If your vision has become cloudy, colours look faded, night driving has become difficult, and you need brighter light to read, you almost certainly have cataracts. The good news: cataract surgery is one of the safest, most successful, and most affordable surgeries performed in India. Over 6 million cataract surgeries are done annually in India, with a success rate exceeding 95 percent.
- Cataract Surgery Cost by Procedure Type
- Cataract Surgery Cost in Every Major Indian City
- True Cost Calculator: What Cataract Surgery Actually Costs
- The Real Math: What It Costs to Get Results
- Who Should (and Should Not) Get Cataract Surgery
- What Actually Happens: The Complete Journey
- Risks and Complications: The Real Numbers
- How to Choose Your Cataract Surgery Doctor
- Insurance, Government Schemes, and EMI Options
- The Emotional Reality
- Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
- Cataract Surgery Cost by City: Quick Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
The confusing part is the cost. A clinic quotes Rs 15,000 for one eye. Another quotes Rs 1,50,000 for the same eye. The difference is almost entirely the lens (IOL) you choose and the surgical technique. A basic monofocal lens with standard phaco costs Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000. A premium trifocal lens with femto laser can cost Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 2,00,000. Both restore clear vision. The premium option reduces your dependence on glasses after surgery. Understanding this distinction is the key to not overspending or underspending.
We researched cataract surgery pricing across India to build this complete guide. It covers every technique (SICS, phaco, MICS, femto laser), every lens type (monofocal, multifocal, trifocal, toric, EDOF), insurance coverage, government scheme eligibility, and city-by-city pricing so you can make a genuinely informed decision.
For all medical procedure costs in India, visit our complete medical cost guide.
Quick Answer: Cataract Surgery Cost in India (2026)
Cataract Surgery Cost by Procedure Type
The cost of cataract surgery depends almost entirely on two choices: the surgical technique and the IOL (lens) you select. The surgery itself is a small part of the cost. The IOL is where the price varies from Rs 2,000 to Rs 80,000 per eye.
| Procedure | Cost Range | Success Rate | Best For | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SICS (Small Incision Cataract Surgery) | Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 per eye | 90 to 95% | Manual technique with a 6 to 9 mm incision. The cataract is removed in one piece. Self-sealing wound, usually no stitches. Most common technique in government hospitals and eye camps. Ideal for mature or very hard cataracts. Low cost but slightly longer recovery than phaco. Excellent option for budget-conscious patients. | Vision improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery 4 to 6 weeks. |
| Phacoemulsification (Standard Phaco) | Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 per eye | 95 to 98% | The global gold standard. A 2.8 mm incision. Ultrasound energy breaks the cataract into tiny pieces that are suctioned out. Foldable IOL inserted through the same small incision. Faster recovery, less astigmatism, more precise than SICS. Available at most private hospitals and eye clinics across India. | Vision improvement within 1 to 3 days. Full stability 2 to 4 weeks. |
| MICS (Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery) | Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000 per eye | 96 to 98% | A refinement of phaco with an even smaller incision (1.8 to 2.2 mm). Less induced astigmatism. Faster wound healing. Requires premium micro-compatible IOLs. Slightly higher cost than standard phaco. Best for patients who want minimal visual disturbance during recovery. | Vision improvement within 24 hours. Rapid recovery. |
| Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) | Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,00,000 per eye | 97 to 99% | A femtosecond laser performs the precise corneal incisions, capsule opening, and pre-softening of the cataract before phaco removal. The most precise and advanced technique available. Often combined with premium IOLs (multifocal, trifocal, toric). Higher cost due to laser equipment. Best for patients who want maximum precision and plan to use premium lenses. | Vision improvement within 24 hours. Excellent precision. |
| With Monofocal IOL | Add Rs 0 to Rs 5,000 | Standard clarity at one distance | Provides clear vision at one fixed distance (usually far). You will still need reading glasses after surgery. The most affordable IOL option. Included in most base surgery packages. Excellent for patients who do not mind wearing glasses for reading. | Immediate clear distance vision. Reading glasses needed. |
| With Multifocal or Trifocal IOL | Add Rs 20,000 to Rs 80,000 per eye | Reduced glasses dependence | Provides clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, far). Significantly reduces or eliminates the need for glasses after surgery. Trifocal IOLs are the latest generation. Not suitable for all patients (those with other eye conditions like macular degeneration may not benefit). The biggest driver of cost difference between a Rs 20,000 and Rs 1,50,000 cataract surgery. | Near, intermediate, and far vision. Reduced or no glasses. |
