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Key Takeaways:
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Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting millions of individuals worldwide, particularly as they age. Cataract eye surgery is a highly effective procedure that removes the clouded lens of the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens, restoring clear vision.
One of the most common questions patients have revolves around cataract operation costs and various factors. Cataract surgery in India costs between ₹15,000 and ₹1,40,000 per eye, based on your city, hospital, surgeon, surgery method, and the lens you choose.
Prices change if you select laser-assisted surgery, premium lenses (such as toric/multifocal), or add-ons, including extra tests and medications. Insurance or government schemes can also lower what you pay out of pocket.
This guide explains the cost of cataract surgery in India step by step, covering the types of cataract eye surgery, the cataract procedure, average cataract operation cost ranges (also known as motibindu/motiabind operation cost), and what insurance or schemes cover it.
Average Cost of Cataract Operation in India
Cataract operation cost varies depending on several factors, including the location, hospital, surgeon’s experience, and the technology used. On average:
- The cost of a cataract procedure with a standard monofocal lens ranges between INR 15,000 to INR 60,000 per eye.
- Premium lenses, such as multifocal or toric lenses, can increase the cost from INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000 per eye.
- Advanced procedures like femto-assisted cataract surgery cost INR 70,000 to INR 2,00,000.
It’s essential to discuss with your ophthalmologist the type of surgery and lens that best suits your vision requirements and budget.
Cataract Surgery Types and Their Costs
Various eyes may require different types of cataract eye surgery. Your doctor will match the method to cataract hardness, eye health, and lens choice; the cataract surgery cost in India then varies by technique, city/hospital, and IOL (lens) type.
|
Name |
Cataract Surgery Costs |
|
Phacoemulsification (Phaco) |
INR 15,000–60,000 |
|
Micro Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS) |
INR 45,000–1,50,000 |
|
Femtosecond Laser–Assisted (FLACS) |
INR 70,000–2,00,000 |
|
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) |
INR 15,000–35,000 |
|
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) |
INR 12,000–30,000 |
|
Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE) |
INR 12,000–30,000 |
Note: These packages include the total cost, covering both the surgical procedure and the cost of intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Phacoemulsification (Phaco)
It is the most common modern method. A small cut is made in the cornea, an ultrasound tip breaks up the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, and these pieces are gently removed. A clear foldable lens (IOL) is placed. Incision is usually about 2–3 mm and self-sealing.
The procedure for Phacoemulsification
- Numbing drops and eye cleaning.
- 2–3 mm clear-corneal incision.
- Ultrasound breaks and removes the cataract.
- The foldable IOL is inserted and centred.
- Tiny cuts usually seal without stitches.
Factors affecting the Phaco surgery cost
- City/region and hospital type (clinic vs multispecialty).
- Surgeon’s experience and technology used.
- IOL choice (monofocal included vs toric/multifocal premium).
- Pre-op tests (biometry/topography/OCT) and any coexisting eye issues.
- Insurance coverage, cashless/TPA, taxes, and consumables.
Cost of Phacoemulsification
The average cataract surgery cost in India for Phacoemulsification (Phaco) is ₹15,000–₹60,000 per eye, depending on the above factors.
Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS)
A refinement of phaco using an even smaller cut (~1.8–2.2 mm). The smaller incision can mean less induced astigmatism and quicker sealing.
The procedure for MICS
- Numbing drops and prep.
- ~2 mm micro-incision.
- Micro-tips soften and remove the lens.
- Ultra-thin foldable IOL is inserted.
- Wounds are self-sealing.
Factors affecting this MICS surgery cost
- Need for micro-compatible instruments and IOL.
- Premium IOL selection (toric/multifocal/EDOF).
- Centre’s technology, surgeon expertise, and city.
Cost of MICS
The average eye cataract surgery cost in India for MICS is ₹45,000–₹1,50,000 per eye.
The type of IOL used significantly varies the cost. Premium IOLs and toric IOLs offer several advantages but come at a higher cost compared to monofocal IOLs.
Femto-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS / Femto-Assisted)
A laser (femtosecond) performs key steps, corneal cuts, capsule opening, and lens pre-softening, before standard phaco removal. Chosen when extra precision is desired, often with premium IOLs.
The procedure for Femto-Assisted surgery
- The eye is docked to the laser; numbing drops are given.
- Laser makes precise incisions and a round capsulotomy.
- Laser segments/softens the lens.
- A small incision is used to remove fragments.
- The foldable IOL is inserted and centred.
Factors affecting the Femto surgery cost
- Laser platform fee and disposables.
- Premium IOL choice and planning (e.g., toric alignment).
- Hospital category, surgeon expertise, and city.
Cost of Femto-Assisted Surgery
The average cataract operation cost in India for Femto-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS / Femto-Assisted) is ₹70,000–₹2,00,000 per eye. The IOL choice is a factor in the costing, hence leading to this wide cost range .
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
Used for very dense/mature cataract when standard phaco isn’t suitable. A larger incision (≈9–12 mm) is made, the lens is removed in one piece, and an IOL is placed; stitches are used.
