Understanding Cataracts
What is Cataract?
A Cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This cloudiness can lead to blurred or dimmed vision - often feeling like looking through a fogged window. Aging is the most common cause, but other factors like diabetes, UV exposure, medications, or trauma can also contribute.
What is a Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL) thereby restoring sharp vision.
Types of Cataract Surgeries:
Phacoemulsification (Phaco) – the most frequent method, using ultrasonic waves to fragment the lens before suctioning it out, followed by IOL implantation
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) – used for denser cataracts requiring a slightly larger incision to remove the lens in one piece
Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS) – uses sub‑2 mm incisions for faster healing and minimal invasiveness
Femtosecond Laser–Assisted (LACS) – bladeless, computer‑guided laser incision and lens fragmentation paired with phaco, offering enhanced precision and safety
Who needs Cataract Surgery?
Surgery is considered when cataracts significantly affect daily life. Indications include blurred vision, halos, glare, difficulty reading or driving, frequent prescription changes, and impaired low-light.
Doctors also assess overall eye health and general wellbeing—such as uncontrolled diabetes—while ensuring surgery aligns with patient readiness and quality-of-life goals .
Comprehensive evaluation: Eye measurements and shape assessed via ultrasound or optical biometry to select the optimal IOL
Preparations: Antibiotic eye drops, fasting for several hours, and stopping certain medications may be instructed
Logistics: Arrange transport—driving post-surgery is not advised.
Cataract Surgery: The Journey
Local anesthesia with numbing drops keeps you pain-free while awake
A tiny corneal incision is made (manual or laser), the cataract is broken up and removed (usually via phaco), and the IOL is placed in the natural capsule
The wound typically self-seals—no stitches needed—and patients go home the same day .
Before Surgery
During Surgery
After Surgery
Immediate recovery: Some scratchiness or blur is expected; most patients can see improvement within a few days, with full healing over 4–8 weeks
Aftercare: Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops, avoid rubbing eyes, wear protective eyewear, and follow instructions on lifting, bending, and showering
Follow‑up visits: Scheduled one day, one week, and about a month after surgery to ensure proper healing
Benefits
Quick visual improvement—most patients see clearer vision within days
Reduced glare, especially during night driving
Enhanced color perception and overall quality of life
Low-risk profile, with outpatient convenience and rapid recovery
If you experience blurred vision, halos, or changed symptoms, schedule an appointment at Anandeep Netralaya today to evaluate whether cataract surgery is right for you.