| With Toric IOL (Astigmatism Correction) | Add Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 per eye | Corrects astigmatism simultaneously | Corrects pre-existing astigmatism during cataract surgery. Eliminates the need for cylindrical glasses post-surgery. Requires precise pre-operative measurements and axis alignment during surgery. Available in monofocal and multifocal versions. Recommended for patients with 1 dioptre or more of corneal astigmatism. | Clear distance vision without cylindrical correction. |
The honest question most patients should ask: Do I actually need a multifocal or trifocal IOL? A monofocal IOL with standard phaco at Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 gives you excellent distance vision. You wear Rs 200 reading glasses for close work. A multifocal IOL at Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 extra eliminates reading glasses but can cause halos and glare at night, which some patients find bothersome. If you are comfortable wearing reading glasses (most people over 60 already do), the monofocal option is genuinely excellent. Save the multifocal premium for patients who specifically want to eliminate all glasses and have no other eye conditions.
Cataract Surgery Cost in Every Major Indian City
Prices vary dramatically by city. Mumbai is the most expensive. Tier 2 cities offer 30 to 50% savings for comparable quality.
| City | Cost Range (True Total) | Cheapest Option | Key Clinics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Rs 15,000 to Rs 2,00,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 5,000 (Govt/camps) | Centre for Sight, Dr. Agarwal’s, Kohinoor, Lilavati |
| Delhi | Rs 12,000 to Rs 1,50,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 3,000 (AIIMS/Safdarjung) | AIIMS, Centre for Sight, Sharp Sight, Eye-Q, Dr. Shroff’s |
| Bangalore | Rs 12,000 to Rs 1,50,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 3,000 (Govt) | Narayana Nethralaya, Sankara Eye, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Kolkata | Rs 8,000 to Rs 1,00,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Govt) | Disha Eye, Susrut Eye, B.B. Eye Foundation |
| Chennai | Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,20,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Aravind, Sankara) | Sankara Nethralaya, Aravind Eye, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Hyderabad | Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,20,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (LV Prasad) | LV Prasad Eye Institute, Maxivision, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Pune | Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,20,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 3,000 (Govt) | H.V. Desai, Ruby Hall, Sahyadri |
| Ahmedabad | Rs 8,000 to Rs 1,00,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Govt) | Iladevi, Dr. Agarwal’s, Centre for Sight |
| Jaipur | Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Govt) | Centre for Sight, Dr. Agarwal’s, SMS Hospital Eye |
| Lucknow | Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,500 (KGMU) | Dr. Agarwal’s, Vasan Eye Care |
| Chandigarh | Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,500 (PGIMER) | PGIMER Eye, Grewal Eye, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Coimbatore | Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Aravind) | Aravind Eye Hospital, Sankara Eye, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Kochi | Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Govt) | Giridhar Eye, Dr. Agarwal’s, Amrita Eye |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Govt) | Chaithanya Eye, Regional Eye Centre |
| Nagpur | Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,500 (GMC) | Madhav Netralaya, Centre for Sight, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Indore | Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,500 (MY Hospital) | Centre for Sight, Dr. Agarwal’s, Choithram Eye |
| Bhopal | Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,500 (AIIMS Bhopal) | AIIMS Eye, LV Prasad Eye Centre |
| Patna | Rs 3,000 to Rs 50,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,000 (PMCH) | Dr. Agarwal’s, Vasan Eye, PMCH Eye |
| Visakhapatnam | Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (KGH) | Dr. Agarwal’s, Maxivision, KIMS Eye |
| Gurgaon | Rs 15,000 to Rs 1,50,000 | Rs 5,000 (Private minimum) | Centre for Sight, Sharp Sight, Medanta Eye |
| Noida | Rs 12,000 to Rs 1,20,000 | Rs 5,000 (Private minimum) | Centre for Sight, Sharp Sight, Jaypee Eye |
| Madurai | Rs 3,000 to Rs 50,000 | Rs 0 (Aravind Eye Hospital) | Aravind Eye Hospital (world’s largest eye care), Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Surat | Rs 8,000 to Rs 80,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 2,000 (Govt) | Shreeji Eye, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Mangalore | Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,500 (Govt) | Prasad Netralaya, Dr. Agarwal’s |
| Guwahati | Rs 3,000 to Rs 50,000 | Rs 0 to Rs 1,500 (GMCH) | Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Dr. Agarwal’s |
True Cost Calculator: What Cataract Surgery Actually Costs
The number a clinic quotes is the base procedure. Here is everything else you will pay.
