Cataract surgery

What is cataract?

Every eye has a natural lens within it. The lens helps to focus light onto the retina, which is sensitive to light. The work of the natural lens can be considered to be similar to that of a camera lens. This lens is clear in young age. With age, there is some opacification of the natural lens and this is termed cataract.

What are the causes of cataract?

Age has the strongest relation with cataract. Older people have cataracts more often than younger people. However, cataracts have been noted in young adults, children and babies as well. Exposure to sunlight, smoking and alcohol consumption are also notable risk factors. Some conditions like long term steroid intake, diabetes mellitus, eye injury and eye surgeries can accelerate cataract formation. Contrary to popular belief, cataract does not spread from one eye to another. Once a cataract is removed and replaced by an artificial lens, it cannot recur.

What specialist performs a cataract surgery? What are the details to know when planning cataract surgery?

An eye doctor or Ophthalmologist is qualified to perform cataract surgery. Your eye doctor will perform an eye examination to suggest an appropriate procedure that suits your specific needs.

Cataract surgery is one of the most perfected surgeries and more than 3 million cataract surgeries are performed worldwide every year. In general, over 95% cataract surgeries are successful.

These days, the best eye hospitals for cataract surgery have a team of experienced doctors who can analyse your eye as a whole and recommend suitable treatment options that fit your professional and personal requirements. Besides assessing and treating your cataracts, your eye care team will check your eye pressure and retinal status. This helps to identify silent problems that need to be managed along with your cataract surgery.

My father has been diagnosed to have cataract. How soon should the surgery be done?

A diagnosis of cataract does not necessarily mean urgent surgery is required. In early stages of uncomplicated cataract, vision can be improved with spectacles and patients are quite comfortable. Later on, as cataract progresses, spectacles may not be sufficient to comfortably perform day-to-day activities. As age increases, cataract decreases one's mobility, increases dependence on others and in general, it decreases one's quality of life. One can consider cataract surgery if there is difficulty in occupational work, driving in the night or in outdoor activities despite using spectacles. The concept of waiting for cataracts to "ripen" is not followed these days and cataract surgery is often done to provide best possible vision for a person's work or recreational activities. It is therefore a procedure that is tailored to individual need.

A second type of cataract is one which has caused increase in eye pressure or swelling in the eye. Here, immediate surgery is required to prevent further worsening of the situation.

What are the different lenses that people speak about? Why are there so many options?

An artificial lens is placed in the eye after cataract is removed. About 20 years ago, there were not many choices. With advances in technology, different lenses were developed with special properties. These new lenses help in viewing different depths with less dependence on spectacles and some are designed to block harmful light rays. The best way to plan for cataract surgery is to discuss the options with your cataract surgeon and select a lens that suits your individual needs.

How long do I need to recover after cataract surgery? When can I resume my regular work?

After cataract surgery, you will be given medication to be used at specified intervals. Some patients have mild itching or redness that resolves over time. Nevertheless, if you have any concerns at any time after cataract surgery, do not hesitate to contact your doctor immediately to make sure everything is in order. In most instances, the eye heals and one can resume normal work by 1 month after cataract surgery. Based on the healing process, the best schedule will be advised by your cataract surgeon.