If you or your loved one has been told that cataract surgery is needed, I want to begin by saying, take a deep breath. I’ve been in your shoes, not as a patient, but as a son and a doctor.
I’ve sat beside my own family members, explaining what this procedure means, and what life looks like after it.
That’s why, as an eye surgeon with over two decades of experience, including training under leading experts in England, I now offer Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS) at our eye hospital here in Navi Mumbai.
It’s a newer, gentler, stitchless approach to cataract surgery, and for most patients, the difference in comfort and recovery is significant.
Let me walk you through it, not as a medical brochure would, but as I would explain it to someone sitting across from me in the clinic.
MICS — or Microincision Cataract Surgery — is a highly refined form of cataract removal where we make a very small cut — 2.2 mm — to remove the cloudy lens and place a new one. The smaller the incision, the less trauma to the eye, and the faster the healing.
Think of it like entering through the width of a pinhole, rather than a keyhole. In most cases, the incision is so tiny that no stitches are needed. The eye seals itself naturally.
For patients, that means:
Not every cataract needs the most high-end technique, but here’s why I often recommend MICS, especially for patients who:
In my hands, MICS has consistently delivered predictable and stable outcomes, with most patients reporting improved clarity within 24 to 48 hours.
This is one question I get a lot, and understandably so — all these terms can sound confusing.
Let me simplify it:
Technique | Incision Size | Stitch Required? | How It’s Done |
Phacoemulsification | ~2.8 mm | No (self-healing) | Ultrasound probe emulsifies the lens |
MICS | ~1.8-2.2 mm | No | Same as Phaco, but through a micro cut |
Laser-assisted | ~2.2 mm | No | A femtosecond laser assists some steps |
So technically, MICS is an advanced version of Phaco, just through a much smaller entry point. We still use phacoemulsification to break the lens, just more delicately.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is also an option; however, in most cases, MICS offers equally excellent results at a lower cost, which is important to many families.
Absolutely. In fact, MICS is one of the safest options for older patients or those with controlled diabetes, BP, or cardiac conditions. Since the procedure uses topical anaesthesia and involves minimal manipulation, the stress on the body is lower.
I’ve had 76-year-olds walk out of surgery smiling, asking when we’ll do the second eye.
Of course, every case is unique, and I thoroughly review your reports before making a recommendation. However, rest assured: your safety is always my top priority.
Let me break it down for you, step by step:
We perform a comprehensive eye exam, including painless scans, and take blood pressure/sugar checks. I’ll sit down with you to discuss which lens is best suited for your lifestyle: monofocal, multifocal, or toric (for astigmatism).
You’ll receive a list of dos and don’ts before surgery, so there will be no surprises.
The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes. You’ll be awake but won’t feel pain — only a little pressure or cool fluid around your eye. Most patients are surprised at how quick and smooth it is.
(Insert a patient video here saying: “I didn’t feel anything — it was over before I knew it!”)
You rest for about 30 minutes, then go home. You’ll wear dark glasses, get eye drops, and a small post-op kit. No bandage. No stitches. Many patients tell me:
“Doctor, I saw better the very next morning.”
I’ll be seeing you at regular follow-ups — you’re never left alone in the healing process.
At my practice, I believe in clarity of vision and cost. Here’s a general idea:
This includes surgeon fee, theatre charges, standard lens, disposables, and post-op visits.
We also help with:
No hidden charges. You’ll always know what you’re paying for.
Not at all. I use eye drops to numb the surface — in most cases, no injections are near the eye. You may feel pressure, but no pain.
Laser surgery uses a machine to perform some initial steps. MICS uses manual tools but a smaller incision. Both offer great outcomes; MICS is more cost-effective.
MICS is a refined version of Phaco. The main difference is the size of the incision. We perform smaller incisions in MICS, which results in better healing.
Typically 1.8 mm to 2.2 mm. It’s so small that the wound seals on its own.
In many cases, the next day. Some patients regain up to 90% vision within 48 hours.
Yes — if your first eye heals well, I usually schedule the second eye in 3–7 days, depending on your comfort.
If you choose a monofocal lens, yes, likely for reading. But Trifocal lenses can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses.
If you’re scared of cataract surgery, I understand. Many of my patients came in anxious and left saying,
“If I knew it was this simple, I wouldn’t have waited so long.”
At my eye hospital in Navi Mumbai, we combine global-standard techniques with personal care. You’re not just another file; you’re a person trusting me with your sight, and that’s something I don’t take lightly.
If you’d like to explore MICS cataract surgery for yourself or a loved one, come in for a consultation. Let’s have a real conversation; no pressure, just clarity.