Cataract Surgery True Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Budget Clinic | Mid-Range | Premium | Included in Quote? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon and hospital fee | Rs 3,000 | Rs 12,000 | Rs 40,000 | Yes |
| IOL (intraocular lens) | Rs 2,000 | Rs 8,000 | Rs 80,000 | Yes (but type matters hugely) |
| Pre-surgery tests (biometry, OCT, corneal topography) | Rs 1,000 | Rs 2,000 | Rs 5,000 | Sometimes |
| OT charges and consumables | Rs 1,000 | Rs 3,000 | Rs 10,000 | Usually included |
| Anaesthesia (topical drops in most cases) | Rs 0 | Rs 500 | Rs 2,000 | Usually included |
| Post-op eye drops (4 to 6 weeks) | Rs 500 | Rs 1,000 | Rs 3,000 | Sometimes included |
| Follow-up visits (3 to 5 over 6 weeks) | Rs 0 | Rs 1,000 | Rs 3,000 | Sometimes included |
| Protective eye shield | Rs 100 | Rs 200 | Rs 500 | Usually included |
| Second eye (if doing both, usually 1 to 4 weeks apart) | Same as first eye | Same | Same (sometimes 5 to 10% discount) | Separate cost |
| REAL TOTAL | Rs 7,600 | Rs 27,700 | Rs 1,43,500 |
The IOL is 50 to 70 percent of your total bill. A monofocal IOL costs Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,000. A premium trifocal IOL costs Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000. The surgical procedure around it costs roughly the same regardless of which lens you choose. When a clinic quotes Rs 15,000 versus Rs 1,00,000 for cataract surgery, the difference is almost entirely the lens. Ask specifically: what IOL brand and type is included in your quote? This single question reveals whether you are comparing equivalent packages.
The Real Math: What It Costs to Get Results
| Scenario | Per-Session/Cycle Success | Expected Sessions/Cycles | Cost Per | Total Expected Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SICS with basic monofocal, government hospital | 90 to 95% | Rs 0 to Rs 5,000 | 1 eye | Rs 0 to Rs 5,000 (virtually free under schemes) |
| Phaco with monofocal, mid-range private | 95 to 98% | Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 | 1 eye | Rs 18,000 to Rs 35,000 all-inclusive |
| Phaco with multifocal IOL, good clinic | 95 to 98% | Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000 | 1 eye | Rs 50,000 to Rs 95,000 all-inclusive |
| MICS with trifocal IOL, premium clinic | 96 to 98% | Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,20,000 | 1 eye | Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,40,000 all-inclusive |
| Femto laser with premium trifocal, top surgeon | 97 to 99% | Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 1,80,000 | 1 eye | Rs 1,20,000 to Rs 2,00,000 all-inclusive |
| Both eyes, phaco with monofocal, 2 weeks apart | 95 to 98% | Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000 | 2 eyes | Rs 35,000 to Rs 70,000 all-inclusive |
The free and near-free option is genuinely excellent. India runs the world’s largest cataract surgery programme. Government hospitals, Aravind Eye Hospital chain, LV Prasad Eye Institute, and thousands of eye camps offer cataract surgery with SICS or phaco technique and a good monofocal IOL at Rs 0 to Rs 5,000. The surgeons at these institutions perform thousands of surgeries annually and have extraordinary skill levels. If budget is your constraint, these options restore clear vision with the same success rate as a Rs 50,000 private surgery. The only trade-off is you get a basic monofocal lens (meaning reading glasses after surgery) and a less premium waiting room experience.
