The cost of cataract surgery (one eye) in Mexico typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800. Prices can vary depending on the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, and the type of intraocular lens (monofocal, multifocal, or toric) used. In the United States, the average price is $4,800 (according to AAO). This means cataract surgery in Mexico is about 69% less than in the U.S.
Mexican clinics usually include the surgical procedure, standard intraocular lens, pre-op exams, local anesthesia, and one or more follow-up visits. In the U.S., the quoted price often covers only the surgery itself, with separate charges for premium lenses, anesthesia, and post-op care. Always confirm exactly what’s included in your package at each clinic.
| Mexico | Turkey | Austria | |
| Cataract surgery (one eye) | from $1,200 | from $1,200 | from $1,800 |
Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor
Fahad MawloodNo hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Cataract surgery (one eye) upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Cataract surgery (one eye) and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Cataract surgery (one eye) journey.
Cataract surgery in Mexico can offer significant cost savings, but it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower costs. Cataract surgery in Mexico costs $1,500–$3,000 per eye, compared to $3,500–$5,000 in the US, offering savings of up to 60%. | Safety concerns. Potential risks include infection rates of 1–2% and lens dislocation, which are similar to US statistics when performed by qualified surgeons. |
| Qualified surgeons. Surgeons are certified by the Mexican Council of Ophthalmology and often have US or European fellowship training, with 10+ years of experience. | Follow-up care. Postoperative visits may be harder to arrange from abroad, but clinics offer telemedicine and detailed discharge instructions to support recovery. |
| Modern facilities. Clinics in Tijuana and Cancun use advanced femtosecond laser systems (Alcon, Zeiss) and are accredited by COFEPRIS, some with JCI or ISO certifications. | Different regulatory standards. COFEPRIS standards differ from the FDA, but top clinics meet international benchmarks and use FDA-approved lenses. |
| Advanced lens options. Multi-focal and toric intraocular lenses are available, improving vision outcomes and reducing dependence on glasses. | Travel logistics. Travel and accommodation are required, which may add $600–$1,200 to the overall cost and require careful planning. |
| Personal coordinator support. Bookimed’s medical coordinator helps compare clinics, request personalized quotes, and manage treatment logistics at no additional cost. |
It's crucial to thoroughly research clinics and verify surgeon credentials before making a decision. When patients carefully research and choose reputable providers, cataract surgery in Mexico can offer safe, affordable, and effective results.
The best cataract surgery clinics in Mexico hold JCI and General Health Council accreditations, operating in cities like Mexicali, Monterrey, and Tijuana. According to Bookimed’s ranking, the top clinics are Hospital de la Familia, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, and CODET Vision Institute. They stand out for Consejo Mexicano de Oftalmología-certified ophthalmologists and all-private patient rooms. When choosing a provider, look for board-certified specialists, national accreditations, and proven surgical outcomes, with affordable pricing. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before making a decision.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Pre-Operation
Day 3: Cataract Surgery
Day 4: Post-Operation
Day 5: Discharge
Week 1-2: Rehabilitation
Week 3-4: Rehabilitation
Please note that each case is individual and the timeline may vary based on your personal condition and recovery speed.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
This ophthalmology procedure involves removing the cloudy lens from one eye and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens to restore vision.
According to Bookimed, Mexico is a good place for Cataract surgery (one eye) because it has several well-known medical facilities that offer Ophthalmology as one of their strongest specialties.
Overall, Mexico is a good place for Cataract surgery (one eye) due to its experienced doctors, high success rate, and quality medical services and treatment.
Bookimed's rating has revealed the top 5 hospitals in Mexico for Cataract surgery (one eye):
Bookimed has identified the top doctors in Mexico who excel in performing Cataract surgery (one eye):
Currency | Mexican peso (you also can pay for services in dollars) |
Best period for the trip | December-April |
Language | Spanish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
Visa | required for some countries |
Time difference with Europe | 7 hours |
Time difference with the USA | 1 hour |
Capital | Mexico City |
Medical tourism center | Mexico City |
Popular resorts | Central and Southern Mexico |
In Mexico, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
Visas for travel to Mexico require a number of documents. Lists of documents includes: