Extracapsular Cataract Extraction Cost in Bangalore, India

Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) removes a cloudy lens in one piece through a larger cut than modern keyhole methods, and is still used for some very dense cataracts.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust describes phacoemulsification, which breaks up the lens with ultrasound through small cuts, as the standard method today. ECCE uses a bigger cut and stitches, so healing is slower.

Manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is a modern form of extracapsular surgery used widely in India. A Cochrane review found vision with glasses similar to phaco, with MSICS less costly, though the evidence was low quality.

Recovery takes longer than after phaco, and stitches can cause astigmatism. Eye drops are used for several weeks.

A new glasses prescription is usually checked once the eye has settled.

Flying home: the UK Civil Aviation Authority's guidance for doctors suggests about 1 week after intra-ocular surgery, and the eye surgeon checks the eye before you travel.

The cost of extracapsular cataract extraction in Bangalore typically ranges from $280 to $1,000 USD (about ₹26,600 to ₹94,900), depending on the hospital, room category and type of procedure.

What you pay depends mainly on your own case. If one eye is treated with a standard lens or technique, your bill is likely to be closer to $280 (about ₹26,600). It is likely to be nearer $1,000 (about ₹94,900) if a specialised lens or graft is used, both eyes are treated or advanced equipment is needed.

When comparing Bangalore packages for extracapsular cataract extraction, check whether each quote includes:

• Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
• Operating theatre or procedure room
• The lens, implant or graft
• Hospital stay and room category
• Medicines and consumables
• Follow-up visits before you fly home

Bangalore hospitals usually put together an estimate for extracapsular cataract extraction from these elements:

• Pre-operative eye tests: measurements and scans.
• Lens, implant or graft: standard or premium options.
• Surgeon grade: consultant fees vary.
• Technique: ECCE, small-incision or phaco.
• Lens implant: standard or premium.
• Stitches: needed with ECCE.
• Follow-up: drops and glasses check.

Ask whether the Bangalore eye quote covers the lens or implant, surgeon, theatre, medicines and follow-up checks, as these are often listed separately.

Eye care in Bengaluru ranges from hospital ophthalmology departments to stand-alone eye hospitals with dedicated cataract, cornea, glaucoma and retina services.

Accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), part of the Quality Council of India, is India's main hospital quality standard, and the NABH website shows whether a Bangalore hospital's accreditation is current.

Some Bengaluru hospitals also hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, an international standard, and JCI's public directory lets you confirm a hospital's status before you book.

Patients travelling from abroad can apply online for India's e-Medical visa, and accompanying family members for an e-Medical Attendant visa; check the current conditions on the official Indian visa portal before booking.