Cataract surgery in Thailand

[thecyclist]

How much is cataract surgery in Thailand? What's the range,from cheap government hospitals to top private hospitals? Anybody undergone this surgery? I think it is possible to do on an outpatient basis. Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated. 

[Pedrogaz]

I know people who have had it done. One at Bumrungrad......he had insurance so it cost him nothing. He had a great result.

A couple of others who had cataract and/or retinal surgery at other hospitals had temporary improvement. 

I have wonky eyes but am holding out. I'd be tempted to go back home if I really get to need it. I'm a bit funny about my eyes. One slip of the laser and your life is ruined.

Edited February 21, 2023 by Pedrogaz

[CharlieH]

Dont know why you would ask this in the pub, so lets move it to Health & Medicine forum where you can get a better response.

[thecyclist]

6 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Dont know why you would ask this in the pub, so lets move it to Health & Medicine forum where you can get a better response.

Wasn't really asking it in the "pub", rather in general discussions, which had health as a subdivision. Probably not that many people perusing the health forum. 

[thaibeachlovers]

6 hours ago, Pedrogaz said:

I know people who have had it done. One at Bumrungrad......he had insurance so it cost him nothing. He had a great result.

A couple of others who had cataract and/or retinal surgery at other hospitals had temporary improvement. 

I have wonky eyes but am holding out. I'd be tempted to go back home if I really get to need it. I'm a bit funny about my eyes. One slip of the laser and your life is ruined.

Unless there is something google isn't telling me, laser isn't ( yet ) used for cataracts, but for corneal shaping.

However, I'd never personally get laser treatment as if it goes wrong it would be disastrous ( and there is ALWAYS the chance that something will go wrong, which is why we have to sign a consent ).

 

Re the OP, this is NOT something to be done for cheapest cost. If it's done wrong it'll be a crisis. I've seen a few cataract surgeries that went wrong and not happy occasions.

Get the best you can afford.

[thecyclist]

6 hours ago, Pedrogaz said:

I know people who have had it done. One at Bumrungrad......he had insurance so it cost him nothing. He had a great result.

A couple of others who had cataract and/or retinal surgery at other hospitals had temporary improvement. 

I have wonky eyes but am holding out. I'd be tempted to go back home if I really get to need it. I'm a bit funny about my eyes. One slip of the laser and your life is ruined.

Don't think Laser is part of the primary cataract surgery. A laser can't possibly insert the replacement lens. Secondary cataracts, which affect the Sac containing the lens can be corrected with a Laser. Nevertheless, an accidental, tiniest of slips of the knife can have catastrophic consequences when we are dealing with an organ as delicate as the eye. But do western doctors have steadier hands. You can minimize, never eliminate, the risk by choosing an experienced surgeon who routinely does this procedure. Would be a lot less problematic if it was an operation on a toe. 

[thaibeachlovers]

7 hours ago, thecyclist said:

Anybody undergone this surgery? I think it is possible to do on an outpatient basis.

I doubt any hospitals do routine cataracts as in patient surgery any more. It only takes about 1/2 hour to do and done with drops for anaesthetic ( providing nothing goes wrong ).

As long as the patient can lie flat and stay still it's a simple procedure.

In some cases an injection is used for anesthetic, but not commonly. That requires an anaesthetist, so costs more.

[thecyclist]

4 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Unless there is something google isn't telling me, laser isn't ( yet ) used for cataracts, but for corneal shaping.

However, I'd never personally get laser treatment as if it goes wrong it would be disastrous ( and there is ALWAYS the chance that something will go wrong, which is why we have to sign a consent ).

 

Re the OP, this is NOT something to be done for cheapest cost. If it's done wrong it'll be a crisis. I've seen a few cataract surgeries that went wrong and not happy occasions.

Get the best you can afford.

Yes, totally agree, not something where the cheaper the better. But more expensive does not always mean better. The escort girls from Hi-so agencies do not guarantee a satisfactory ending.. 

[DiDiChok]

For cataract surgery, the price will depend on your prescription.  Are you astigmatic and do you want that fixed?  Shall we install fixed focal length lenses?  Do you want to be a teenager again and for us to install the variable distance lenses that have the new "reading" component as part of the lenses so that you don't need reading glasses any more?  Should we do "Limbal relaxing" to correct minor astigmatic faults?  and so on . . .  I simply asked for a successful outcome and the best job that they could do.

