Cataract Surgery Cost in Government Hospital

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.

The cost of cataract surgery techniques can vary depending on multiple factors. The following table shows the cost of these procedures 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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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.