Table of Contents
Cataract surgery, or lens replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure that helps treat cataract by replacing a clouded lens with a clear artificial lens. With a high success rate for restoring vision, this surgery is the only method to treat cataracts. The Indian Government aims to combat cataracts by offering affordable treatment to all. The cataract surgery cost in government hospitals is determined by keeping in mind the needs of people in low-income groups.
The following blog discusses the cost of surgery and the factors that affect this cost in government hospitals. Furthermore, it includes the cost breakup of cataract surgery as per various government schemes. Read on to find out.
There are several techniques for removing and replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one. The five major techniques of cataract surgery include:
The cost of cataract surgery techniques can vary depending on multiple factors. The following table shows the cost of these procedures in India:
Procedure | Cost (for one eye) |
Phacoemulsification | ₹ 17,000 to ₹ 35,000 |
Microincison Cataract Surgery | ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 80,000 |
Extracapsular Cataract Surgery | ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 35,000 |
Intracapsular Cataract Surgery | ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 35,000 |
Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery | ₹ 35,000 to ₹ 95,000 |
There are different types of intraocular lenses with different functionalities available for cataract surgery. The following table shows the cost of these lenses for cataract surgery in India:
Type of Lens | Cost (per lens) |
Monofocal Lenses | ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 55,000 |
Multifocal Lenses | ₹ 55,000 to ₹ 85,000 |
Monovision Lenses | ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 70,000 |
Toric Lenses | ₹ 85,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 |
Various factors, such as the type of surgery, type of lens, post-operative costs, etc., determine the cost breakup of the surgery. For instance, cataract surgery cost in government hospitals will be less than that in private hospitals, or the cost of a mono-focal lens will be less than a multifocal lens. On average, the cost breakup of cataract surgery is as follows:
Cataract Surgery Components | Cost Breakup |
Pre-surgery screenings and examinations | ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 5,000 |
Surgery | ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 30,000 |
Intraocular lens | ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 |
Eye centre/ hospital charges | ₹ 2,000 to ₹ 5,000 |
Post-surgery cost for medications, eye drops, and specs | ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 5,000 |
To lower the cataract surgery procedure costs, the Indian Government has launched several schemes for different societal groups. The following section discusses the rate of cataract surgery under these schemes.
This scheme was introduced in 1954 to offer comprehensive medical care to the central government worke₹ and pensione₹ listed under the scheme. The CGHS rates of cataract surgery include:
Ward | Approved Surgery Cost | Approved Lens Cost |
General | ₹ 11,159 | ₹ 5,800 |
Semi-Private | ₹ 12,398 | ₹ 5,800 |
Private | ₹ 14,257 | ₹ 5,800 |
The scheme was established in 2003. It provides treatment for ex-servicemen pensione₹ and their dependents. The ECHS rates of cataract surgery are as follows:
Ward | Approved Surgery Cost | Approved Lens Cost |
General | ₹ 11,159 | ₹ 5,800 |
Semi-Private | ₹ 12,398 | ₹ 5,800 |
Private | ₹ 14,257 | ₹ 5,800 |
Cataract surgery costs in government hospitals can vary due to several factors. Some of these factors include:
Surgery for removing cataracts is one of the most common procedures in India. However, not everyone can afford treatment at big, private hospitals. Cataract surgery in government hospitals costs less than in private ones, making the procedure affordable. Several factors affect the cataract surgery cost in government hospitals, such as the type of cataracts, the type of lens, the location of the hospital, etc. Furthermore, the government has launched several schemes, like CGHS and ECHS, that help reduce surgery costs for eligible patients.
Consultants at HexaHealth can help you know more about the procedures and the cost of cataract surgery in government hospitals. Moreover, our team will help you connect with the best eye surgeons at the right hospital according to your location, budget, and needs.
Cataract lenses are tiny, artificial lenses for the eyes that help correct vision. The three types of cataract lenses include:
There are several techniques for removing a cataract from the eye. The three main types of cataract surgery include:
Last Updated on: 3 February 2023
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
She is an accomplished new-age professional who has interviewed prominent personalities such as Bhaichung Bhutia, G. Sathiyan, Shashi Tharoor, etc. A content writer interested in health communication, graphic desi...View More
Expert Doctors (10)
NABH Accredited Hospitals (5)
Latest Health Articles