What is the Average Cost of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract Surgery Cost in India: Price Breakdown & Factors
Cataract is the most common reason for blindness in India. The prevalence of blindness among the Indian population is 1.99%. Out of this, 66.2% of blindness cases are due to cataract alone. However, thanks to medical advancements, prompt cataract surgery can significantly mitigate or, in some cases, prevent the risk of blindness caused by cataracts.
So, if you or any of your loved ones are planning to undergo this procedure, it is vital to know the associated costs, factors affecting surgery prices, cost breakdown of the procedure, and more.
Keep reading!
What is the Expected Cost of Cataract Surgery in India?
The cost of cataract surgery in India depends on several factors, including location, hospital, surgeon’s experience, and the type of surgery performed.
A basic idea of the costs has been mentioned below:
| Procedure | Cost |
| Cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens | ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per eye |
| Cataract surgery with a bifocal or toric lens | ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per eye |
| Complex procedures (like femto-assisted surgery) | ₹70,000 to ₹2,00,000 per eye |
Note: To determine the best-suited surgery for you, consult with your ophthalmologist beforehand.
What are the Costs of Different Types of Cataract Surgeries?
There are various procedures for removing cataracts. Some of them are listed below in the table, along with their costs:
| Type of Surgery | Basic Procedure | Cost |
| Phacoemulsification (Phaco) | Ultrasound energy is used to break up and remove the cataract by making a small incision. | ₹15,000 - ₹45,000 |
| Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery | An incision smaller than Phaco is made, which promotes quicker healing and less post-surgical discomfort. | ₹30,000 - ₹65,000 |
| Femto-Assisted Cataract Surgery | It is a bladeless surgery, involving the use of femtosecond laser technology, which provides better precision. | ₹70,000 - ₹1,25,000 |
| Extracapsular Cataract Extraction | It is used in mature/complicated cases that require manual removal of lenses. | ₹15,000 - ₹35,000 |
| Premium Lens Implants | It includes the implantation of multifocal, toric, and extended-depth-of-focus lenses. | ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000 |
What are the Factors Affecting the Cataract Surgery Costs in India?
Some of the major factors that can alter the costs of cataract surgery include:
- Type of Surgical Procedure : Advanced methods, like femto-assisted surgery, cost more than conventional procedures, like phacoemulsification.
- Type of Lens Used : The standard monofocal lenses are more affordable than the multifocal and toric lenses.
- Infrastructure Provided by Hospital : The costs of the surgery also depend on the reputation, facilities, and advancements of the hospital.
- Location of the Hospital : Hospitals in metropolitan cities tend to charge more than those in smaller towns.
- Experience of the Surgeon : Surgeons with greater years of experience and higher expertise tend to charge more.
- Pre and Post-Operative Care: The price of pre- and post-operative care may also affect the cost of cataract surgery in India. It can vary depending on the level of care provided to the patient in the hospital. Many hospitals cover these costs in their overall package, while others may charge you extra.
- Choice of Hospital : The cost of cataract surgery may vary depending on the hospital you have selected. Usually, hospitals with advanced technology and fancy equipment tend to charge more for their services. However, these hospitals offer top-notch care to the patient and have a lower risk of complications
It is essential to evaluate all these factors before proceeding with the surgery. However, it would be wiser to opt for health insurance that covers the costs of your cataract surgery. This helps you choose the best treatment available without worrying about the expenses.
What is the Cost Breakup of Cataract Surgery?
It is essential to understand where your money goes during a cataract surgery. A general cost breakdown has been provided below:
● Surgeons’ Charges: It covers the charges for the surgeon’s expertise and skill.
● Hospital Fees: This fee covers the charges for the hospital’s operating room, equipment, and staff.
● Cost of Lens: This charge covers the cost of the lens and varies according to the type of lens implanted.
● Pre-Operative Care: Visual assessment tests and other tests.
● Post-Operative Care: This includes follow-ups to the clinic, medications, and eye drops.
What are the Factors to Consider Before Buying Health Insurance for Cataract Surgery?
Many health insurance policies provide coverage for cataract surgery. Private insurers also offer such plans. However, one of the major drawbacks of some health insurers is the long waiting period of about 1 to 2 years. Hence, one must consider the following factors before buying a policy:
● Coverage limits offered per eye
● Coverage limits offered in a period cycle
● Network of hospitals applicable to the policy
● Waiting period for pre-existing diseases
● Credibility of the insurer
● Basic sum insured
● Service quotient
You can check whether the policy covers cataract surgery, and keeping these factors in mind, you can proceed to buy the policy.
Looking for a reliable health insurance plan for cataract surgery?
Also Read:
→ What is the General Cost of Laparoscopic Surgery
→ How Much Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Cost in India
→ What is the Average Cost of Bypass Surgery
This FAQ page contains information for general purpose only and has no medical or legal advice. For any personalized advice, do refer company's policy documents or consult a licensed health insurance agent. T & C apply. For further detailed information or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at marketing.d2c@starhealth.in
