Combined Cataract and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) Cost in India
Cataract and glaucoma are two of the most common eye conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. When left untreated, they can lead to significant vision loss. Fortunately, recent advancements in ophthalmic surgery now allow for Combined Cataract-Glaucoma Surgery and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), offering safe, effective solutions for managing both conditions in a single procedure.
Dr. Suraj Munjal, a renowned ophthalmologist with decades of experience, specializes in this combined approach, providing patients with improved outcomes, shorter recovery times, and better overall vision care.
Table of Contents
Causes of Cataract and Glaucoma
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, typically due to aging, but can also be influenced by:
- Prolonged UV exposure
- Diabetes
- Trauma or injury to the eye
- Long-term use of certain medications (e.g., steroids)
Glaucoma is caused by elevated pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve. This increased pressure is usually due to improper drainage of fluid and can be exacerbated by:
- Genetics (family history of glaucoma)
- Age (common in individuals over 60)
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids
Types of Combined Cataract-Glaucoma Surgery & MIGS
- Combined Cataract Surgery with Trabeculectomy: Traditional surgery that lowers intraocular pressure by creating a new drainage pathway.
- Phacoemulsification with Glaucoma Drainage Devices (GDDs): Combines cataract removal with the insertion of tiny tubes to help drain eye fluid.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Involves micro-sized devices or lasers to enhance fluid drainage with minimal disruption to eye tissues.
Symptoms of Cataract and Glaucoma
Cataract Symptoms:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
Glaucoma Symptoms:
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Blurred vision or “tunnel vision”
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain or pressure (more common in acute glaucoma)
It’s essential to seek early intervention, as glaucoma often shows no symptoms in the early stages.
Diagnosis of Cataract and Glaucoma
A comprehensive eye exam is essential to diagnose both cataract and glaucoma. Tests may include:
- Visual acuity test to assess how well you see at various distances.
- Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure (for glaucoma).
- Ophthalmoscopy to examine the optic nerve for damage.
- Visual field test to detect vision loss.
- Slit-lamp examination to evaluate cataract severity.
Dr. Suraj Munjal utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Treatment Options for Cataract and Glaucoma
- Cataract Surgery: Involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is often combined with glaucoma surgery to lower eye pressure.
- Combined Cataract-Glaucoma Surgery: Both conditions are treated simultaneously, improving vision and protecting the optic nerve from further damage.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Designed to lower intraocular pressure using micro-sized instruments. These procedures are less invasive and offer quicker recovery times than traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Benefits of Combined Surgery:
- Treats both conditions in one procedure
- Reduces overall recovery time
- Improves vision and eye pressure control
- Fewer post-surgical complications
Cost of Treatment and Stay in India
The cost of Combined Cataract-Glaucoma Surgery and MIGS in India is significantly lower compared to Western countries, making it an attractive option for international patients. Depending on the type of surgery, the estimated cost ranges from $1,500 to $3,500.
For international patients, India offers:
- Affordable high-quality medical care
- Experienced ophthalmologists like Dr. Suraj Munjal
- Shorter wait times for surgery
The typical stay in India for cataract-glaucoma surgery is around 7 to 10 days, allowing enough time for recovery and follow-up consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Combined cataract-glaucoma surgery helps manage both conditions in one procedure, reducing the need for multiple surgeries and improving vision and eye pressure control.
MIGS is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny devices or lasers to lower eye pressure with fewer risks and faster recovery compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Recovery after combined cataract-glaucoma surgery typically takes around 4-6 weeks. MIGS procedures often have faster recovery times, with patients returning to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, or elevated eye pressure post-surgery. However, these complications are rare when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. Suraj Munjal.