Who Should (and Should Not) Get Cataract Surgery
You Are Likely a Good Candidate If:
Your vision is noticeably blurred or cloudy and getting worse. Colours appear faded or yellowish. You have difficulty with night driving due to glare and halos. You need increasingly brighter light to read. Your glasses prescription is changing frequently. Your cataract interferes with daily activities (reading, cooking, recognising faces, driving). You have been diagnosed with a visually significant cataract by an ophthalmologist.
You Are NOT a Candidate If:
Your cataract is mild and not affecting daily activities (not all cataracts need surgery immediately). You have other eye conditions that limit visual potential (advanced macular degeneration, advanced glaucoma, severe diabetic retinopathy) where cataract surgery alone will not significantly improve vision. You have active eye infection. You are on blood thinners that cannot be stopped (discuss with your doctor, most modern cataract surgery can be done on blood thinners).
What Actually Happens: The Complete Journey
Risks and Complications: The Real Numbers
| Risk | How Common | How Serious | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) | 10 to 20% (within 2 to 5 years) | Low | The capsule behind the IOL becomes cloudy over time. Treated with a 5-minute YAG laser procedure in the clinic. Not a true complication but the most common post-cataract issue. Laser treatment costs Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. |
| Infection (endophthalmitis) | 0.01 to 0.05% | Very High | Extremely rare but the most feared complication. Can cause permanent vision loss. Prevented by sterile surgical technique and post-op antibiotic drops. Requires immediate treatment if suspected. |
| Retinal detachment | 0.5 to 1% | High | Slightly higher risk after cataract surgery. More common in highly myopic eyes. Requires surgical repair if it occurs. Symptoms: sudden flashes, floaters, or curtain-like vision loss. |
| Swelling of the macula (CME) | 1 to 2% | Moderate | Fluid accumulates in the central retina causing blurred vision. Usually temporary and treated with anti-inflammatory drops. Resolves in weeks to months in most cases. |
| Halos and glare (with multifocal IOLs) | 10 to 20% of multifocal IOL patients | Low | A known trade-off of multifocal and trifocal IOLs. Halos around lights at night can be bothersome for some patients. Most patients adapt within 3 to 6 months. A small percentage find it persistently annoying. |
| IOL dislocation | Less than 1% | Moderate | The IOL shifts from its position. May require repositioning or replacement surgery. More common years after surgery in patients with weak zonules (lens support fibres). |
| Residual refractive error | 5 to 10% | Low | You may still need mild glasses after surgery even with a premium IOL. The IOL power calculation, while very accurate, is not perfect. Minor residual correction with glasses or laser (LASIK) is an option. |
Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries in all of medicine. Over 6 million cataract operations are performed in India annually with a success rate exceeding 95 percent. Serious complications like infection and retinal detachment are extremely rare (less than 1 in 1000). The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes, requires no general anaesthesia, and you go home the same day. For context, the risk of a serious complication from cataract surgery is lower than the risk of a serious car accident on your drive to the hospital. Do not let fear of surgery prevent you from treating a condition that will only get worse without intervention.
