Best Cataract Doctor in Mumbai — Dr. Jignesh Gala
A complete, evidence-based review of cataract eye surgery at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West — from congenital cataracts in newborns to white mature cataracts in 100-year-old patients. Painless phacoemulsification • Femtosecond laser • Premium IOLs (multifocal, EDOF, toric) • YAG capsulotomy & more.
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Quick Clinic Info
📑 What You’ll Find in This Guide
- Why this cataract surgery review exists
- Meet Dr. Jignesh Gala — Mumbai’s trusted cataract surgeon
- About Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West
- Why we are the best cataract centre in Mumbai
- Cataract conditions treated
- Complete list of cataract surgeries we perform
- Premium IOL types — multifocal, EDOF, toric, accommodative
- From newborns to 100-year-old patients
- Cashless mediclaim — Topax & Crystal Clear Eye
- Mediclaim policy types & limits per cataract procedure
- Step-by-step cataract surgery process & documents required
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact, location & booking
Why This Cataract Surgery Review Exists
If you or a parent has been told they have a cataract, you are probably searching online for the best cataract doctor in Mumbai — and you are overwhelmed by the choices. Every hospital claims to be “the best”. This blog cuts through the noise. Written by me, Dr. Jignesh Gala, cataract and eye surgeon at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West, this guide covers everything from the types of cataract surgery I perform, to which premium intraocular lens is right for you, to how cashless mediclaim works, to the exact documents you must carry on the day of surgery.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the world — but it is still surgery on your eye. The surgeon you choose directly determines whether you end up with 6/6 spectacle-free vision or a lifetime of glare and dependence on glasses. That is why, when patients across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bandra, Juhu, Vile Parle, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, Powai, Dadar, Santacruz, Khar and Andheri West search Google for “best cataract doctor near me”, I want them to find a genuine, detailed, transparent resource — not a 200-word promotional page. This is that resource.
Meet Dr. Jignesh Gala — Mumbai’s Trusted Cataract Surgeon
I am Dr. Jignesh Gala, a cataract and eye surgeon and the founder-owner of Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West, Mumbai. Over the last 15+ years I have personally performed over 10,000 cataract surgeries — from routine walk-in phacoemulsification to complex cases that other centres declined to operate. I am privileged to be the sole eye surgeon at Crystal Clear Eye, which means every patient who walks into my clinic is examined, counselled and operated on by me personally — not by a junior, not by a chain-hospital trainee, and not by a rotating locum.
My philosophy is simple: your eyesight is too precious to delegate. Whether you are a 50-year-old executive with early cataract, a 75-year-old grandmother with a white mature cataract, a child with a traumatic cataract from a cricket ball injury, or a newborn with congenital cataract, the same pair of trained hands should be responsible for your care — from the first slit-lamp examination to the final post-op refraction. That is exactly how I run Crystal Clear Eye.
I trained in comprehensive ophthalmology before super-specialising in micro-incisional phacoemulsification and premium IOL implantation. My surgical portfolio covers standard monofocal IOL surgery, bladeless femtosecond laser cataract surgery, multifocal and EDOF IOLs for spectacle independence, toric IOLs for astigmatism correction, pediatric cataract surgery, traumatic cataract reconstruction and secondary IOL implantation. My patients travel to Andheri West from across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Panvel, Vasai-Virar, Karjat, Khopoli and even from Gujarat and other states.
Credentials & Memberships
- MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), Fellowship in Cataract & Refractive Surgery
- Member, All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS)
- Member, Bombay Ophthalmologists’ Association (BOA)
- Member, Indian Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ISCRS)
- Member, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
- Empanelled cataract surgeon with leading TPAs and insurance carriers
You can read more about my background on the official clinic website — www.crystalcleareye.in and www.drjigneshgalaeye.com.
About Crystal Clear Eye — Andheri West, Mumbai
Crystal Clear Eye is my own eye-care clinic, located at Laram Centre CHS, A1-202, Swami Vivekanand Road, above Sunil Jewellers, near NADCO Shopping Centre, Railway Colony, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058. I own and operate this clinic — there is no parent hospital chain, no franchise, and no third-party management company. When you choose Crystal Clear Eye for your cataract surgery, you are choosing my personal surgical reputation, not a brand.
Advanced Diagnostics
Zeiss IOLMaster 700 biometry, Pentacam topography, OCT macula scan, specular microscopy and keratometry — every calculation needed for a perfect IOL power, under one roof.
