Cataract surgery in India

When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, it's called a cataract, which can cause impaired vision. This is often caused by ageing, but can also result from injury or certain medical conditions. It is a day care surgery, recommended when cataracts significantly affect vision and daily life. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is safe and effective, and patients often experience improved vision afterwards.

Measurements of the Eye before Cataract Surgery.

During your pre-operative assessment, you will undergo several diagnostic tests to obtain detailed measurements of your eye. Your doctor will then analyze this data carefully and calculate the ideal intraocular lens implant (IOL) to provide you with the best possible vision.

There are three Top-class globally renowned tools used for measurements in India.

• IOL Master Biometry: The IOL Master is indeed considered the gold standard for planning modern cataract surgery. The test uses a beam of light to scan the eye, measuring the size, depth, shape, and curvature of the cornea at the front.
• Corneal Topography: It is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that maps the anterior curvature of the cornea, which is the clear, front window of the eye. It creates a 3D map of the cornea.
• OCT scan of the macula: OCT scan provides highly detailed, high-magnification images of the macula to detect any abnormalities.

What are the different types of lenses for cataract surgery?

Mono-focal lens: Mono-focal intraocular lenses have one focus and are mainly used to  improve distance vision. Patients with these lenses will still need glasses for close-up vision.

Price of Mono-focal lens in India: $50 to $700

Multifocal IOLs:  Unlike mono-focal intraocular lenses, multifocal lenses correct near and distance vision, eliminating the need for glasses.

Price of Mono-focal lens in India: $250 to $1200

Toric lens: Toric contact lenses have a unique shape to provide clear vision at all distances for individuals with astigmatism.

Price of Toric lens in India: $250 to $1200

Bifocal lens: These are eyeglasses that provide two different lens powers, Bifocals are commonly used to help the eye adjust vision to focus on objects that are close once it begins to lose the ability to transition focus due to age.

Price of Bifocal lens in India: $100 to $500

Light-adjustable lens: The LAL is composed of a special photo-sensitive material that adjusts the power of the implanted lens in response to UV light. This feature enhances the possibility of achieving the desired vision following cataract surgery.

Price of Light-adjustable lens in India: $1200 to $1500

Accommodation IOL lens: These are an artificial lens different from standard IOLs because they can change focus distances. This decreases the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery.

Price of Light-adjustable lens in India: $600 to $1200

Acrysof IQ lens: Its Excellent axial stability helps reduce residual refractive errors that can be caused by axial displacement. Acrysof IQ is available in two filtering properties one is UV and Blue light filter and the other one is UV filter.

Price of Light-adjustable lens in India: $60 to $200 

How cataract surgery happens.

During cataract surgery, your eye doctor will perform the following steps:

• Lens Removal: The cloudy lens (cataract) is carefully removed from your eye.
• Intraocular Lens (IOL) Placement: An artificial lens (IOL) is implanted in place of the removed lens. This IOL helps focus light onto the retina, improving vision.
• Duration and Comfort while cataract surgery: The surgery usually takes about 1 hour and is almost painless. You will be awake during the procedure, but you won’t see what the doctor is doing. Medication can help you stay relaxed and calm.