Cataract Surgery Decoded: Lens Choices, Costs, and the Marketing Maze

There are 4 categories of intraocular lens. The hospital will pitch you the most expensive. Here is how to actually choose.

Cataract is the most common eye surgery in India. The procedure has been commoditized; the marketing has not.

The 4 lens categories

• Monofocal (standard): ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 total. Glasses required after.
• Toric (for astigmatism): ₹35,000 – ₹60,000.
• Multifocal: ₹55,000 – ₹95,000. Reduced glasses dependence.
• Trifocal/EDOF (premium): ₹85,000 – ₹1,60,000.

For 80% of patients, a quality monofocal lens delivers excellent visual outcomes. The premium lenses are real, but the premium is real too.