Modern Operation Theatre
Centurion Vision System (Alcon) for phacoemulsification, LenSx femtosecond laser platform, and a dedicated laminar-flow OT — the same technology used in top European eye hospitals.
Cashless Mediclaim
Direct cashless through Topax Eye Care and third-party cashless through Crystal Clear Eye — most major Indian insurers and TPAs empanelled.
Pediatric Cataract
Specialised surgical protocols for congenital cataracts in newborns, traumatic cataracts in children and developmental cataracts in teenagers.
Geriatric Cataract Care
Safe anaesthesia protocols and high-risk clearance for patients in their 80s, 90s and 100s — cataract surgery has no upper age limit at my clinic.
Andheri West Location
2 minutes from Andheri station, easy access from Bandra, Juhu, Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar, Goregaon, Malad — the entire western suburbs and beyond.
Why Crystal Clear Eye Is the Best Cataract Centre in Mumbai
Patients often ask me, “Doctor, why should I choose you over a big chain hospital in Mumbai?” The honest answer is below — and it has nothing to do with marketing.
1. Surgeon Continuity — Every Single Time
At a chain hospital, the surgeon who consults you on Monday may not be the surgeon who operates on you on Thursday. At Crystal Clear Eye, I am your consultant, your surgeon, and your post-op doctor. This single-surgeon model dramatically reduces complications and ensures your IOL power calculation, surgical plan and post-op refraction are all done by the same expert mind.
2. Pain-Free, Injection-Free, Stitch-Free Surgery
My standard cataract surgery uses topical anaesthetic drops only — no injection, no stitch, no eye patch. The incision is 2.2 mm (smaller than the tip of a ballpoint pen). Most patients feel only mild pressure and the entire procedure takes 10-15 minutes. You walk out of the OT and go home the same day. Read more about modern phaco technique in this PubMed review of phacoemulsification.
3. Premium IOLs at Honest Pricing
I offer the entire range of premium IOLs — monofocal, multifocal, EDOF (extended depth of focus), toric, and toric-multifocal combinations from Alcon, Zeiss, Johnson & Johnson and AMO. I will recommend the IOL that fits your visual lifestyle, not the one with the highest margin. You receive a written cost estimate before surgery — no hidden upgrades.
4. Genuine Cashless Mediclaim
Direct cashless mediclaim is processed through Topax Eye Care, and third-party cashless mediclaim is processed through Crystal Clear Eye. Star Health, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Niva Bupa, Aditya Birla, TATA AIG, Medi Assist, Vidal Health, Raksha TPA and most other TPAs are empanelled. Cataract is one of the most common cashless surgeries in India — see the insurance section below for limits.
5. Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery (Bladeless)
For patients who want the absolute pinnacle of precision, I offer bladeless femtosecond laser cataract surgery (FLACS) — the corneal incisions, capsulorhexis and lens fragmentation are all done by a computer-guided laser. Read the latest evidence in this PubMed review of FLACS outcomes.
6. Patient Age — Newborns to 100 Years
I have personally operated on a newborn with congenital cataract and a 100-year-old patient with a dense white mature cataract. Very few cataract centres in India can claim this age range under a single surgeon.
Cataract Conditions Treated at Crystal Clear Eye, Mumbai
As a comprehensive eye surgery centre in Andheri West, I treat the entire spectrum of cataract and lens-related conditions. Below is the list of conditions I routinely manage — if you have been diagnosed with any of these, or if you have been told you need a “cataract opinion”, call 077188 85245 and book a consultation.
