Cataract

Cataract Surgery in India - Complete Patient Guide to Treatment

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in your eye, which can make vision blurry. This short explains what happens during cataract surgery, a common procedure to restore clear vision.

Understanding cataracts

Cataracts develop slowly and are a common part of ageing. They are not an illness.

• What it is. A cataract is a build-up of protein that clouds the eye's natural lens. This prevents light from focusing clearly onto the retina.
• Common symptoms. You may experience blurred or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading colours, and difficulty seeing at night.
• When to consider surgery. Surgery is usually recommended when poor vision caused by a cataract starts to affect your quality of life and daily activities, such as reading or driving.

The surgical procedure

The surgery is a day-case procedure and you can usually go home the same day. It is performed under local anaesthetic.

• Anaesthesia. Your eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops or a small injection. You will be awake during the surgery but you will not feel any pain.
• Removing the cataract. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye. The cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound and gently removed. This technique is called phacoemulsification.
• A new lens. A clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is folded and inserted through the same incision. It unfolds into position to replace the natural lens.
• Finishing the procedure. The small incision is often self-sealing and may not require stitches. A protective shield is placed over your eye.

Recovery and lens choices

• Immediately after. Your vision may be blurry at first. You will be given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and told when to use them.
• The first few weeks. Your vision should improve within a few days. You must avoid rubbing your eye and engaging in strenuous activity. Full recovery can take four to six weeks.
• Lens options. The standard option is a monofocal lens, which is set for one distance, usually for seeing far away. You would then need glasses for reading.
• Other lenses. Other types of lenses, such as multifocal or toric lenses for astigmatism, may be available. These are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The suitability of cataract surgery and the best type of intraocular lens for you depends on your individual case. A final decision can only be made after an ophthalmologist has reviewed your reports and completed a full eye examination.