The procedure for ECCE
- Local anaesthesia and prep.
- Larger incision; lens removed whole.
- IOL placed (usually in the capsular bag).
- Wound closed with sutures.
- Extra visits for suture checks/removal if needed.
Factors affecting this ECCE surgery cost
- Case complexity (very hard/hypermature lens).
- Hospital stay, stitches, and extra follow-ups.
- City/centre costs and IOL selection.
Cost of ECCE
The average eye cataract operation cost for Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) is ₹12,000–₹30,000 per eye.
Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE)
An older, rarely used method where the entire lens and its capsule are removed through a large incision. Doctors consider ICCE mainly in special cases, like a dislocated lens, very weak/absent zonules, or certain trauma, when modern techniques aren’t safe or possible.
The procedure for ICCE
- Numbing (local) or general anaesthesia and sterile prep.
- A large limbal incision (~10–12 mm or more) is made.
- A cryoprobe may be used to freeze and lift out the whole lens.
- An anterior-chamber IOL or a scleral-fixated IOL is placed if suitable.
- The wound is closed with multiple sutures, and a protective shield is applied.
Factors affecting this ICCE surgery cost
- Case complexity (trauma, lens dislocation, need for vitrectomy).
- IOL type (anterior-chamber vs scleral-fixated) and brand.
- Anaesthesia, operating time, hospital stay, and extra tests.
- Surgeon’s subspecialty and centre/hospital category in your city.
Cost of ICCE
Centres that still offer ICCE usually price it similarly to ECCE; expect ~₹12,000–₹30,000+ per eye, varying with complexity, IOL choice, and city.
Since ICCE is uncommon today, request a written, itemised estimate (surgery + IOL + tests + medicines + follow-ups).
Premium Lens Implants (IOLs)
Lenses that do more than basic distance focus: toric (for astigmatism), multifocal/trifocal, and EDOF (extended depth of focus) to reduce glasses for some tasks. Not everyone is a candidate, counselling and tests are needed.
The procedure for Premium IOLs
- Same surgical steps as phaco/MICS/FLACS.
- Extra planning (keratometry/topography, axis marking).
- Precise lens centration; alignment for toric lenses.
- Post-op fine-tuning with glasses if needed.
Factors affecting this Premium IOL surgery cost
- Lens type (toric vs multifocal vs EDOF) and brand.
- Cylinder power (for toric lenses), add power (for multifocal lenses).
- Planning tools (digital markerless guidance, aberrometry).
- Centre’s package and warranty/support.
Government Assistance and Insurance Coverage (India)
Good news for people suffering from cataracts in India, most cataract surgeries can be cashless or heavily subsidised through national and state programs. The main national cover is Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary/tertiary care), and many states add their own schemes on top.
Central schemes for specific groups, such as CGHS (central government employees/pensioners) and ESIC (insured workers/families), also include cataract surgery.
The National Blindness Programme (NPCBVI) runs cataract drives to clear backlogs.
|
Scheme |
Who does it cover? |
|
Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY |
₹5 lakh cover for eligible families; cataract surgery is included in Health Benefit Packages (e.g., phaco/SICS listed under ophthalmology). Check/issue your Ayushman card and visit an empanelled hospital. |
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CGHS |
Central govt employees/pensioners; package rates exist for ECCE, SICS, phaco with foldable IOL, etc. Reimbursement/cashless as per CGHS city rates. |
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ESIC |
Insured workers and dependents; ESIC hospitals routinely perform cataract surgery with IOL. Cashless at ESIC/empanelled centres. |
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NPCBVI (National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment) |
Runs mission-mode cataract surgery campaigns (Netra Jyoti Abhiyan) with massive annual targets; >83 lakh cataract surgeries were done in FY 2022–23 under this drive. |
State & UT health schemes
Most states implement PM-JAY directly or with a state-branded top-up. Below are the commonly used names so patients know what to ask for at the hospital/State Health Agency (SHA).