Age-Related Cataracts (Most Common)
- Nuclear sclerotic cataract (brown cataract)
- Cortical cataract (spoke-like opacities)
- Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) — glare & reading difficulty
- Mature (white) cataract — fully opaque lens
- Hypermature (Morgagnian) cataract — liquefied lens
- Hypermature (sclerotic) cataract — rock-hard lens
Congenital & Pediatric Cataracts
- Congenital cataract (newborns & infants)
- Developmental cataract (children & teenagers)
- Traumatic cataract (cricket ball, fall, sharp injury)
- Complicated cataract secondary to uveitis
- Steroid-induced cataract (young asthma / arthritis patients)
- Radiation cataract
Complex Cataracts
- Subluxated lens (Marfan syndrome, trauma)
- Phacolytic glaucoma — lens protein blocks drainage
- Phacomorphic glaucoma — swollen lens blocks angle
- Intumescent cataract — swollen lens
- Cataract with pseudoexfoliation (PXF)
- Cataract with small pupil / posterior synechiae
- Post-vitrectomy cataract (after retina surgery)
- Cataract in high myopia / nanophthalmos
Post-Cataract Complications (Managed)
- Posterior capsule opacity (PCO) — “secondary cataract”
- Decentred or dislocated IOL
- Wrong IOL power — IOL exchange
- Aphakia (no IOL) — secondary IOL implantation
- Nucleus drop / dropped lens fragments — PubMed evidence on management
- Post-cataract cystoid macular edema (CME)
Complete List of Cataract Eye Surgeries We Perform
This is the most important section of this blog. If you have been told you need “cataract surgery”, this is the menu of operations I perform at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West. Each procedure is briefly explained so you can have an informed conversation with me during your consultation.
1. Phacoemulsification — The Gold Standard
Phacoemulsification (commonly called “phaco”) is the world-standard cataract surgery and accounts for over 95% of my cataract cases. A 2.2 mm incision (no stitch) is made at the edge of the cornea, a circular opening is made in the lens capsule (capsulorhexis), and a tiny ultrasound probe emulsifies the cloudy lens into fragments that are gently suctioned out. A folded intraocular lens (IOL) is then injected through the same incision and unfolds inside the eye. The whole procedure takes 10-15 minutes, is done under topical anaesthetic drops, and most patients go home the same day. Read the latest evidence in this PubMed review of phacoemulsification.
2. Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery (FLACS) — Bladeless Precision
For patients who want the absolute pinnacle of precision, I offer bladeless femtosecond laser cataract surgery. The LenSx femtosecond laser performs the corneal incisions, the capsulorhexis (perfectly circular and centred) and fragments the lens — all without any blade or ultrasound energy in the early stages. FLACS is especially useful for dense cataracts, premium IOL cases (where precision is critical), and patients with weak zonules. PubMed evidence on FLACS.
3. Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)
For very dense, mature or hypermature cataracts where phaco may be unsafe, or for patients who prefer a more affordable option, I perform manual SICS — a self-sealing 6-7 mm scleral tunnel incision through which the entire lens nucleus is removed and a rigid IOL is implanted. SICS is faster, cheaper and equally effective for appropriate cases. PubMed evidence on SICS.
4. Pediatric Cataract Surgery — For Newborns & Children
Cataract surgery in a child is completely different from adult cataract surgery — the lens is soft, the eye is still growing, and the brain’s visual system is developing. I perform:
- Lensectomy-vitrectomy — for newborns with dense congenital cataract, the lens and anterior vitreous are removed through a pars plana approach.
- Phaco-aspiration with primary posterior capsulorhexis & anterior vitrectomy — for older infants and children, to prevent PCO.
- IOL implantation — delayed in infants (after 2 years) but primary in older children, with biometry adjusted for the growing eye.
Read the latest pediatric cataract guidelines in this PubMed review of pediatric cataract management.
5. Traumatic Cataract Surgery
Cricket ball injury, road traffic accident, firework injury, or sharp trauma — all can cause cataract with associated zonular weakness, iris damage, or lens capsule rupture. I perform staged traumatic cataract reconstruction with capsular tension rings (CTR), iris repair and scleral-fixated IOLs where needed. PubMed evidence on traumatic cataract.
6. Secondary IOL Implantation
Patients who are aphakic (no IOL — often from old surgery or trauma) need a secondary IOL. I implant:
- Scleral-fixated IOL (SFIOL) — IOL fixed to the sclera with polypropylene haptics. Best for eyes without capsule support.
- Iris-fixated IOL (Artisan/Verisyse) — clipped to the iris. Excellent visual outcomes.
- Anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL) — older technique, used selectively.
- Posterior chamber IOL in the bag / sulcus — when capsule support exists.
7. Combined Cataract & Glaucoma Surgery
For patients who have both cataract and glaucoma, I perform combined phacoemulsification with trabeculectomy or phaco with iStent inject (MIGS — Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery). One surgery, two problems solved.
8. Combined Cataract & Vitrectomy Surgery
For diabetic patients who have both cataract and vitreous haemorrhage / retinal detachment, I perform combined phaco + pars plana vitrectomy — saving you a second surgery.
9. IOL Exchange & Repositioning
If your previous cataract surgery (done elsewhere) left you with the wrong IOL power, a decentred IOL, or a subluxated IOL, I perform IOL exchange or repositioning with scleral fixation.
10. YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy
The “secondary cataract” or posterior capsule opacity (PCO) is a quick, painless, in-office YAG laser procedure. It takes 2-3 minutes per eye, requires no anaesthesia, and vision is restored within hours. PubMed evidence on YAG capsulotomy.
Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL) Types — Which Is Right for You?
Choosing the right IOL is the single most important decision in cataract surgery after choosing your surgeon. The IOL is the artificial lens that replaces your cloudy natural lens, and it will stay inside your eye for the rest of your life. At Crystal Clear Eye I offer the complete range of IOLs from the world’s top manufacturers — Alcon, Zeiss, Johnson & Johnson (AMO) and Bausch & Lomb.
1. Monofocal IOL (Standard)
The most commonly implanted IOL in India. Provides sharp distance vision, but you will need reading glasses for near. Best for patients who don’t mind wearing glasses and have no significant astigmatism. Most affordable. Examples: Alcon AcrySof IQ, J&J Tecnis 1, Zeiss Asphina.
2. Multifocal IOL
Multiple focus zones built into the IOL provide sharp vision at near, intermediate and distance — most patients are completely spectacle-free. Ideal for active people who hate glasses. Slight risk of halos around lights at night. Examples: Alcon PanOptix (trifocal), J&J Tecnis Symfony OptiBlue, Zeiss AT LISA tri. PubMed evidence on multifocal IOLs.
3. EDOF IOL (Extended Depth of Focus)
The newest generation of premium IOLs. Provides a smooth, continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate (computer / mobile distance) with minimal halos. Excellent for office workers, drivers and phone users. Examples: J&J Tecnis Symfony, Alcon Vivity.
4. Toric IOL
If you have astigmatism (rugby-ball-shaped cornea), a toric IOL corrects both your cataract and your astigmatism in one surgery. Available as monofocal, multifocal or EDOF toric. Without a toric IOL, you will need glasses after surgery even if the surgery is perfect. PubMed evidence on toric IOLs.
5. Accommodative IOL
Designed to flex inside the eye to give some near vision. Less popular now that multifocal and EDOF IOLs have improved.
6. Light-Adjustable IOL (LAL)
A futuristic IOL whose power can be fine-tuned with UV light after surgery — the only IOL that lets us “test drive” your vision before locking it in. Available at select centres.
7. Scleral-Fixated / Iris-Fixated IOL
For complex cases where the natural lens capsule is damaged or absent (trauma, prior surgery, subluxation). The IOL is fixed to the sclera or iris using special sutures or haptics.
From Newborns to 100-Year-Old Patients — Cataract Surgery Knows No Age Limit
One of the things I am most proud of at Crystal Clear Eye is the sheer age range of cataract patients I have operated on. Most eye hospitals in Mumbai will tell you “we treat all ages” — but very few actually do. Below is the real story of the age spectrum at my clinic.
The Youngest Patient — A Newborn with Congenital Cataract
Congenital cataract affects approximately 1-3 in 10,000 newborns in India. If left untreated in the first 6-10 weeks of life, the baby’s visual cortex will never develop normal vision — a condition called deprivation amblyopia. I have operated on babies as young as 4 weeks old, performing lens aspiration with primary posterior capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy, often with delayed IOL implantation. These children need lifelong follow-up but can grow up with normal or near-normal vision if caught early. PubMed evidence on congenital cataract timing.
Children & Teenagers (1–18 Years)
Traumatic cataract (cricket ball, fall, firework), developmental cataract, steroid-induced cataract (in young asthma / juvenile arthritis patients) and post-uveitis cataract are routinely managed. Pediatric cases require specialised anaesthesia and lifetime amblyopia monitoring.
Young Adults (18–40 Years)
Traumatic cataract, post-LASIK cataract, steroid-induced cataract and early-onset diabetic cataract make up this group. IOL calculations in this age group must account for potential future refractive change.
Middle-Aged Adults (40–65 Years)
This is the peak cataract demographic. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) is common in diabetics and steroid users — causing disabling glare while driving at night. Nuclear sclerotic cataract causes gradual blurring and “yellowing” of vision. This is also the age group that benefits most from premium IOLs.
