Bengaluru, June 5, 2025 — In a significant stride toward revolutionizing eye care in Karnataka, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has rolled out robotic-assisted cataract surgery, addressing the growing burden of cataract-related vision loss, particularly among elderly populations in rural areas.
Cataract continues to be the leading cause of avoidable blindness among people over 50 in India, contributing to more than 60% of preventable visual impairment. Karnataka reported over 4.2 lakh cataract procedures in the 2022–23 period alone, reflecting an urgent need for earlier detection and intervention—especially in underserved rural regions where access to timely care remains a challenge.
The newly launched femtosecond laser-assisted surgical technology—a form of robotic surgery—automates several key steps in the cataract procedure, ensuring enhanced precision, safety, and quicker recovery for patients. The technique is bladeless and minimally invasive, offering superior lens positioning and more consistent outcomes compared to traditional methods.
“This marks a breakthrough in cataract care,” said Dr Archana S, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru. “Robotic surgery allows for greater customization and accuracy, significantly improving patient outcomes while reinforcing our mission to make cutting-edge eye care widely accessible.”
Dr Sripathi, also a Regional Head at the hospital, added that while technology is improving surgical efficiency, early diagnosis remains critical. “Cataract often progresses silently. People may not realize it’s affecting only one eye until the vision loss becomes advanced. Surgery is the only definitive solution, and newer techniques make it painless and swift—but awareness and timely check-ups are key.”
In recognition of Cataract Awareness Month, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital announced it will offer free cataract evaluations across all its centers for individuals aged 50 and above. The initiative is aimed at encouraging early screening and treatment among at-risk groups.
Health experts advise that everyone over the age of 40 should undergo routine eye examinations, not just for vision correction, but also to detect early signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and other age-related eye conditions. Cataract affects approximately 3.8 million Indians annually, with incidence rates rising sharply after age 60.
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