|
State/UT |
Scheme Name(s) |
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Andhra Pradesh |
Dr YSR Aarogyasri (PM-JAY convergence; cashless for major procedures). |
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Arunachal Pradesh |
CMAAY – Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana (with PM-JAY). |
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Assam |
Atal Amrit Abhiyan + PM-JAY; package master shows cataract (phaco/SICS). |
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Bihar |
PM-JAY (state rollout via SHA). |
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Chhattisgarh |
State health protection + PM-JAY (Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata) – PM-JAY base applies. |
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Delhi (NCT) |
CGHS/DGEHS for eligible employees; broader residents access PM-JAY eligibility where applicable. |
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Goa |
DDSSY – Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (state-wide cover). |
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Gujarat |
Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA/MAA) + PM-JAY integration. |
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Haryana |
CHIRAYU Haryana (PM-JAY extension/top-up). |
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Himachal Pradesh |
HIMCARE + PM-JAY (Ayushman packages). |
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Jammu & Kashmir |
AB-PM-JAY SEHAT (UT-wide). |
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Jharkhand |
AB-Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya (PM-JAY convergence). |
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Karnataka |
Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK). |
|
Kerala |
KASP – Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (Ayushman Kerala). |
|
Madhya Pradesh |
PM-JAY via SHA; NPCBVI cataract drives are active. |
|
Maharashtra |
MJPJAY – Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (+ PM-JAY). |
|
Manipur |
CMHT – Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (with PM-JAY). |
|
Meghalaya |
MHIS – Megha Health Insurance Scheme (with PM-JAY). |
|
Mizoram |
Mizoram State Health Care Scheme + PM-JAY. |
|
Nagaland |
CMHIS – Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (with PM-JAY). |
|
Odisha |
BSKY – Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana; packages include ophthalmology/cataract. |
|
Punjab |
Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana (AB-SSBY). |
|
Rajasthan |
Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana. |
|
Sikkim |
State health cover + PM-JAY |
|
Tamil Nadu |
CMCHIS (Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme). |
|
Telangana |
Aarogyasr |
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Tripura |
CMJAY / PM-JAY |
|
Uttar Pradesh |
PM-JAY |
|
Uttarakhand |
Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand (plus PM-JAY rollout at PHCs/CHCs). |
|
West Bengal |
Swasthya Sathi (state-funded, ₹5 lakh cover). |
|
UTs (e.g., Andaman & Nicobar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Ladakh, Chandigarh) |
PM-JAY implementations and departmental schemes (CGHS for central employees). NPCBVI cataract drives run via NHM. |
How to use these Benefits?
- Check eligibility / get your card: Ayushman (PM-JAY) or state card (e.g., Swasthya Sathi, CMCHIS). Many states let you verify online or at district kiosks.
- Choose an empanelled hospital: State portals list hospitals and package details (e.g., West Bengal, Odisha).
- Carry basic documents: Aadhaar, scheme card, and any referrals/reports.
- Ask specifically for the cataract package: Hospitals bill under package codes (e.g., phaco with foldable IOL / SICS with IOL).
- For central schemes: CGHS/ESIC beneficiaries should use empanelled centres and follow referral rules.
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Fact: Under NPCBVI’s Netra Jyoti Abhiyan, India exceeded its FY 2022–23 target with 8.34 million cataract surgeries. |
Conclusion
The cost of cataract surgery in India depends mainly on the type of surgery (phaco, MICS, FLACS, SICS/ECCE), the lens chosen (monofocal, toric, multifocal/EDOF), and the city and hospital.
To plan well, check insurance and government schemes (Ayushman Bharat/PM-JAY, state health cover, ESIC, CGHS) and confirm which hospitals are empanelled. Always ask for a written, itemised estimate that lists the IOL, tests, medicines, follow-ups, and any laser steps. Ask what is included, what is extra, and the expected recovery so you can budget and schedule time off.
With clear information, you can choose the right care at the right price confidently.
FAQs
How much money is required for cataract surgery?
The cost of cataract surgery in India ranges from ₹15,000–₹60,000 per eye for standard phaco with a monofocal IOL, ₹45,000–₹1,50,000 for MICS, ₹70,000–₹2,00,000 for FLACS, and ₹12,000–₹30,000 for ECCE.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
Cataract surgery cost usually depends on the type of surgery, the lens you choose, and the hospital/city, so expect a broad range of ₹15,000 to ₹2 lakh per eye in India.
What is the cost of the lens after cataract surgery?
The cost of the lens (IOL) after cataract surgery varies by type; monofocal is usually included in base packages, while toric/multifocal/EDOF (“premium IOLs”) commonly add ₹30,000–₹1,00,000 per eye to the bill.
Is cataract surgery 100% safe?
Yes, cataract surgery is very safe, but not 100%. Small risks include infection, inflammation, swelling, pressure changes, or a later posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which is usually treated with a quick YAG laser.
Does the type of cataract surgery procedure affect the cost?
Yes, the type of cataract surgery affects cost; FLACS tends to be the highest, MICS and advanced technologies cost more than standard phaco, and ECCE is usually used for very dense cataracts with mid-range pricing.
Which cataract surgery is best?
The best surgery depends on your condition, lens preference, and budget. Advanced methods like Femto-Assisted Cataract Surgery and premium lenses offer excellent outcomes.
Are there any financing or payment plans offered for cataract surgery?
Yes, financing or payment plans are commonly offered for cataract surgery; many centres offer EMI options, cashless insurance approvals, and access to government schemes (e.g., PM-JAY/Ayushman, state plans, ESIC/CGHS) at empanelled hospitals.
What factors influence the cost of cataract surgery?
The factors influencing cataract surgery costs include the surgery type (Phaco/MICS/FLACS/ECCE), IOL choice(monofocal vs premium), city and hospital category, surgeon expertise, pre-op tests and medicines, and insurance or scheme coverage (cashless vs self-pay).
Are there any additional fees or expenses associated with cataract surgery?
Yes, additional fees for cataract surgery may include pre-op testing, medications, and follow-up visits.
Does insurance cover the cost of cataract surgery?
Yes, insurance covers basic cataract surgery, but premiums for advanced options may require out-of-pocket payments.