Seniors (65–85 Years)
The bulk of my cataract practice. Mature white cataracts, hypermature cataracts, cataracts with pseudoexfoliation, cataracts with small pupils — all routine at Crystal Clear Eye. With modern topical anaesthesia, even patients on blood thinners can be operated safely.
The Oldest Patient — A 100-Year-Old with a Mature White Cataract
Yes, I have operated on a 100-year-old patient. With proper anaesthesia clearance, topical anaesthesia and modern phaco, age is no longer a contraindication for cataract surgery. The deciding factor is the patient’s general health, not the date of birth. Read about cataract surgery outcomes in extreme elderly in this PubMed study on cataract surgery in the very elderly.
Cashless Mediclaim for Cataract Surgery in Mumbai — How It Works at Crystal Clear Eye
One of the biggest anxieties patients face before cataract surgery is money. A standard monofocal phaco can cost ₹25,000-₹40,000; a femtosecond laser cataract with a premium multifocal IOL can cross ₹1,50,000 per eye. The good news: cataract surgery is one of the most widely covered procedures under mediclaim in India, and at Crystal Clear Eye I have structured my clinic to make the cashless process genuinely seamless.
Two Clear Cashless Pathways
- Direct Cashless Mediclaim — through Topax Eye Care. If your insurer / TPA is empanelled with Topax Eye Care, your pre-authorisation, surgery and discharge will all be cashless with zero out-of-pocket (except non-medical expenses, premium IOL upgrade charges, and co-payments if your policy has them).
- Third-Party Cashless Mediclaim — through Crystal Clear Eye. For TPAs and insurers directly empanelled with my clinic, Crystal Clear Eye processes the cashless claim in-house. My insurance desk coordinates directly with your TPA.
Empanelled Insurers & TPAs (Partial List)
Government
CGHS, CGHS Mumbai, ESIC, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY), Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, Mumbai Police Arogya.
Private Insurers
Star Health, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Niva Bupa, Aditya Birla Health, TATA AIG, Reliance General, SBI General, New India Assurance, United India Insurance, National Insurance, Oriental Insurance.
TPAs
Medi Assist, Vidal Health, Raksha TPA, Heritage Health, Paramount Health, Family Health Plan, MDIndia, Genins India.
Mediclaim Policy Types in India & Coverage Limits per Cataract Procedure
Below is a practical, real-world guide to the mediclaim policies available in the Indian market and the typical coverage limits for cataract procedures. Actual limits depend on your specific policy sum insured, room-rent cap, IOL sub-limit clause, and co-payment clauses — please confirm with my insurance desk on 077188 85245.
Policy Types Available in India
- Individual Mediclaim Policy — covers one person; sum insured typically ₹3–25 lakh.
- Family Floater Policy — one sum insured shared by the entire family; most popular format.
- Group Mediclaim (Employer-Provided) — covers employees & family; usually cashless with a TPA panel.
- Senior Citizen Health Insurance — for 60+; specific cataract-friendly plans from Star, Bajaj, Care, Niva Bupa.
- Top-Up & Super Top-Up Plans — kicks in above a deductible; useful for high-cost premium IOL surgery.
- Government Schemes — Ayushman Bharat PMJAY (up to ₹5 lakh/year/family), MJPJAY (Maharashtra), CGHS (Central Govt employees), ESIC.
- Standalone Critical Illness Policies — typically do not cover cataract (cataract is not classified as a critical illness).
Typical Coverage Limits for Cataract Procedures
| Cataract Procedure / IOL Type | Typical Cost in Mumbai (per eye) | Usually Covered? | Average Cashless Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phacoemulsification with Monofocal IOL | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 | Yes (full) | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery (FLACS) Monofocal | ₹55,000 – ₹85,000 | Partially (monofocal portion covered) | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 (laser upgrade self-paid) |
| Multifocal IOL Surgery (Alcon PanOptix, J&J Symfony) | ₹85,000 – ₹1,40,000 | Partially | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 (IOL upgrade self-paid) |
| EDOF IOL Surgery (Tecnis Symfony, Vivity) | ₹85,000 – ₹1,30,000 | Partially | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 (upgrade self-paid) |
| Toric IOL Surgery (monofocal toric) | ₹45,000 – ₹75,000 | Partially | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 (toric upgrade self-paid) |
| Toric Multifocal IOL Surgery | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,80,000 | Partially | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 (upgrade self-paid) |
| Pediatric Cataract Surgery (lensectomy + vitrectomy) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Yes | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Traumatic Cataract Surgery | ₹40,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Yes (subject to policy) | ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Secondary IOL Implantation (SFIOL / iris-fixated) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,30,000 | Yes (case-by-case) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | Yes (OPD / day-care) | Up to ₹10,000 |
| Combined Phaco + Trabeculectomy (glaucoma) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Yes | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Combined Phaco + Vitrectomy (retina) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,80,000 | Yes | ₹80,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| IOL Exchange / Repositioning | ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Case-by-case | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
What Is Generally NOT Covered
- Initial 30-day waiting period — cataract is usually covered from day 31 onwards (some policies have a 1-year or 2-year specific-disease waiting period for cataract — read your policy carefully).
