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 USD 165 – USD 440 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 1,229 – USD 3,278 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.

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89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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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. M Gurudutt Kamath
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. ML Sujatha
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ritu Gadia
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishal Arora
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kailash Chhabria
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajesh Nayak
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nikhila Sathe
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sandhya Nayak
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tripti Kolhatkar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dukhabandu Panigrahy
  • Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gladys Reshma Rodrigues
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Roshmi Gupta
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vanuli Bajpai
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Udbuddha Dutta
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amandeep Garg
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rashmi Shirwant
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanti V Iyengar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajanta Chakravarty
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pravin Kumar Singh
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated