Cataract Surgery: All Your Common Questions Answered

Cataract Surgery: All Your Common Questions Answered

What is Cataract?

A cataract is when the natural clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, making it harder for you to see clearly.It’s like looking through a foggy window — objects may look blurry, colors may seem faded, and lights may seem too bright.

Think of your eye like a camera. The lens in a camera helps focus light and images. Similarly, your eye has a lens that focuses light so you can see sharp and clear pictures.

When this lens becomes cloudy — like a dirty window or a fogged-up glass — your vision becomes blurry, dim, or even double.

Why Does a Cataract Happen?

Most cataracts happen because of aging. As we get older, the proteins inside the lens start to clump together, making parts of the lens cloudy.

Other reasons can be:

• • Injury to the eye
• • Diabetes
• • Long-term use of steroid medicines
• • Exposure to UV rays (sunlight)
• • Family history of cataracts
• • Smoking or alcohol use

Does everyone develop cataract?

Yes!!! If any person lives long enough, they will develop cataract. It is a part of natural aging, just like greying of hair and wrinkles. While some people get grey hair at 30 years of age, some get it by 50-55 years of age; same way – some people develop cataract in their 40s while some get it in their 80s. Most people develop cataract between 50-70 years of age.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Cataract?

• • Blurry or foggy vision.
• • Trouble seeing at night.
• • Sensitivity to bright lights or glare.
• • Seeing halos around lights (like around headlights at night).
• • Colors looking faded or yellowish.
• • Needing brighter light to read.
• • Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription.

What is the difference between Cataract (SafedMotiyabind) and Glaucoma (KaalaMotiyabind)?

Cataract is just a natural aging process of your lens. Everyone develops cataract beyond a certain age. Once affecting your vision, it can be easily treated by a simple surgery to restore your vision completely.

Glaucoma, on the other hand, is a disease where pressure inside the eye increases, resulting in damage to the nerve of your eye (optic nerve). It is more dangerous and needs early treatment. Patients often do not have any symptoms in glaucoma and therefore, are unaware of the disease. The damage already done in glaucoma, cannot be recovered. We can only prevent further damage from happening by reducing the eye pressure. While cataract is only treated surgically, glaucoma is usually treated first with medicines (eye drops) and surgery is only done in case medicines are not working.

Can Cataract Be Treated?

Yes! The only way to treat cataract is through cataract surgery.

In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

It is a safe, simple, and quick procedure — and it helps you see clearly again.

Can drops treat cataract or can it recover naturally?

No, There are no medical treatments for cataract so far. The only effective treatment for cataract is surgery to remove your cloudy lens and replace it with artificial new lens.

Is Cataract Painful?

No, Cataracts do not cause pain. Your vision just becomes gradually blurry or dim. Cataract surgery is also painless because your eye is numbed with special drops or injections before the procedure.

Is Cataract Preventable?

You can't completely prevent cataracts because they are a part of natural aging for many people.

But you can slow their progress by:

• • Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
• • Controlling health conditions like diabetes.
• • Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables).
• • Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.

In Short:

• ✅ A cataract is when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy.
• ✅ It causes blurry, dim vision and difficulty seeing clearly.
• ✅ Cataracts can be easily treated with a simple surgery.
• ✅ Surgery restores clear vision and greatly improves quality of life.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a simple, safe, and highly successful procedure where the cloudy natural lens of your eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL). It restores clear vision and improves quality of life.

When Should I Have Cataract Surgery?

You should consider cataract surgery when blurry vision starts affecting your daily activities like reading, driving, or watching TV. There's no need to wait for the cataract to "mature" — modern cataract surgery is recommended as soon as it interferes with your lifestyle. Earlier people used to wait for their cataract to mature because surgery was done differently with a large incision (cut) and had higher risks of complications. In today’s time, we prefer doing cataract surgery when your vision is not clear even with glasses.

How Safe is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a success rate of over 99%. Our superspeciality eye hospital uses the latest technology to ensure maximum safety and excellent outcomes. Dr Veerwal is a highly specialized cataract surgeon having performed more than 10000 successful cataract surgeries. He is an expert in complicated cataracts, femto laser cataract surgery, multifocal and toric IOLs.

What Are the Types of Cataract Surgery?

The most commonly used two techniques are:

• • Phacoemulsification (Phaco Surgery)/Micro-incision cataract surgery (MICS): The most common and advanced method using ultrasound waves. Incision is usually 2.2-2.8 mm small, surgery is stitchless, painless, injection less, patchless.
• • Laser Cataract Surgery (Femto Cataract/FLACS/Robotic cataract surgery): Uses a laser for extra precision during surgery. During FLACS, 3-4 steps of the surgery are performed by femtosecond laser for the surgeon. Almost 50% of the steps remain same as in MICS surgery and performed by the surgeon. It offers advantage especially in complicated cases, cases with multifocal or toric IOLs. Both options offer fast recovery and excellent vision results. Rarely, in advanced cataracts or special scenarios we perform surgery manually- called as SICS (Small incision cataract surgery).

What is the Cost of Cataract Surgery in India?

Answer: The cost of cataract surgery in India varies depending on the hospital, technology, and type of IOL chosen:

• • Standard Cataract Surgery: ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 per eye.
• • Premium Laser Cataract Surgery: ₹65,000 to ₹1,20,000 per eye.
• • Premium IOL Implant (Multifocal / EDOF): Additional ₹40,000 to ₹90,000.

We offer affordable cataract surgery packages with flexible options. Choosing the right IOL that is going to remain permanently in your eye is of paramount importance. Dr Vikas Veerwal has helped thousands of patients in making the right choice after a detailed discussion understanding the lifestyle needs, budget and expectations of his patients.

Which Lens is Best for Cataract Surgery?

No particular lens can be considered the best lens. The best lens depends on your vision goals, your expectations and condition of the eye. Options include:

• • Monofocal lenses (clear distance vision, glasses needed for near)
• • Multifocal lenses (clear distance and near vision)
• • Toric lenses (for astigmatism correction)
• • EDOF lenses (extended depth of focus, fewer halos)

Each category of lens has lenses with different features and availability from different companies. At our centre, we offer all the options to our patients but help them make the best choice that is likely to give them the best outcome according to their needs. Our specialist, Dr Vikas Veerwal is an expert in premium lenses and helps you choose the best premium lens for your lifestyle.

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?

The procedure usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to stay at the hospital for about 2–3 hours on the day of surgery for pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery.

Is Cataract Surgery Painful and will I be awake during the surgery?

No, cataract surgery is completely painless. It is performed under local anesthesia (eye drops or injection), and patients usually experience no discomfort during the procedure. Both Phacoemulsification and Femto laser cataract surgery are painless.

You will be fully awake and aware during the surgery. You can even talk to the surgeon or listen to some soothing music during the surgery.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Cataract Surgery?

• • Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours.
• • Full healing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
• • You can return to normal activities like reading, watching TV, etcwithin a day, but avoid heavy lifting or dusty environments for a few days.

We provide comprehensive post-operative care to speed up your healing. Along with it, our advanced technology helps in keeping the recovery period to the minimum. Many of our patients start with their office work from the very next day itself (taking minor precautions).

Would I still need glasses after getting cataract surgery?

Your requirement for glasses will depend on the type of lens that you are choosing. Patients who choose Monofocal lens, require glasses for near activities like reading, mobile phone use, etc. Patients who choose Multifocal or EDOF lenses do not usually need glasses for most of their activities. Toric lenses are needed get rid of glasses, in case you are noted to have cylindrical power. Dr Veerwal customizes his treatment according to patient needs to get the best possible outcome.

Can Cataract Come Back After Surgery?

Cataract itself does not come back after surgery since your lens has been removed already. However, sometimes a secondary cataract (posterior capsular opacification) can form months or years later, which can be easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure (YAG laser capsulotomy) in the OPD itself.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?

While rare, some risks include:

• • Infection
• • Inflammation
• • Corneal edema (swelling in cornea)
• • Glare or halos around lights (more common with multifocal lenses)
• • Macular edema (swelling in retina)

Choosing an experienced cataract surgeon greatly minimizes risks. At our hospital, patient safety is our top priority. We have a nearly 100% success rate in cataract surgery. Dr Veerwal gives personalised attention to every patient to provide the best possible outcomes.

What Precautions Should I Take After Cataract Surgery?

Answer:

• • Use prescribed eye drops regularly.
• • Wear protective glasses outdoors.
• • Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• • Do not lift heavy objects for at least a week.
• • Follow all post-operative instructions carefully for best results.
• • Avoid any water getting into the eye for 1-2 weeks (depending on type of procedure).

What Happens If Cataract is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, cataracts will continue to cloud your vision and can lead to complete blindness in the affected eye. Cataract surgery is the only permanent solution to restore vision.Untreated cataracts can result in glaucoma (high eye pressure) and uveitis (eye inflammation) as well. Cataract surgery becomes challenging and complicated when the cataract becomes hard or mature. Also, while your vision keeps on reducing as the cataract increases, this also leads to a higher risk of fall and fracture happening, especially since most patients are older in age.

Is There an Ideal Age for Cataract Surgery?

There’s no perfect age; cataracts are treated based on symptoms rather than age. Most people require cataract surgery between age 50 to 80. Early detection and treatment ensure better outcomes. When cataract starts affecting your daily activities, there is no benefit in waiting anymore.

Can I Get Both Eyes Operated on the Same Day?

Generally, cataract surgery is done one eye at a time, with a gap of 1 to 2 weeks. In select cases, bilateral same-day cataract surgery can be considered after careful evaluation.

Why Choose Our Superspeciality Eye Hospital for Cataract Surgery?

• • Expert Cataract Surgeons: Decades of experience and thousands of successful surgeries.
• • Latest Technology: Laser cataract surgery, premium lens implantation.
• • Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to surgery to post-operative follow-up.
• • Affordable Packages: Transparent and patient-friendly pricing.
• • Patient-Centered Approach: Every decision made with your best vision in mind.

Trust us for the best cataract surgery experience in India — your vision deserves the best!

Conclusion

Cataract surgery is a life-changing procedure that restores clear, sharp vision. With today’s advanced technologies and premium IOL options, you can achieve freedom from glasses and enjoy life to the fullest. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards brighter vision!