How to Choose Your Cataract Surgery Doctor
| Factor | Good Answer | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon qualification | MS (Ophthalmology) or DO with extensive cataract surgery experience (1000 plus surgeries). Fellowship in anterior segment or phaco surgery is a plus. | General doctor doing cataract surgery without ophthalmology training. Optometrist (not qualified to operate). |
| IOL brand transparency | Tells you the exact IOL brand, model, and type being used. Explains the difference between monofocal, multifocal, toric, and EDOF honestly. | Vague about the IOL. Uses unbranded or unknown lenses. Pushes the most expensive IOL without explaining alternatives. |
| Biometry and measurements | Uses optical biometry (IOLMaster, Lenstar) for IOL power calculation. Performs corneal topography for premium IOL planning. Multiple measurements for accuracy. | Uses only ultrasound A-scan biometry (less accurate). No topography. Rushed measurements increase risk of wrong IOL power. |
| All-inclusive pricing | Quote covers surgery, IOL, pre-op tests, post-op drops, follow-ups, and protective shield. Written estimate. | Procedure-only pricing. IOL, tests, drops, and follow-ups charged separately. Actual bill much higher than quote. |
| Equipment | Modern phaco machine. Femto laser available (if you choose FLACS). Operating microscope with illumination system. | Outdated equipment. No phaco capability (SICS only at a premium clinic is a mismatch). |
| Volume and success rate | High-volume surgeon and centre. Openly shares complication rates. Manages complications in-house. | Low-volume surgeon. No complication data shared. No contingency for complications. |
Insurance, Government Schemes, and EMI Options
Cataract surgery IS covered by most health insurance policies in India. Unlike cosmetic procedures, cataract surgery is a medically necessary procedure and falls under standard health insurance coverage.
What is typically covered: The surgery itself, hospital or daycare charges, standard monofocal IOL, pre-surgery tests, and post-surgery medication. Many policies cover cataract surgery as a daycare procedure (no overnight hospital stay required for claim).
What may NOT be covered: Premium IOL upgrades (multifocal, trifocal, toric) above the standard monofocal cost. Some policies have sub-limits on cataract surgery (for example, Rs 40,000 per eye maximum even if your policy sum insured is Rs 5,00,000). Always check for cataract-specific sub-limits in your policy wording.
Waiting period: Most policies have a 1 to 2 year waiting period for cataract surgery specifically (separate from the general waiting period). Some policies waive this for higher premiums. If you are 50 plus and know cataracts may develop, getting insured early is wise.
Government schemes: Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) covers cataract surgery free at empanelled hospitals. The National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) provides free cataract surgery through government hospitals and eye camps across India. State schemes like MJPJAY (Maharashtra), CMCHIS (Tamil Nadu), and Aarogyasri (Telangana) also cover cataract surgery. CGHS covers it for government employees.
Free eye camps: Organisations like Aravind Eye Hospital, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Sankara Nethralaya, and hundreds of NGOs conduct free cataract surgery camps in rural and semi-urban India. The surgical quality at these camps (especially Aravind and LV Prasad) is world-class. If cost is a barrier, these camps are a genuine lifeline.
The Emotional Reality
Losing your vision slowly is different from losing it suddenly. You adapt. You hold the newspaper farther away. You ask someone else to thread the needle. You stop driving at night. You recognise people by their voice because their faces are blurry. The loss is so gradual that many people do not realise how bad their vision has become until they can barely function.
After cataract surgery, the most common reaction is astonishment. Patients say the world looks like it has been cleaned. Colours are vivid again. Faces are sharp. The television is clear. Reading is effortless. It is not an exaggeration to say cataract surgery gives you your world back in 15 minutes.
If you or a parent or grandparent has been putting off cataract surgery because of fear, cost, or the belief that it can wait, please reconsider. The surgery takes 15 to 30 minutes. It is essentially painless. You go home the same day. Vision improves within 24 to 48 hours. And through government hospitals, eye camps, and insurance coverage, the cost barrier is lower in India than almost anywhere in the world. For many patients, it is literally free.