- Premium IOL upgrade charges (difference between monofocal and multifocal / EDOF / toric).
- Femtosecond laser upgrade charges (laser portion not covered by most policies).
- Non-medical expenses (disposable kit components, food, attendant charges).
- Refractive surgery (LASIK / ICL) — not a cataract procedure, listed only for clarity.
Step-by-Step Cataract Surgery Process at Crystal Clear Eye, Mumbai
This is the section most patients care about the most — what exactly happens from the day I walk in, to the day I see clearly again? Below is the complete cataract surgery journey at Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West.
Documents to Carry on Your First Visit
- Government photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or driving licence.
- Address proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, or utility bill.
- Health insurance card / policy document / TPA card (if cashless planned).
- Previous eye records — old prescriptions, prior biometry, spectacle numbers.
- List of current medications & known drug allergies (especially to anaesthesia or antibiotics).
- Diabetes / hypertension / cardiac history files (if applicable).
- Recent blood sugar, HbA1c, BP and ECG reports (for surgical clearance).
- Current spectacles / contact lenses (so we can measure your visual acuity accurately).
- For pediatric patients — birth summary, school complaint letter, prior refraction.
- For senior citizens — physician fitness / anaesthesia clearance if major cardiac history.
- For employed patients — employer ID / HR letter (for group mediclaim).
- For government scheme patients — Ayushman card / CGHS card / MJPJAY card.
- Referral letter from your referring ophthalmologist or physician (if any).
- Payment mode — UPI / card / cash (for non-covered / upgrade amounts).
- Attendant — every patient must be accompanied by one responsible adult.
- List of medicines you are taking — especially blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin).
The 9-Step Cataract Surgery Journey
Step 1 — Detailed Cataract Consultation
I personally examine every patient with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus evaluation and intraocular pressure measurement. Visual acuity is tested with current glasses. Plan 45-60 minutes for this visit.
Step 2 — IOL Workup (Biometry & Topography)
Zeiss IOLMaster 700 biometry (measures eye length and corneal curvature with micron precision), Pentacam topography (maps your cornea), OCT macula scan (rules out retinal problems), specular microscopy (cornea endothelium health) — all under one roof at Crystal Clear Eye.
Step 3 — IOL Selection & Surgical Plan
I sit with you, show you your own scans, and explain the cataract and IOL options in plain language. You receive a written surgical plan, IOL options (with their pros, cons and prices), and a written cost estimate.
Step 4 — Insurance Pre-Authorisation
My insurance desk raises a pre-auth request with your TPA / insurer — direct via Topax Eye Care, or in-house via Crystal Clear Eye. Usually approved within 4-24 hours.
Step 5 — Pre-Anaesthesia Evaluation
Cataract surgery at Crystal Clear Eye is typically done under topical anaesthetic drops (no injection). For anxious patients or complex cases, monitored anaesthesia care (MAC) is arranged. Physician fitness is needed for major cardiac history.
Step 6 — Day of Surgery
Arrive 90 minutes before scheduled time. Dilatation, consent signing, anaesthetic drops, and surgery in our dedicated laminar-flow OT. Most phacoemulsification procedures take 10-15 minutes; femtosecond laser adds another 10 minutes.
Step 7 — Recovery & Discharge
Almost all cataract patients are discharged the same day within 30-60 minutes of surgery. No eye patch (in most cases), no admission, no admission cost. You walk out and go home.
Step 8 — Post-Operative Care
Eye drops (antibiotic + steroid + NSAID) for 4 weeks, a protective shield at night for 1 week, and a written post-op schedule. First review at 1 day, then 1 week, 1 month, and final refraction at 4-6 weeks (when new glasses, if needed, are prescribed).
