The recovery was straightforward, with some initial blurriness and mild irritation. Within a week, the world snapped back into focus. The colors were vibrant again, the brilliant green of a parrot, the deep blue of the sky. He could read for hours without fatigue. Vikram felt a profound sense of relief and renewal, as if a veil had been lifted, restoring not just his sight but his connection to the hobbies that defined his retirement.

Ophthalmologists for Small Incision Cataract Surgery

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

Dr. Poonam Yadav
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rita Dash
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. NAVYA MANNEM
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lucky Kharbanda
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajat Anand
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. L Geetha
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rakesh Parashar
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prarthana Anand
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gaurav Suryawanshi
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. N V Raghunath Rao
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sugato Pal
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Naveen Kumar Naik
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashwini P
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 950
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mridula Pentapati
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukta Shrivastava
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anindya Anuradha
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nirmala
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohammed Sadiq
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 350
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. G Seethapathy
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated