Skip links
Request A Call Back
SELF-TEST
Book an Appointment

Cataract

Cataract causes clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision. Treatment involves safe and effective surgery to restore clear sight

Cataract Incidence/Prevalence

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision impairment worldwide, particularly in older adults. They occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. While cataracts are strongly age-related, they can also occur earlier due to health conditions, trauma, or medication use. In the Maldives, cataracts are among the leading causes of preventable blindness.

Causes of Cataract

  1. Aging: The most common cause. With age, the lens proteins break down and clump together, causing cloudiness.
  2. Genetics: A family history of cataracts can increase risk.
  3. Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic diseases.
  4. Medications: Long-term steroid use is a known risk factor.
  5. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition.
  6. UV Radiation: Excessive sunlight exposure increases risk, especially in tropical regions.
  7. Eye Injury or Surgery: Trauma and previous eye surgery can accelerate cataract formation.

Cataract Diagnosis and Examination

  1. Patient History: Includes symptoms such as blurred vision, glare, difficulty with night vision, and frequent changes in glasses.
  2. Visual Acuity Test: Measures the sharpness of vision.
  3. Slit-Lamp Examination: Allows the ophthalmologist to view the cornea, lens, and iris under high magnification.
  4. Retinal Examination: After dilating the pupils, the doctor checks the retina and optic nerve.
  5. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): In selected cases, OCT may be used to evaluate retinal health before surgery.
  6. Optical Biometry (IOL Master 700): Measures the eye’s length and curvature to determine the most accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power for surgery.

Cataract Treatments at EyeCare

1. Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery (Phaco)

  • Procedure: A micro-incision is made, and ultrasound waves are used to break the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. These fragments are then removed, and a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted.
  • Benefits:
    • Small incision, minimal stitches required.
    • Faster healing and recovery.
    • Improved visual outcomes.
  • Preferred option at EyeCare due to precision and safety.

2. Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

  • Procedure: A slightly larger incision is made, the cataract is removed in one piece, and an IOL is implanted.
  • Benefits:
    • Reliable and effective.
    • Often recommended when phaco is not suitable.
  • Recovery: Slightly longer healing time compared to phaco, but effective for restoring vision.

Pre-Operative Care

• Comprehensive eye examination and biometry to plan surgery.
• Review of systemic health (blood sugar, blood pressure, medications).
• Instructions to avoid certain medications (like blood thinners) if necessary.
• Pre-surgery counseling regarding procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.

Post-Operative Care

• Use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
• Wearing an eye shield at night to prevent accidental rubbing.
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or swimming for a few weeks.
• Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure IOL stability.
• Most patients notice improved vision within a few days, with continued improvement over weeks.

Importance of Early Treatment

While cataracts develop gradually, delaying surgery can lead to severe visual disability and complications, including difficulty in performing daily tasks, loss of independence, and higher risk of falls or accidents. Early surgical intervention provides excellent outcomes with modern techniques like phacoemulsification

Early treatment can restore clarity, book your cataract evaluation today

Doctors and Specialists

Our Medical Team

Our team of highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists is committed to delivering personalized, comprehensive eye care

View Medical Team

Testimonials

Read inspiring stories from patients who have experienced clearer vision and compassionate care with EyeCare, reflecting the trust and results we strive for every day

Frequently Asked Questions

A. No. Glasses and stronger lighting may help temporarily, but surgery is the only definitive treatment

A. Typically 15–30 minutes. It is performed as a day-care procedure, meaning no overnight hospital stay.

A. No. The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops or injections, and patients only feel mild pressure, not pain

A. When cataracts interfere with daily life, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Your ophthalmologist will guide you based on your eye health

A. Many patients enjoy greatly improved vision, though some may still need glasses for reading or fine tasks, depending on the IOL type

A. Phaco uses a smaller incision with faster recovery, while SICS involves a slightly larger incision but is equally effective for vision restoration