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Cataract Surgery Cost in Government Hospital

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Shivani Arora, last updated on 3 February 2023| min read
Cataract Surgery Cost in Government Hospital

Quick Summary

  • Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure that helps treat cataract by replacing a clouded lens with a clear artificial lens.
  • 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.

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.

Types of Cataract Surgery Techniques

There are several techniques for removing and replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one. The five major techniques of cataract surgery include:

  1. Phacoemulsification: The most common technique of surgery, phacoemulsification, involves making a small incision around the edge of the cornea to create an opening through the membrane surrounding the lens. Then the doctor inserts a small ultrasonic probe into the incision to break the lens and remove the broken segments. Next, an intraocular lens is placed in the lens capsule in the eye. 
  2. Microincison Cataract Surgery (MICS): The latest surgical technique for removing cataracts involving incisions as small as 1.8 mm. MICS is a minimally invasive procedure that uses lesser phaco energy or ultrasound during the procedure. Due to smaller incisions, the recovery time is less. 
  3. Extracapsular Cataract Surgery (ECCE): It is a conventional technique of cataract removal as compared to advanced surgical techniques. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the cataract in one piece through a bigger incision. Then, an intraocular lens is placed in the same capsule and sutures are used to seal the wound. 
  4. Intracapsular Cataract Surgery (ICCE): Another conventional technique for cataract removal, ICCE requires an even bigger incision to remove the entire lens and the surrounding capsule. The surgeon then places and seals the intraocular lens with sutures in front of the iris. 
  5. Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS): A modern technique for cataract removal, this surgery involves using femtosecond laser technology to make a tiny incision on the cornea flap. The surgeon then removes the affected lens and places an intraocular lens in its position. It is considered a safe and effective technique for cataract removal.
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Cost of Cataract Surgery in India

Generally, the cost of cataract surgery differs in various eye centres depending on multiple factors. The cost of cataract surgery in India can start from Rs 30,000 and reach Rs 1,40,000 (for one eye). Cataract surgery costs in government hospitals can be anywhere between 0 to Rs 10,000.

Cost of Cataract Surgery Based on Type of the Surgery

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

Cost of Cataract Lenses in India

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

Cost Breakup of Cataract Surgery

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

Cost of Cataract Surgery Under Government Schemes

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.

Central Government Healthcare Scheme (CGHS)

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

Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)

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

Factors Affecting Cataract Surgery Cost in Government Hospital

Cataract surgery costs in government hospitals can vary due to several factors. Some of these factors include:

  1. Type of cataract: The cost of treating cataract can vary based on the type of cataract that the patient has. 
  2. Type of intraocular lens: Different lenses available in the market have different cost ranges. The type of lens used in the procedure is one of the prime factors affecting the treatment’s cost. 
  3. Type of technique selected: Depending on your type of cataract, the doctor will select the most suitable technique for replacing the affected lens. The cost of one procedure may vary from another, affecting the final cataract surgery cost in a government hospital. 
  4. Location: The cost of cataract surgery can vary depending on the location of the hospital, with prices generally being lower in rural areas compared to urban areas.
  5. Diagnostic tests: Before the procedure, you may have to undergo various diagnostic tests such as a retinal exam, visual acuity test, etc. The cost of these diagnostic tests may vary, affecting the overall cost of the procedure. 
  6. Hospital fees: The cost of cataract surgery can include hospital fees for the use of an operating room, equipment, and other resources.
  7. Government subsidies: The cost of cataract surgery in a government hospital may be influenced by the availability of government subsidies such as CGHS or ECHS, which can help lower the cost of the procedure for eligible patients.

Takeaway

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cataract surgeries can cost between ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 1,40,000, depending on several factors. However, if you choose to get treated in a government hospital, cataract surgery cost in a government hospital ranges between ₹ 0 to ₹ 10,000.
Several government-funded charity eye hospitals in India offer free cataract surgeries for low-income groups. People can also get free cataract surgery at cataract camps that aim to make eye care facilities accessible to poor patients and those who cannot afford eye care due to their small budgets.

Cataract lenses are tiny, artificial lenses for the eyes that help correct vision. The three types of cataract lenses include:

  1. Monofocal lens: These lenses restore vision for a single distance. 
  2. Multifocal lens: These lenses offer vision restoration at different distances. 
  3. Toric lens: These lenses correct both spherical and cylindrical powe₹ of the eye, used for people with astigmatism.

There are several techniques for removing a cataract from the eye. The three main types of cataract surgery include:

  1. Phacoemulsification: uses an ultrasound probe to break up the cloudy lens for removal
  2. Extracapsular Surgery: removes the clouded lens as one piece through a larger incision
  3. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: uses laser technology to make an opening in the eye capsule and soften the cataract
Yes, you can get cashless cataract surgery under several health insurance plans. The cashless claim service is usually available at the network hospitals of your health insurance company.
Every surgery has some risks. However, cataract surgery is usually considered a low-risk procedure. About 98% of cataract surgeries do not have any adverse effects. Only a small percentage of patients experience complications after surgery, and an even smaller percentage experience any serious complications. Almost all risks from cataract surgery can be avoided.
Cataracts primarily affect older people but can come on as early as the 40s or 50s. There is no age limit for having cataract surgery. The choice of surgery depends on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s opinion. Age is not necessarily a limiting factor.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent non-surgical treatment option for cataracts. Currently, cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts from the eye.
Most standard health insurance policies in India cover cataract surgery, but it depends on the policy and insurance company. Check policy terms and conditions and consult the insurance company to confirm coverage and extent. Some policies may have exclusions, sub-limits, or co-payments.

Last Updated on: 3 February 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

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

Author

Shivani Arora

Shivani Arora

BA Journalism and Mass Communication

2 Years Experience

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

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