Cataract Surgery

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is ​Cataract Surgery?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Cataract Surgery ?

.

Why do you need Cataract Surgery ?

Phacoemulsification is indicated for:

  • Cataracts causing vision impairment:
    • Blurred or cloudy vision: Difficulty reading, driving, or seeing details.
    • Glare or halos: Sensitivity to bright lights, especially at night.
    • Faded colors: Colors appear less vibrant.
    • Double vision: In one eye, due to lens opacity.
  • Functional impact:
    • Affects daily activities (e.g., reading, driving) or quality of life.
    • Visual acuity <6/12 (Snellen chart) or worse, depending on patient needs.
  • Other conditions:
    • Secondary cataracts: Due to diabetes, trauma, steroids, or radiation.
    • Mature cataracts: Risk of complications like glaucoma if untreated.

The procedure aims to remove the clouded lens, implant an IOL, and restore clear vision, typically improving visual acuity to 6/6 or 6/9 (normal or near-normal vision).

Why Do Cataract Surgery Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Cataract Surgery Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Slit-lamp exam: Confirms cataract severity and type (e.g., nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular).
      • Visual acuity test: Measures vision impairment.
      • Biometry: Measures eye length and corneal curvature (using IOLMaster or A-scan) to calculate IOL power.
      • Fundus exam: Checks retina/macula health (e.g., rules out macular degeneration).
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar (for diabetics), blood pressure, and infection screening.
    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe; antibiotic eye drops (e.g., moxifloxacin) 1–2 days pre-surgery.
    • Consent: Risks, including infection, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Phacoemulsification:
      • Performed under local anesthesia (topical eye drops or peribulbar injection), lasting 15–30 minutes.
      • Outpatient procedure; patient is awake but sedated if needed.
      • A small incision (2–3 mm) is made in the cornea.
      • A probe (phacoemulsifier) uses ultrasound waves to break the cloudy lens into tiny fragments, which are suctioned out.
      • An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the lens capsule:
        • Monofocal IOL: Corrects distance vision (most common).
        • Multifocal/Toric IOL: Corrects distance and near vision or astigmatism (costlier).
      • The incision is self-sealing (no stitches usually needed).
    • Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) (less common):
      • Uses a laser for corneal incision, capsulotomy (lens capsule opening), and lens fragmentation; more precise but costlier.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Phacoemulsifier: Breaks and removes the lens.
      • IOL: Restores focusing power.
      • Operating microscope: Enhances precision.
  • After Surgery:
    • Observation: 1–2 hours in the recovery area; same-day discharge.
    • Eye care: Protective eye shield for 1–2 weeks (esp. at night); antibiotic/steroid drops (e.g., prednisolone, moxifloxacin) for 4–6 weeks.
    • Pain management: Mild discomfort managed with acetaminophen if needed.
    • Instructions: Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, or water exposure for 1–2 weeks.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

  1. Immediate Recovery: Same-day discharge; vision may be blurry for 1–2 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Vision: Improves within 1–2 days; stabilizes in 4–6 weeks (monofocal IOL); glasses may be needed for near vision.
    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks; normal activities (e.g., reading) within 2–3 days.
    • Eye care: Use prescribed drops (antibiotic/steroid) for 4–6 weeks; avoid water, dust, or rubbing the eye for 2 weeks.
    • Discomfort: Mild irritation, tearing, or foreign body sensation for 3–5 days; managed with drops or acetaminophen.
    • Driving: Resume after 1–2 weeks, once vision meets legal standards (check with doctor). 

3. Follow-Up:

  • Visits at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 weeks to monitor healing and vision.
  • Glasses prescription (if needed): At 4–6 weeks.

Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full visual recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 95–98% achieve 6/9 or better vision (if no other eye conditions, e.g., glaucoma).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Infection (endophthalmitis, <0.1%): Rare but serious; causes redness, pain, vision loss; treated with antibiotics or surgery.
    • Bleeding (1–2%): Usually mild; rare severe hemorrhage.
    • Posterior capsule rupture (1–3%): Lens capsule tears; may require additional surgery (e.g., vitrectomy).
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Posterior capsule opacification (PCO, 10–20% within 2 years): Clouding behind the IOL; treated with YAG laser capsulotomy (outpatient, ₹5,000–₹10,000 in India).
    • Swelling (edema, 1–3%): Corneal or macular edema causing blurry vision; usually resolves with drops.
    • IOL dislocation (<1%): Lens shifts position; may need repositioning surgery.
    • Raised intraocular pressure (1–2%): Temporary; managed with drops.
  • Long-Term:
    • Refractive error (5–10%): Need for glasses if IOL power miscalculated or astigmatism persists.
    • Retinal detachment (<1%): Higher risk in myopic patients; causes sudden vision loss; needs urgent surgery.

Report severe pain, sudden vision loss, flashes/floaters, or redness promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes cataracts?

Aging (most common, >60 years), diabetes, prolonged steroid use, UV exposure, smoking, or trauma.

Can I avoid cataract surgery?

No, if vision is significantly impaired; cataracts don’t resolve on their own. Early stages can be managed with glasses or brighter lighting.

Is phacoemulsification painful?

No, performed under local anesthesia; mild discomfort post-surgery for 1–2 days, managed with medication.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities in 1–2 days; normal routines in 1–2 weeks; full recovery in 4–6 weeks.

Is cataract surgery covered by insurance in India?

Yes, under most plans and government schemes (e.g., Ayushman Bharat); confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Severe pain, sudden vision loss, flashes/floaters, or increased redness.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

Monofocal IOL: Often need reading glasses; multifocal/toric IOLs reduce this need but are costlier.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Avoid rubbing the eye, use prescribed drops, wear sunglasses to protect from UV, manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes), and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Cataract Surgery

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery, specifically phacoemulsification, is a procedure to remove a clouded lens (cataract) from the eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision. It is the most common and advanced technique for cataract treatment, addressing vision impairment caused by lens opacity. In the Philippines, cataract surgery is performed in ophthalmology departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering high-quality care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) is indicated for:

  • Cataracts Causing Vision Impairment:

    • Blurred or Cloudy Vision: Difficulty reading, driving, or seeing details (70–80% of cases).

    • Glare or Halos: Sensitivity to bright lights, especially at night (50–60% report glare issues).

    • Faded Colors: Colors appear dull or yellowish (40–50%).

    • Double Vision: In one eye due to lens opacity (10–20%).

  • Functional Impact: Affects daily activities (e.g., reading, driving, work) or quality of life; visual acuity <6/12 (Snellen chart) or worse, depending on patient needs.

  • Associated Conditions:

    • Secondary Cataracts: Caused by diabetes (15–20% of cases in the Philippines), trauma, prolonged steroid use, or radiation.

    • Mature Cataracts: Risk of complications like glaucoma or uveitis if untreated (5–10%).

  • Prevalence in the Philippines: Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, affecting ~1–2% of adults over 40, with higher rates in those over 60 (20–30%) and diabetics.

  • Timing: Recommended when vision impairment significantly affects daily life or poses risks (e.g., driving accidents); urgent for mature cataracts to prevent complications.

The procedure aims to remove the clouded lens, implant an IOL, and restore clear vision, typically improving visual acuity to 6/6 or 6/9 (normal or near-normal vision) in 95–98% of uncomplicated cases.

Why Do Cataract Surgery Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱50,000 to ₱250,000 per eye, influenced by:

  • Procedure Type/IOL:

    • Standard phacoemulsification with monofocal IOL: ₱50,000–₱100,000.

    • Premium IOL (multifocal, toric, or extended depth of focus): ₱100,000–₱200,000.

    • Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): ₱150,000–₱250,000 (less common, more precise).

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱80,000–₱250,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱20,000–₱60,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or PCSO medical assistance).

  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced ophthalmologists charge higher fees.

  • Additional Costs:

    • Pre-op tests (e.g., biometry, slit-lamp exam, blood tests): ₱5,000–₱15,000.

    • Anesthesia (topical drops or peribulbar injection): ₱5,000–₱10,000.

    • Post-op medications (e.g., antibiotic/steroid drops): ₱2,000–₱5,000.