Delaying cataract surgery beyond a point makes the cataract harder and denser, which increases surgical complexity and risk. Operating on a soft, moderate cataract is simpler, faster, and safer than operating on a rock-hard mature cataract. Earlier is better.
Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
Aravind Eye Hospital performs over 500,000 eye surgeries a year with outcomes comparable to any private hospital globally. LV Prasad Eye Institute and Sankara Nethralaya are equally excellent. Government medical colleges do thousands of cataract surgeries annually. If cost is a concern, these options provide outstanding results at zero to minimal cost.
A monofocal IOL with standard phaco at Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 gives you clear distance vision. You wear inexpensive reading glasses for close work. 80 percent of cataract patients in India choose this option. Premium multifocal IOLs reduce glasses dependence but cost Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000 extra per eye and can cause night-time halos. Unless eliminating all glasses is very important to you, monofocal is excellent value.
Many health insurance policies have a hidden sub-limit for cataract surgery. Your policy may have Rs 5,00,000 sum insured but only Rs 40,000 approved for cataract per eye. Read your policy document or call your insurer to check. If the sub-limit is low, you pay the difference out of pocket for premium IOLs.
If both eyes have visually significant cataracts, do not delay the second eye. Most surgeons operate the second eye 1 to 4 weeks after the first. Having one clear eye and one cloudy eye creates an imbalance that is uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous (poor depth perception). Budget for both eyes upfront.
The IOL determines your post-surgery vision quality. Ask which brand is being used (Alcon, J and J Vision, Zeiss, Hoya are premium international brands). Ask how the IOL power is calculated (optical biometry is more accurate than ultrasound A-scan). These two factors significantly affect your visual outcome.
Some patients wait until they can barely see before seeking surgery. A very mature (hypermature) cataract is harder to operate on, has higher complication risk, and may require a larger incision (ECCE instead of phaco). Operating at a moderate stage is simpler, faster, and safer. If your ophthalmologist recommends surgery, do not delay for years.
You will use antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricant eye drops for 4 to 6 weeks. These cost Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 total. Do not skip them. Infection prevention in the first 2 weeks is critical. Follow the exact schedule your doctor prescribes.
If your vision becomes cloudy again 1 to 5 years after cataract surgery, it is likely posterior capsule opacification (PCO), not cataract recurrence. A 5-minute YAG laser procedure in the clinic clears it instantly at Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. This is not a complication but a normal occurrence in 10 to 20 percent of patients.
Cataract surgery is so standardised that a good ophthalmologist in Madurai, Lucknow, or Nagpur delivers the same outcome as one in Mumbai or Delhi at 30 to 50 percent lower cost. Unlike complex surgeries where hospital infrastructure matters, cataract surgery needs a skilled surgeon, a good phaco machine, and a quality IOL. All of these are available in Tier 2 cities.
Aravind Eye Hospital has a unique model: paying patients subsidise free patients. Even the paying tier (Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000) is affordable and the surgical quality is world-class. They have centres in Madurai, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Salem, and other cities. If you are within reach of an Aravind centre, it is worth considering regardless of budget.
Cataract Surgery Cost by City: Quick Links
Click any city for the detailed local guide with hospital comparisons and city-specific tips.
DelhiRs 12,000 to Rs 1,50,000
BangaloreRs 12,000 to Rs 1,50,000
KolkataRs 8,000 to Rs 1,00,000
ChennaiRs 10,000 to Rs 1,20,000
HyderabadRs 10,000 to Rs 1,20,000
PuneRs 10,000 to Rs 1,20,000
AhmedabadRs 8,000 to Rs 1,00,000
JaipurRs 8,000 to Rs 80,000
LucknowRs 5,000 to Rs 60,000
ChandigarhRs 8,000 to Rs 80,000
CoimbatoreRs 8,000 to Rs 80,000
KochiRs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000
ThiruvananthapuramRs 8,000 to Rs 80,000
NagpurRs 5,000 to Rs 60,000
IndoreRs 5,000 to Rs 60,000
BhopalRs 5,000 to Rs 50,000
PatnaRs 3,000 to Rs 50,000
VisakhapatnamRs 5,000 to Rs 60,000
GurgaonRs 15,000 to Rs 1,50,000
NoidaRs 12,000 to Rs 1,20,000
MaduraiRs 3,000 to Rs 50,000
SuratRs 8,000 to Rs 80,000
MangaloreRs 5,000 to Rs 60,000
GuwahatiRs 3,000 to Rs 50,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of cataract surgery in India?
