Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to decreased vision

A cataract makes the clear lens of your eye cloudy, blocking light from reaching the back of the eye. As we get older, the proteins in our eye lens can stick together and create these cloudy spots.

People with bad cataracts might say it’s like looking through a waterfall or wax paper. This can make it hard to do things like drive at night, read small print, sew, or watch TV.

Some things that can make you more likely to get cataracts include:

• Ageing
• Eye trauma
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Certain medications, including long-term use of oral steroids
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Smoking
• Glaucoma
• Certain metabolic conditions

Advantages

• Over 90% of patients achieve excellent (20/25 or better) distance vision without glasses.
• Premium cataract surgery is very successful, with very high patient satisfaction and extremely low complication rates.
• The procedure typically takes less than half an hour and does not require an overnight stay.
• Vision is usually improved the day after surgery.
• Recovery is typically short and uneventful.
• The lens implants are permanent and ordinarily do not need to be replaced.
• We address everyone's astigmatism during premium cataract surgery.

Disadvantages

• Compared to traditional cataract surgery, the adaptation period is longer after surgery and it may take more time for your vision to stabilise.

• Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is a highly common procedure with an excellent safety profile and outcomes.
• Our expert team will discuss the individual risks and benefits with you during your consultation.

• Standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery is the most common method of cataract removal where a small incision (2.2-2.8mm) is made in the cornea and a probe is inserted to emulsify the cataractous/clear crystalline lens.
• This is a day case procedure carried out under topical (drops) anesthesia and only sub tenon’s (injection around the eye) if the case is higher risk.
• The cataract is accessed through a 2.2mm incision made through the cornea using a pen-like phaco-probe.
• This probe vibrates at ultrasonic frequency. It softens (emulsifies) the cataract and breaks it into small manageable pieces which are then aspirated (vacuumed out) along fluid filled plastic tubing away from the eye.
• A foldable intraocular implant is inserted into the eye like a taco, and this opens up for ideal lens placement.
• This is a refractive opportunity to reduce your spectacle dependence or make you almost spectacle independent and achieve sharper focus by employing either blended mini-monovision or trifocals.

After cataract surgery, patients can usually go home within a few minutes. In the days that follow, there may be some discomfort within the first week. Visual recovery is experienced the next day and will continue to improve in the first week and thereafter. Full recovery can take up to 12 weeks.

1 . What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to vision problems.

2. What causes cataracts?

Aging is the primary cause, but factors like diabetes, smoking, and sun exposure also contribute.

3. How do I know if I have cataracts?

Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, and frequent prescription changes.

4. Can I prevent cataracts?

While prevention isn't guaranteed, wearing UV-protected sunglasses, not smoking, and eating antioxidant-rich foods may help.

5. How are cataracts diagnosed?

Through a comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity tests and a slit-lamp exam.

6. How are cataracts treated?

Surgery is the only effective treatment, replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial IOL.

7. When should I consider cataract surgery?

When cataracts affect daily activities like reading or driving.

8. Is cataract surgery safe?

Yes, it’s one of the safest and most common surgeries with a high success rate.

9.Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?

Depending on the IOL chosen, you may still need glasses for some tasks.

10. How long does recovery take?

Most people resume normal activities in a few days, with full healing in 4-6 weeks.

11. Are there risks?

Risks are rare but can include infection, inflammation, or retinal detachment.

12. Can cataracts come back?

No, but posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can occur and is treatable with a laser.

13. Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, it is usually covered by insurance, including Aasandha. However, the coverage may vary depending on the IOL selected.

14. What should I expect after cataract surgery?

Your vision may be blurry for a few days as your eye heals. You'll need to use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Most people notice improved vision within a few days, but complete healing can take a few weeks.

15. Can both eyes be operated on at the same time?

Doctors usually don't operate on both eyes simultaneously. A minimum wait of 3-5 days is recommended before the second eye surgery.

16. How do I prepare for cataract surgery?

Preparation involves a thorough eye exam, discussing your medical history, and completing required investigations. After reviewing your tests, the doctor will schedule the surgery.

17. How long do I have to stay in the hospital for the surgery?

Expect to spend 2-3 hours at the hospital on surgery day, including pre-op preparation. The surgery itself typically takes 15-20 minutes.