    • Hospital or clinic fees (outpatient, same-day discharge): ₱5,000–₱15,000.

    • Follow-up visits (1–3 visits): ₱1,000–₱3,000 per visit.

  • Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱16,000–₱30,000) for cataract surgery; private insurance typically covers medically necessary cases. PCSO medical assistance or charity programs (e.g., through eye clinics) may reduce costs for indigent patients. Confirm with your provider.

Cataract Surgery Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:

  • Diagnosis:

    • Slit-Lamp Exam: Confirms cataract type (nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular) and severity (80–90% of cases).

    • Visual Acuity Test: Measures vision impairment (e.g., <6/12 indicates surgery need in symptomatic patients).

    • Biometry: Uses IOLMaster or A-scan to measure eye length and corneal curvature for accurate IOL power calculation.

    • Fundus Exam: Checks retina/macula health to rule out comorbidities (e.g., macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, 10–15% of cases).

    • Blood Tests: Blood sugar (for diabetics, 15–20% of cases), blood pressure, and infection screening.

  • Preparation: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe; start antibiotic eye drops (e.g., moxifloxacin) 1–2 days pre-surgery. Consent includes risks like infection or IOL dislocation.

  • Multidisciplinary Team: Involves ophthalmologist, anesthesiologist (if sedation used), and optometrist (post-op glasses if needed).

Surgical Techniques:

  1. Phacoemulsification (Standard):

    • Performed under local anesthesia (topical eye drops or peribulbar injection, 90–95% of cases), lasting 15–30 minutes.

    • Outpatient procedure; patient is awake but may receive mild sedation.

    • Process:

      • A small corneal incision (2–3 mm) is made.

      • A phacoemulsifier probe uses ultrasound waves to break the clouded lens into fragments, which are suctioned out.

      • An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the lens capsule:

        • Monofocal IOL: Corrects distance vision (70–80% of cases); reading glasses often needed.

        • Multifocal/Toric IOL: Corrects distance, near vision, or astigmatism (20–30%, costlier).

      • The incision is self-sealing (no stitches in 95% of cases).

    • Tools: Phacoemulsifier, operating microscope, IOL injector, viscoelastic gel (protects eye structures).

  2. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS, 5–10%):

    • Uses a laser for corneal incision, capsulotomy (lens capsule opening), and lens fragmentation; more precise but costlier (₱150,000–₱250,000).

    • Same IOL insertion and recovery process as standard phacoemulsification.

  3. Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS, rare in private settings): Used in public hospitals or charity camps for cost-effectiveness (₱20,000–₱50,000); larger incision (5–6 mm), slightly longer recovery.

After Surgery:

  • Observation: 1–2 hours in recovery; same-day discharge (95–98% of cases).

  • Care:

    • Protective eye shield for 1–2 weeks (especially at night) to prevent rubbing.

    • Antibiotic (e.g., moxifloxacin) and steroid (e.g., prednisolone) eye drops for 4–6 weeks to prevent infection and inflammation.

    • Pain management with oral analgesics (e.g., paracetamol) for mild discomfort (1–2 days).

  • Instructions: Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, bending, or water exposure (e.g., swimming, face washing) for 1–2 weeks; wear sunglasses to protect from UV and dust.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

  • Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (outpatient).

  • Post-Surgery Care:

    • Vision: Improves within 1–2 days (70–80% notice clarity by day 2); stabilizes in 4–6 weeks. Monofocal IOL patients may need reading glasses; multifocal/toric IOLs reduce this need.

    • Discomfort: Mild irritation, tearing, or foreign body sensation for 3–5 days; managed with drops or analgesics.

    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or bending for 1–2 weeks; resume light activities (e.g., reading, walking) in 1–2 days.

    • Driving: Resume after 1–2 weeks, once vision meets legal standards (e.g., 6/12 or better, confirm with doctor).

    • Eye Care: Use prescribed drops (4–6 weeks); avoid dust, water, or rubbing the eye for 2 weeks; wear sunglasses outdoors.

  • Follow-Up:

    • Visits at 1 day (check vision, pressure), 1 week, 1 month, and 6 weeks to monitor healing and IOL stability.

