Last reviewed: 26 October 2026
Phaco, MICS and laser (sometimes called "robotic") are different ways of doing the same operation. In each one, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens inside your eye and puts in a clear artificial lens. They differ mainly in how small the opening is and whether a laser does some of the first steps.
A cataract is called motiyabind (मोतियाबिंद) or safed motia in Hindi. It means the eye's natural lens has turned cloudy, so vision becomes blurred or dull. The clear lens put in during surgery is called an IOL (intraocular lens), which simply means a lens that sits inside the eye. This guide explains each word you may see on a quote for cataract surgery in South Delhi.
What happens on the day of cataract surgery?
On the day, your eye is numbed with drops, the cloudy lens is removed through a tiny opening, a clear lens is put in, and you go home the same day. The steps are much the same for phaco, MICS and laser-assisted surgery.
- Checks and drops. Your eye is checked, and drops are put in to widen (dilate) the pupil, the black circle in the middle of the eye.
- Numbing. Numbing eye drops are put in. This is called topical anaesthesia. Usually no injection is needed, and you stay awake.
- A tiny opening. A very small opening is made at the edge of the cornea, the clear front window of the eye.
- Removing the cloudy lens. The cloudy lens is broken into small pieces and gently removed. In laser-assisted surgery, a laser does some of this work first.
- Placing the new lens. The IOL is folded, passed in through the same opening, and unfolds into place.
- Going home. The operation itself usually takes under 10 minutes. You go home the same day, straight after surgery, with eye drops to use at home.
Usually there are no stitches, no injection and no eye patch, and most people feel little or no pain.
What is phaco (phacoemulsification) surgery?
Phaco is the most common way of doing cataract surgery: the surgeon breaks the cloudy lens into tiny pieces with ultrasound and removes them through a small opening.
Phaco is short for phacoemulsification (say "fay-ko-ee-MUL-si-fi-KAY-shun"). Ultrasound means sound waves too high for us to hear. A fine probe uses these waves to break up the cloudy lens and gently suck out the pieces.
The new lens is folded so that it can pass through the small opening. Because the opening is so small, it usually seals on its own. This is why phaco is often called stitchless cataract surgery.
What is MICS (micro-incision cataract surgery)?
MICS is phaco done through an even smaller opening; the basic method stays the same.
"Micro-incision" simply means a very small cut. The surgeon uses finer instruments, and the new lens has to be one that can pass through the smaller opening.
Whether MICS suits your eye, and which lenses can go in through the smaller opening, is decided at your eye examination.
What is laser-assisted (FLACS) cataract surgery?
In laser-assisted cataract surgery, a laser does some of the first steps, and the surgeon then completes the operation.
FLACS stands for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. A femtosecond laser works in extremely short pulses, which lets it make very fine, controlled cuts. Depending on the plan for your eye, the laser can:
- make the small entry openings at the edge of the cornea
- make the round opening in the thin, clear bag (capsule) that holds the lens
- soften the cloudy lens and divide it into pieces
After the laser steps, the surgeon removes the lens pieces using phaco and puts in the IOL. The numbing drops, the new lens and going home the same day stay the same.
Laser-assisted surgery is not needed for every eye. Whether it adds anything for you depends on your cataract and the rest of your eye, which your surgeon checks before advising you.
Is "robotic" cataract surgery different from laser cataract surgery?
No. "Robotic" cataract surgery is a name some places use for FLACS, the femtosecond laser-assisted surgery described above.
A robot does not operate on its own. A trained eye surgeon plans and controls the laser steps and completes the operation. If a quote says "robotic", you can ask whether it means femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.
How do phaco, MICS and FLACS compare?
All three remove the cloudy lens and put in a clear IOL; they differ mainly in the size of the opening and whether a laser does the first steps.
| Phaco | MICS | FLACS (laser-assisted, "robotic") | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the cloudy lens is broken up | Ultrasound probe | Ultrasound probe | Laser softens and divides it first, then ultrasound probe |
| Size of the opening | Small | Smaller than phaco | Small; the laser can make it |
| Stitches | Usually none | Usually none | Usually none |
| Numbing | Usually drops only | Usually drops only | Usually drops only |
| Who does the surgery | Eye surgeon | Eye surgeon | Eye surgeon, who plans and is in charge of the laser steps and completes the operation |
| Going home | Same day | Same day | Same day |
The table shows how the methods work, not which is better.
Does cataract surgery hurt? Drops or injection?
Most people feel little or no pain, because the eye is numbed before surgery starts.
Usually, numbing eye drops are all that is needed. This is called topical anaesthesia. Some people may need a numbing injection near the eye instead (a local block), and your surgeon will tell you in advance if this is planned. You stay awake, and most adults do not need general anaesthesia (being put to sleep).