 

I had top of the range everything done in 2021 and paid ฿250,000 in total for everything for both eyes, and I was astigmatic, short sighted and 71.  20 minutes for each eye and everything has been brilliant since.  The biggest surprise was the colour restoration to my vision as I used to be a heavy smoker.  The surgeon said that the original lenses had gone really brown.  I've been told since that I paid too much and could have got it done more cheaply, but I am so grateful and pleased with the end result that I don't care.  I had thick spectacles from the age of seven.

[digger70]

3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Unless there is something google isn't telling me, laser isn't ( yet ) used for cataracts, but for corneal shaping.

However, I'd never personally get laser treatment as if it goes wrong it would be disastrous ( and there is ALWAYS the chance that something will go wrong, which is why we have to sign a consent ).

 

Re the OP, this is NOT something to be done for cheapest cost. If it's done wrong it'll be a crisis. I've seen a few cataract surgeries that went wrong and not happy occasions.

Get the best you can afford.

In laser cataract surgery, a laser is used to make the incision and lens opening and to fragment the lens," explained Dr. Horne. “It creates a more reliable, repeatable, precise incision than a surgeon can do by hand. Even a very good surgeon can't make a perfectly circular opening as precisely as a laser can.”

[Freddy42OZ]

1 hour ago, DiDiChok said:

For cataract surgery, the price will depend on your prescription.  Are you astigmatic and do you want that fixed?  Shall we install fixed focal length lenses?  Do you want to be a teenager again and for us to install the variable distance lenses that have the new "reading" component as part of the lenses so that you don't need reading glasses any more?  Should we do "Limbal relaxing" to correct minor astigmatic faults?  and so on . . .  I simply asked for a successful outcome and the best job that they could do.

 

I had top of the range everything done in 2021 and paid ฿250,000 in total for everything for both eyes, and I was astigmatic, short sighted and 71.  20 minutes for each eye and everything has been brilliant since.  The biggest surprise was the colour restoration to my vision as I used to be a heavy smoker.  The surgeon said that the original lenses had gone really brown.  I've been told since that I paid too much and could have got it done more cheaply, but I am so grateful and pleased with the end result that I don't care.  I had thick spectacles from the age of seven.

250K Baht sounds cheap for such a good outcome.  Where did you have the surgery?

[Makoshark]

In Nov., I was diagnosed as "LEGALLY BLIND" ! ! !

 

I just had it done in the USA.  I went from 20-70 to 20-25 with the surgery. Both eyes.

 

It's all out-patient, 3 weeks apart for each eye.

 

Amazing surgery, but I still don't drive. I prefer to be driven ! ! !

 

 

[Expat68]

One year ago I had both eyes done in Chiang Mai at a private hospital. 45,000 baht each eye (everything included, only have to wait one hour  before being allowed home) you have to wait a minimum of one week between each eye. The doctor was really honest with me, she said I could get it cheaper elsewhere but the quality of the lenses are not all the same. Post op, for 24 hours you have to wear a patch over your eye, after this, wear a shield at night time for one month. Sunglasses recommended in daytime (in fact she said everyone living in Thailand should wear sunglasses) Hope this helps

[mikesil]

Let me join those saying this is not something to be done for lowest cost.   From personal experience I recommend Rutnin in Bangkok.  Ask for Dr. Sombat --- however, he may be retired by now.

[CFCol]

Had it done in Suratthani private eye hospital 2 years ago. 45,000 per eye.

Great experience. Top notch staff.

[streetlite]

Bumrungrad......both eyes same day......2 days private room overnight......240,000     now everything is bright and colorful.....Dr. Keerati 

[Red Forever]

Dr Sima in Ubon city. I had one eye operated on in 2021. Cost 25,500 baht. Quick, painless operation.

Check him out online.

[desdeash]

I has both eyes done at Ratchawithi public hospital. First rate doctor and service,  fantastic results. Cost was less than 40,000bt both eyes. This was 4 years ago.

 

[lopburi3]

2 hours ago, digger70 said:

In laser cataract surgery, a laser is used to make the incision and lens opening and to fragment the lens," explained Dr. Horne. “It creates a more reliable, repeatable, precise incision than a surgeon can do by hand. Even a very good surgeon can't make a perfectly circular opening as precisely as a laser can.”

And from my sisters experience with that method I would not be keen on trying it where it is not the norm as even in USA where common it can fail - this is a simple surgical procedure done millions of times by doctors all over the world without need the need for laser.  In my sisters case there was a laser malfunction.

 

And yes, I have had cataracts removed, but not by laser.

[jgm005]

My wife is having cataract surgery on her right eye at Rutnin Hospital in the Asoke area. She had same done on her left eye in the States for approximately $5500 usd. 