Step 9 — Long-Term Follow-up
Cataract patients are reviewed annually. The “secondary cataract” (posterior capsule opacity) can develop in 10-20% of patients within 2-5 years — a 2-minute YAG laser procedure fixes it permanently.
Pre-Operative Instructions
- Continue routine BP / thyroid / cardiac medicines unless told otherwise. Diabetic patients — consult your physician on insulin adjustment for the fasting window (only 4 hours fasting needed for topical anaesthesia).
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel) are NOT stopped for routine cataract surgery — modern phaco is bloodless. Warfarin patients need an INR check.
- Light breakfast on the morning of surgery (for topical anaesthesia cases).
- Remove contact lenses 1 week before biometry (soft) or 2 weeks (RGP).
- Wear comfortable, front-button clothing. Bring sunglasses for the ride home.
- Arrange for a family member to drive you home — you will not be allowed to drive yourself.
Post-Operative Instructions
- Use prescribed drops exactly as scheduled — set phone alarms.
- Wear the protective shield at night for 1 week to prevent accidental eye-rubbing.
- Avoid splashing water directly into the eye for 1 week — wipe face with a clean cloth.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, swimming and eye-rubbing for 2 weeks.
- You CAN watch TV, read, use mobile and laptop from day 1 — but take frequent breaks.
- Report immediately — severe pain, sudden vision loss, new floaters, curtain in vision, discharge.
- Do not apply eye make-up for 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cataract Surgery in Mumbai
Who is the best cataract doctor in Mumbai?
Dr. Jignesh Gala is widely regarded as one of the best cataract doctors in Mumbai. He is the founder and owner of Crystal Clear Eye in Andheri West and personally performs painless phacoemulsification, femtosecond laser cataract surgery and premium IOL implantation. Book an appointment on 077188 85245.
Where is Dr. Jignesh Gala’s cataract clinic in Mumbai?
Crystal Clear Eye is at Laram Centre CHS, A1-202, Swami Vivekanand Road, above Sunil Jewellers, near NADCO Shopping Centre, Railway Colony, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058. Open daily until 9 PM.
What is the cost of cataract surgery in Mumbai?
At Crystal Clear Eye, a standard phacoemulsification with monofocal IOL costs ₹25,000-₹45,000 per eye. Femtosecond laser with multifocal IOL costs ₹1,10,000-₹1,50,000 per eye. Most of the standard cost is covered under cashless mediclaim; premium IOL upgrades are self-paid. Call 077188 85245 for an exact estimate.
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. Modern cataract surgery at Crystal Clear Eye is performed under topical anaesthetic drops — no injection, no stitch, no patch. Most patients feel only mild pressure and the entire procedure takes 10-15 minutes.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Most patients recover functional vision within 24-48 hours. Full stabilisation takes 2-4 weeks. You can resume normal daily activities the next day, with restrictions on heavy lifting, swimming and eye-rubbing for 2 weeks.
Is cashless mediclaim available for cataract surgery?
Yes. Direct cashless mediclaim is processed through Topax Eye Care, and third-party cashless mediclaim is processed through Crystal Clear Eye. Most major insurers and TPAs are empanelled. The standard monofocal IOL portion is fully covered; premium IOL upgrade charges are self-paid.
What are premium IOLs and which is best for me?
Premium IOLs include multifocal (sharp vision at near, intermediate and distance), EDOF (extended depth of focus, smooth range of vision) and toric (corrects astigmatism). Dr. Gala will recommend the right IOL after a detailed biometry, topography and lifestyle assessment.
Can cataract surgery be done on children?
Yes. Dr. Jignesh Gala performs pediatric cataract surgery for congenital cataracts in newborns, traumatic cataracts in children and developmental cataracts in teenagers. These cases require specialized IOL calculation and lifelong follow-up.
Is cataract surgery safe for patients above 80?
Absolutely. With modern topical anaesthesia and proper physician clearance, cataract surgery is safely performed at Crystal Clear Eye in patients up to 100 years of age. Age is not a contraindication — overall health is.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
With a monofocal IOL, you will need reading glasses for near. With a multifocal or EDOF IOL, most patients are completely spectacle-free. With a toric IOL, your astigmatism is also corrected. Dr. Gala will discuss the best option for your lifestyle during the IOL workup.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
Generally, cataract surgeries are staged 1-2 weeks apart to prevent bilateral simultaneous complications like infection. Some centres offer simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS) for select patients — I prefer the safer staged approach.