Cataract surgery costs Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 with SICS technique, Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 with phaco and monofocal IOL, Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000 with MICS, and Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,00,000 with femto laser and premium IOL. Government hospitals and eye camps offer it free or at Rs 0 to Rs 5,000. The IOL type is the biggest cost driver.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Yes. Most health insurance policies cover cataract surgery. However, many policies have cataract-specific sub-limits (Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 per eye) that may not cover premium IOLs. Standard phaco with monofocal IOL is usually fully covered within the sub-limit. Premium IOL upgrades are typically out of pocket or partially covered. Check your policy for specific cataract sub-limits.
Which IOL lens is best for cataract surgery?
It depends on your lifestyle and budget. Monofocal IOL (Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,000) gives clear distance vision but you need reading glasses. Multifocal or trifocal IOL (Rs 20,000 to Rs 80,000 extra) reduces glasses dependence for near, intermediate, and far but may cause night halos. Toric IOL corrects astigmatism. For most patients, monofocal is excellent value.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The surgery is done under topical anaesthesia (numbing eye drops). You feel no pain during the procedure. You may feel slight pressure or see bright lights. The surgery takes 15 to 30 minutes. There is no injection around the eye in most modern techniques. Post-surgery, mild irritation and foreign body sensation for 1 to 2 days is normal.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Vision improves noticeably within 24 to 48 hours. Most patients can read, watch TV, and do daily activities within 2 to 3 days. Driving resumes at 1 to 2 weeks. Full visual stability at 4 to 6 weeks when new glasses (if needed) are prescribed. The eye is fully healed in 4 to 6 weeks.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
No. Once the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial IOL, the cataract cannot return. However, in 10 to 20 percent of patients, the capsule behind the IOL can become cloudy (posterior capsule opacification or PCO) within 1 to 5 years. This is easily treated with a 5-minute YAG laser procedure at Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000.
What is the success rate of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery has a 95 to 98 percent success rate with modern techniques. It is one of the safest and most successful surgeries performed worldwide. Over 6 million cataract surgeries are done in India annually. Serious complications are extremely rare (less than 1 in 1000).
Can I get free cataract surgery in India?
Yes. Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) covers cataract surgery free at empanelled hospitals for eligible families. The National Programme for Control of Blindness provides free surgery through government hospitals. Organisations like Aravind Eye Hospital, LV Prasad Eye Institute, and Sankara Nethralaya conduct free eye camps. State government schemes also cover cataract surgery for eligible residents.
Our Recommendation
If cataracts are affecting your daily life, do not delay surgery. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, is essentially painless, and restores clear vision within days. For budget-conscious patients, government hospitals and eye camps offer phaco with monofocal IOL at Rs 0 to Rs 5,000 with excellent quality. For patients with insurance, standard phaco with monofocal IOL is usually fully covered. Choose premium multifocal or trifocal IOLs only if eliminating glasses is specifically important to you and you understand the trade-off of possible night halos. Ask your ophthalmologist for the IOL brand, biometry method, and all-inclusive pricing in writing. And if you are anywhere near an Aravind Eye Hospital, consider them regardless of your budget. Their outcomes are world-class at every price tier.
Disclaimer: Cost figures, success rates, and clinic details are based on publicly available information, clinic websites, and patient reports as of early 2026. Actual costs vary based on individual conditions and clinic pricing. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified specialist.