 

Up front was 15,000bt for the initial visit AND quick laser surgery on a hole in her retina. She has to wait 3 months for that to heal and the right eye cataract surgery is in June at a cost of 55,000bt. 

 

We considered using the government hospital in Nongbulamphu, which would of been a lot cheaper, but getting on a waiting list. 

 

To date we are very pleased with using Rutnin Hospital. Very thorough. More so than the USA doctor (who did my cataract surgery)

Edited February 22, 2023 by jgm005
Update information

[wwest5829]

I wore glasses since 5th grade for nearsightedness. 2017 I went to Rutnin Eye Hospital in Bangkok (Asoke area - all they do is eye related). Had both lense replaced with corrective lens. No need for glasses except for reading/computer (less than an arm's length). Unfortunately, at age 76 I am now dealing with "floaters". 2017 price for variable lens was $1800.00 USD for each eye. My insurance covered the cost.

[sandyf]

7 hours ago, thecyclist said:

Don't think Laser is part of the primary cataract surgery. A laser can't possibly insert the replacement lens. Secondary cataracts, which affect the Sac containing the lens can be corrected with a Laser. Nevertheless, an accidental, tiniest of slips of the knife can have catastrophic consequences when we are dealing with an organ as delicate as the eye. But do western doctors have steadier hands. You can minimize, never eliminate, the risk by choosing an experienced surgeon who routinely does this procedure. Would be a lot less problematic if it was an operation on a toe. 

I have had it done, I was 40K for both eyes by one of the country's top eye surgeons. I was 10 weeks between the 2 eyes and during that time the hospital had an upgrade to include laser equipment so I had one done manually and one done with laser.

Rather than repeat myself I will try and include you in a previous conversation.

[sandyf]

15 hours ago, thecyclist said:

Any tips or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Have included you in previous conversations.

This is the guy that did mine.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30357531

[digger70]

2 hours ago, lopburi3 said:

And from my sisters experience with that method I would not be keen on trying it where it is not the norm as even in USA where common it can fail - this is a simple surgical procedure done millions of times by doctors all over the world without need the need for laser.  In my sisters case there was a laser malfunction.

 

And yes, I have had cataracts removed, but not by laser.

Yes, the tool is only as good as the operator,No matter laser or scalpel or chisel or jackhammer.

[Sheryl]

Countless TV members have had this done and there have been many, many threads on it. Google "cataract + site:aseannow.com"

 

Costs for the surgery alone (i e. not including initial visit and tests) per eye for standard lens ranges from about  20k at an upcountry government hospital to >100k at the most expensive private hospitals. If other than standard lens is used this adds substantially to the cost. 

 

It is a day surgery with local anesthetic.

 

If you want suggestions on hospital/doctor please indicate where in Thailand you are.  And any other known  medical or eye problems .

[riclag]

Both eyes done up here in Sakon Nakhon at a Private Clinic ,out patient  .One eye cost 70k in 2021 the other 60k in 2022  ! The eye dr is the eye specialist for the gov hospital .Speaks very good English.

 I too had astigmatism and dry eye!

I also had Lasik surgery in 2008!

I’m very happy with the results! No more blur and the hellos with spikes are gone! Still have to wear readers!

Stay away from the cheapest and ask how many surgeries they have performed!Imop

 

 

 

 

Edited February 22, 2023 by riclag

[Russ McD]

Can only add to the growing history .... 2 months ago ... one eye done, Zeiss trifocal lens (best all rounder & no need for glasses), in and out in 3 hours, local, not general anaesthetic.... Chiang Mai Sriphat hospital. 76,000 thb.

Totally painless, if not daunting... results perhaps not as good as I was hoping for, but much better than previous.  Still, it is early days.

[MarkBR]

9 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Unless there is something google isn't telling me, laser isn't ( yet ) used for cataracts, but for corneal shaping.

However, I'd never personally get laser treatment as if it goes wrong it would be disastrous ( and there is ALWAYS the chance that something will go wrong, which is why we have to sign a consent ).

 

Re the OP, this is NOT something to be done for cheapest cost. If it's done wrong it'll be a crisis. I've seen a few cataract surgeries that went wrong and not happy occasions.

Get the best you can afford.

Get the best you can afford.  Lasers not involved in cataract surgery.

[lopburi3]

6 minutes ago, MarkBR said:

Get the best you can afford.  Lasers not involved in cataract surgery.

Actually they are starting to be - just as they are used for other surgery.  It is called Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).

[MJCM]

110-120k per eye approx at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital 

 

Same day for both eyes or day 1 for one eye and the next for day 2.