What is the “secondary cataract”?
The posterior capsule that holds your IOL can become cloudy months to years after cataract surgery — this is called posterior capsule opacity (PCO) or “secondary cataract”. It is treated with a 2-minute, painless YAG laser procedure at Crystal Clear Eye. It is not a real cataract growing back.
Real Outcomes from Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West
Below are anonymised summaries of real cataract patients I have treated at Crystal Clear Eye. Names have been changed to protect privacy; the clinical details are accurate.
Priya R., 52 — multifocal IOL
“I’m a software architect and hate glasses. Dr. Gala implanted Alcon PanOptix trifocal IOL in both eyes. Today I read code on my laptop, drive at night, and read bedtime stories to my granddaughter — all without glasses. Life-changing.”
Ashok M., 68 — mature white cataract
“I delayed cataract surgery for 3 years until my vision was just light perception. Dr. Gala operated on a dense white mature cataract with phaco in 18 minutes. Next morning I could read the newspaper without glasses.”
Saroj K., 92 — cataract with PXF
“My grandmother has pseudoexfoliation and a weak lens capsule. Every surgeon said it was high-risk. Dr. Gala used a capsular tension ring and finished phaco flawlessly. Vision is 6/9 today.”
Aarav S., 8 — traumatic cataract
“Cricket ball injury at school, traumatic cataract at age 8. Dr. Gala did phaco-aspiration with primary posterior capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy. Aarav is now 12 with 6/6 vision in his operated eye.”
Anjali T., 1 month — congenital cataract
“Our daughter was born with a dense congenital cataract. Dr. Gala operated at 5 weeks of age — lensectomy with anterior vitrectomy. She is now 4 years old, wears contact lenses and sees 6/9. The earlier the surgery, the better the brain learns to see.”
Vinod P., 100 — mature cataract
“My grandfather is 100. Dr. Gala was the only surgeon in Mumbai who agreed to operate. Topical anaesthesia, 12-minute phaco, monofocal IOL. He reads the newspaper today at 101.”
Cataract Care Across Mumbai & the 75 km Radius
Crystal Clear Eye, Andheri West is the preferred cataract centre for patients travelling from every corner of Mumbai and the surrounding region. Below is the geographic spread we routinely serve — if your locality is on this list, you are within easy reach of Mumbai’s best cataract doctor.
Western Suburbs
Andheri West, Andheri East, Vile Parle, Juhu, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, Bandra West, Mahim, Dadar, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Vasai, Nalasopara, Virar.
Central & Harbour
Worli, Prabhadevi, Lower Parel, Parel, Byculla, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup, Mulund, Kanjurmarg, BKC, Kurla, Tilak Nagar, Govandi, Mankhurd.
Thane & Navi Mumbai
Thane West, Thane East, Mulund, Ghodbunder Road, Kolshet, Majiwada, Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Kharghar, Panvel, Ulwe, Taloja, Sanpada, Juinagar, Airoli, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane, Dombivli, Kalyan, Ambernath, Badlapur.
Extended Mumbai Region (75 km)
Vasai-Virar, Palghar, Boisar, Bhiwandi, Karjat, Khopoli, Panvel, Uran, Alibaug, Neral, Matheran, Shahapur, Titwala, Badlapur, Umroli.
Outstation Patients
Pune, Nashik, Surat, Vapi, Navsari, Bharuch, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Goa, Indore, Bhopal, Jaipur, Delhi, Bangalore — patients travel to Andheri West from across India.
Nearby Eye Hospitals Referred From
Nanavati, Kokilaben, Hiranandani, Lilavati, Breach Candy, P.D. Hinduja, Bombay Hospital, S.L. Raheja, Aditya Jyot, H.V. Desai, Centre for Sight, Dr. Agarwal’s, Eye-Q — many complex cataract referrals come to me from these centres.
Don’t Wait for Cataract to Steal Your Vision
Cataract is the world’s leading cause of reversible blindness — and yet millions of Indians delay surgery until they cannot recognise their grandchildren across the room. A 15-minute painless procedure can give you back a lifetime of clear sight.
Crystal Clear Eye, Laram Centre CHS, A1-202, Swami Vivekanand Rd, above Sunil Jewellers, near NADCO Shopping Centre, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058. Open daily · Closes 9 PM.
