Cataract Surgery
Restore clear vision with modern cataract surgery
Overview
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and safest surgical procedures in the world. It involves removing the clouded natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Modern phacoemulsification techniques make the procedure quick, virtually painless, and highly effective.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment in India, affecting millions of people — especially those over 60. Surgery is the only effective treatment and typically restores vision to near-normal levels.
Signs & Symptoms
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing halos around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colours
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in spectacle prescription
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age-related changes in the lens (most common)
- Diabetes
- Prolonged use of steroid medications
- Eye injury or trauma
- Excessive UV light exposure
- Congenital (present from birth)
Treatment Options
Phacoemulsification
The gold standard technique using ultrasound to break up and remove the cloudy lens through a tiny incision. Recovery is fast with minimal discomfort.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
Uses a laser to perform key steps of cataract surgery with greater precision, reducing the need for manual incisions.
Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS)
A cost-effective technique widely used in India, suitable for advanced cataracts and high-volume settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia (eye drops) and is virtually painless. You may feel mild pressure but no pain.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgery itself takes 15–30 minutes per eye. You will typically be at the hospital for 2–3 hours including preparation and recovery.
Can both eyes be operated on the same day?
Usually, surgeons prefer to operate on one eye at a time, with a gap of 1–2 weeks between procedures, to ensure safety.