When cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to lose its transparency, doctors recommend a replacement lens. Patients often search for information such as “laser cataract surgery cost,” “best lens for cataract surgery,” and “best eye surgeons near me” after receiving a cataract diagnosis.
Several factors influence the cost of cataract surgery, including the type of surgery, the technology used (e.g., laser-assisted vs. traditional), the type of intraocular lens (IOL) chosen, and the surgeon’s experience. Premium IOLs, like multifocal or toric lenses, tend to increase costs, while the quality of the surgical facility and location can also play a role. Additionally, factors such as post-operative care and follow-up appointments may affect the overall cost. The choice between local and international treatment options can also contribute to the price variation. Ultimately, it’s essential for patients to weigh all these factors when considering cataract surgery.
I believe many factors play a role concerning costs.
Factor no 1:
Type of Surgery, Safety and the Technology Involved in doing the surgery:
To do surgeries like Pinhole Cataract Surgery (under 2MM). This surgery has many names, like Laser cataract surgery, Phaco emulsification, and this blog only speaks about phacoemulsification. While there are machines that cost less than ten lakhs with low running costs, one can also find 100 times more expensive machines with significant technological advantages and safety features.
Machines that Help in seamless work flow like types of equipment that scan your eyes and send data to the microscope of the surgeon. This will enable surgeons to implant lenses in the exact position without having to spend too much time outside trying to identify positions. While most of this tech is Super expensive they come with a lot of safety advantages.
Surgeons may additionally use high-quality Consumables like (OVD’s) Visco Elastic Substances. These substances can be used to protect essential cells that can be damaged during surgery. Surgeons can also use these GEL substances to provide a more stable environment. No matter how skilled, the best surgeons will use higher Functionals OVDs to offer more safety to their patients. They never cut corners or costs!!!
Factor no 2)-
Type of Lens to be Implanted
Let us start with the basics – Monofocal Lenses are the most affordable lenses and certain lenses of certain companies are very affordable. Multifocal lenses are slightly more expensive and trifocal lenses are most expensive lenses. If you have astigmatism your doctor may also recommend Toric IOL’s.
Toric Lenses are used to correct cylindrical powers. Patients experience dramatic improvement in vision without having to depend on spectacles after surgery. While lenses are a huge topic, I have tried to cover them very simply and do justice to them in my other blogs and video posted below.
Last but not the Least:
Factor No 3 :
#Cataract Surgery – Experience of the Surgeon and The Volume of Cataracts he performs, Niche Instrumentation. Ever heard of the saying, “if you throw peanuts, only monkeys will come! Now you don’t want monkeys operating your eye, do you?
Becoming a safe surgeon takes years of dedication and continuous efforts in practice to handle volumes without complications. Eyesight is something that cannot have a price tag. It is Priceless, and so are the efforts and dedication of the surgeons to make it safe for you. Experienced master surgeons never offer deals like “cashless for cataract surgery” or “free pick up and drop.”They never employ cheap tactics to lure patients.
Some new platforms on the internet have recently started advertising this online:-
Free consultation by top doctors! Free pick-up and drop! What else will be free at the cost of your vision?
Do you feel top doctors give free consultations? Maybe they are top doctors of the future, and I’m pretty sure they will not offer anything free when they reach that position. So you’ll have to remember if you want to fall for free stuff or go with a surgeon who charges for his years of dedication and sacrifices to give you the quality vision that will accompany you for the rest of your life. High tech doesn’t come cheap! Remember, you can earn money back, but you can’t regain lost vision… so choose wisely.
Author Details:
Dr. Sushruth Appajigowda holds a prominent position as a Cornea, Cataract, Glaucoma, and LASIK Surgeon in Bangalore. He serves as the chief Cataract and Refractive surgeon at Vijaya Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Nagarbhavi Bangalore. Renowned as one of the finest LASIK surgeons nationwide, he brings with him over 12+ years of experience across multiple LASIK platforms, including ZEISS, ALCON, SCHWIND, AMO, and Bausch and Lomb. Having successfully conducted over 5000 LASIK procedures, Dr. Sushruth holds the title of a Certified Refractive Surgeon and a Fellow of the All India Collegium Of Ophthalmology. Furthermore, he stands as a distinguished speaker at various National and International Forums, using his expertise to guide you in selecting the most suitable procedure based on your health requirements.
Excellent blog Dr Sushruth. A common man could understand what cataract surgery and their costing. Good job