    • Glasses prescription (if needed): At 4–6 weeks, once refraction stabilizes.

  • Recovery timeline: Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full visual recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 95–98% achieve 6/9 or better vision if no other eye conditions (e.g., glaucoma, retinopathy).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:

    • Infection (Endophthalmitis, <0.1%): Rare but serious; causes redness, pain, vision loss; treated with antibiotics or vitrectomy (₱100,000–₱200,000).

    • Bleeding (1–2%): Usually mild (anterior chamber); severe hemorrhage is rare.

    • Posterior Capsule Rupture (1–3%): Lens capsule tears during surgery; may require vitrectomy or alternative IOL placement.

  • Post-Surgery:

    • Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO, 10–20% within 2 years): Clouding behind the IOL; treated with YAG laser capsulotomy (outpatient, ₱10,000–₱20,000).

    • Swelling (1–3%): Corneal edema (temporary blurry vision) or cystoid macular edema; managed with drops, resolves in weeks.

    • IOL Dislocation (<1%): Lens shifts position; may need repositioning surgery (₱80,000–₱150,000).

    • Raised Intraocular Pressure (1–2%): Temporary; managed with eye drops or medication.

  • Long-Term:

    • Refractive Error (5–10%): Need for glasses if IOL power miscalculated or astigmatism persists.

    • Retinal Detachment (<1%): Higher risk in myopic patients; causes sudden vision loss, flashes, or floaters; requires urgent surgery (₱100,000–₱200,000).

  • Report severe pain, sudden vision loss, flashes/floaters, or increased redness promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes cataracts?
Aging (most common, >60 years), diabetes (15–20% of cases), prolonged steroid use, UV exposure, smoking, trauma, or radiation.

Can I avoid cataract surgery?
No, for significant vision impairment; cataracts do not resolve naturally. Early stages can be managed with glasses, brighter lighting, or magnifying aids.

Is cataract surgery painful?
No, performed under local anesthesia; mild discomfort (irritation, tearing) for 1–2 days post-surgery, managed with medication.

How soon can I resume activities?
Light activities (e.g., reading, walking): 1–2 days; normal routines: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 4–6 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting or water exposure for 2 weeks.

Is cataract surgery covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱16,000–₱30,000); private insurance typically covers medically necessary cases. PCSO assistance or charity programs may apply. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications post-procedure?
Severe pain, sudden vision loss, flashes/floaters, or increased redness require immediate medical attention.

Will I need glasses after surgery?
Monofocal IOL: Often need reading glasses (50–60%); multifocal/toric IOLs reduce or eliminate glasses need but are costlier.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-surgery?
Avoid rubbing the eye, use prescribed drops, wear sunglasses for UV protection, manage chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes), and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

Phacoemulsification is a safe, effective procedure to restore vision impaired by cataracts, with a high success rate (95–98% achieve 6/9 or better vision) and quick recovery. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) provide quality care at costs ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱250,000 per eye, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to approach surgery confidently. For symptoms like blurred vision or glare, consult a board-certified ophthalmologist for personalized guidance and optimal outcomes.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Cataract Surgery

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
20,000
80,000
Antipolo
20,000
80,000
Bacolod
20,000
80,000
Bacoor
20,000
60,000
Baguio
20,000
80,000
Butuan
20,000
60,000
Cagayan de Oro
20,000
80,000
Caloocan
20,000
60,000
Cebu City
30,000
100,000
Dasmariñas
20,000
60,000
Davao City
30,000
100,000
General Santos
20,000
80,000
General Trias
20,000
60,000
Iligan
20,000
80,000
Iloilo City
20,000
80,000
Las Piñas
20,000
80,000
Makati
30,000
100,000
Malolos
20,000
60,000
Manila
30,000
100,000
Muntinlupa
20,000
80,000
Parañaque
20,000
80,000
Pasay
20,000
80,000
Pasig
30,000
100,000
Puerto Princesa
20,000
80,000
Quezon City
30,000
100,000
San Fernando
20,000
60,000
San Jose del Monte
20,000
60,000
Taguig
30,000
100,000
Valenzuela
20,000
60,000
Zamboanga City
20,000
80,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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