When my uncle had his cataract surgery in Calicut last year, the surgery itself was the easy part. What kept him up at night was the lens decision. The doctor asked him: “Do you want to wear glasses after surgery or not?” and honestly, that’s when we realised — the lens you choose matters just as much as the surgeon.
So, if you’re wondering the same thing, let’s break it down in simple words.
Why Lens Choice Isn’t Just “Technical”
During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one (called an IOL). Now here’s the catch: the type of lens you pick decides how you’ll see afterward. Distance vision clear but still need reading glasses? Or clear vision at all ranges with no specs at all? That choice is in the lens.
It’s a bit like buying shoes — one size doesn’t fit everyone. A student, a driver, and a retired person reading books all day may choose different options.
The Types of Lenses Explained (in Plain English)
- Monofocal lenses: Cheapest and most common. They give you good vision at one distance (usually far). But yes, you’ll still need reading glasses.
- Multifocal lenses: Cover near, intermediate, and far vision. Means you can ditch glasses for most things. Downside? Some people complain of halos around lights at night.
- Toric lenses: If you’ve got astigmatism, this one’s for you. They correct the corneal curve and give sharper vision.
- EDOF lenses: The newest ones. Think of them as a middle ground — good range of vision, fewer night-time side effects than multifocals.
So, Which Lens is “Best” in Calicut?
Honestly, there isn’t a single “best.” It depends on your lifestyle and pocket:
- If budget is tight → monofocal.
- If you hate glasses → multifocal or EDOF.
- If you’ve got astigmatism → toric.
- If you want a balance (less glare, decent independence) → EDOF.
When my uncle chose his, the doctor at Baby Memorial explained it this way: “If you read books every day, multifocal is worth it. If you’re mostly outdoors, monofocal is fine. And if you drive a lot at night, EDOF may be the safest bet.” That kind of personal advice is gold.
What It Might Cost You in Calicut
Rough numbers (per eye):
- Monofocal: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
- Multifocal: ₹45,000 – ₹80,000
- Toric: ₹50,000 – ₹90,000
- EDOF: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000+
These usually cover surgery + follow-ups + drops. Premium lenses are pricier, but many patients see them as a one-time investment.
Where to Go in Calicut
- ASG Eye Hospital: Lots of options, advanced equipment.
- Vasan Eye Care: Popular across Kerala, clear pricing.
- Baby Memorial Hospital: Trusted for years, with senior surgeons.
- Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital: Known for specialized care.
FAQs People Ask Me
- Which lens gives the sharpest vision? → Multifocal or EDOF.
- Are premium lenses worth it? → If you want freedom from glasses, yes.
- Can astigmatism be fixed in surgery? → Yes, that’s what toric lenses do.
- Which lens has fewer side effects? → Monofocal and EDOF usually cause fewer night-vision issues.