During surgery you may feel some pressure or see bright lights. Afterwards, the eye may feel gritty for a few days. For more on this, read is cataract surgery painful?
How long does cataract surgery take?
The operation itself usually takes under 10 minutes.
Allow extra time on the day for the checks and drops before surgery. You go home the same day, straight after surgery, so there is no overnight stay.
Which cataract surgery technique is right for you?
The right technique depends on your eye, not on the name written on the quote.
Your surgeon looks at the type and hardness of your cataract, the health of the rest of your eye, and your eye measurements. The lens (IOL) you choose is a separate decision. Read more about choosing the right cataract lens.
If you are comparing quotes, these questions can help:
- Which technique is planned for my eye: phaco, MICS or laser-assisted (FLACS)?
- Will I have numbing drops or an injection?
- Which type of lens is included, and why does it suit my eye?
- Which follow-up visits and eye drops are included?
- If the quote says "robotic", does it mean femtosecond laser-assisted surgery?
The cost depends mainly on the lens that suits your eye, so an estimate can be given only after your consultation.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Like any operation, cataract surgery has some risks, and your surgeon will explain them before you decide.
- Infection. Germs can get inside the eye. This is uncommon but serious.
- Swelling. The cornea, or the retina at the back of the eye, can swell and make vision blurred for a while. It is usually treated with eye drops.
- Raised eye pressure. The pressure inside the eye can go up for a short time after surgery. It is checked at follow-up visits and treated if needed.
- Posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Months or years later, the thin bag that holds the new lens can turn hazy, and vision blurs again. People sometimes call this a "second cataract", but the cataract has not come back. A quick laser treatment usually clears it.
- Retinal detachment. The retina, the thin layer at the back of the eye that senses light, can come away from the wall of the eye. This is uncommon, but it needs urgent treatment.
When should you get urgent care after cataract surgery?
Contact your eye surgeon the same day, or go to the nearest eye emergency, if you notice any of these:
- pain that is getting worse instead of better
- vision that is getting worse instead of better
- redness that is increasing, or sticky discharge from the eye
- new floaters (spots or threads), flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over part of your vision
Do not wait for your next follow-up visit.
What is recovery like after cataract surgery?
Recovery is usually quick, with a few simple precautions in the first weeks:
- Reading and TV are fine from day 1.
- Driving from the next day, if you feel comfortable.
- Keep water, soap and shampoo out of the operated eye for 7 days.
- Avoid dusty or smoky places for 7 days.
- No eye makeup or swimming for 30 days.
Use your eye drops exactly as advised. For more detail, see the full recovery guide.
Where can I have cataract surgery with Dr. Neha Chandrakar in Greater Kailash-1?
You can book a cataract consultation with Dr. Neha Chandrakar at our clinic in Greater Kailash-1, Second floor, S-35, Greater Kailash 1, New Delhi, Delhi 110048.
Dr. Neha Chandrakar performs phaco, MICS and laser-assisted (FLACS) cataract surgery herself. She sees you from your first eye check to your follow-up visits, and explains which technique and lens suit your eye before you decide. For other eye problems, see our page on the eye specialist in South Delhi.
Frequently asked questions
What is phaco surgery?
Phaco, short for phacoemulsification, is the most common way of doing cataract surgery. The surgeon makes a very small opening in the eye, breaks the cloudy lens into tiny pieces using ultrasound, removes them, and places a clear artificial lens in its place.
What is the difference between phaco and MICS?
MICS means micro-incision cataract surgery. It works in the same way as phaco, but the opening in the eye is even smaller. Your surgeon will advise which suits your eye.
Is laser cataract surgery better than phaco?
Not for everyone. In laser-assisted surgery, a laser does some of the first steps, and the surgeon then completes the operation. Whether it adds anything for you depends on your eye, so ask your surgeon after your eye examination.
Is robotic cataract surgery done by a robot?
No. "Robotic" is a word some places use for laser-assisted cataract surgery. A trained eye surgeon plans and carries out the operation from start to finish.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Most people feel little or no pain because the eye is numbed first. You may feel some pressure or see bright lights during surgery, and the eye may feel gritty for a few days afterwards.
Will I get numbing drops or an injection?
Most people need only numbing eye drops. Some people may need a numbing injection near the eye. You stay awake but relaxed, and your surgeon will tell you which is planned for you.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The operation itself usually takes under 10 minutes. You go home the same day, straight after surgery.
Is cataract surgery stitchless?
Phaco and MICS are usually done through openings small enough to seal on their own, so most people do not need stitches. Your surgeon will tell you if your eye needs one.
Comparing cataract surgery quotes?
Call or WhatsApp +91 92057 35991 to book an eye check, or visit the clinic in Greater Kailash-1.
