- What is cataract?
A cataract is clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which leads to blurry vision, glares and hallows and reduced colour perception. It typically develops with age but can also be caused by injury, certain medications, or medical conditions like diabetes. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss. Surgery is the only treatment where the cloudy lens is replaced with artificial lens.
- Why do cataracts develop?
Cataracts develop when the proteins in the lens break down and clump together causing cloudiness. This process is primarily due to aging but can also be accelerated by factors such as prolonged uv exposure, smoking, diabetes, eye injuries, certain medications (like steroids) and genetic predisposition
- Can cataracts be prevented?
While cataracts can't always be prevented, you can lower your risk by protecting your eyes from uv rays, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
- When should i consider cataract surgery?
You should consider surgery when cataracts significantly affect your vision and daily activities, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures, with a high success rate in restoring clear vision.
- How is cataract surgery performed?
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). The procedure is typically quick and done under local anesthesia. It is a day-care procedure
- Does cataract surgery hurt?
Cataract surgery is generally painless, as numbing drops or a local anesthetic are used to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Most people experience improved vision within a few days and recover fully within 4–6 weeks. Your doctor will provide guidance for post-surgery care.
- Can cataracts come back after surgery?
Cataracts do not return after surgery, but some people may develop posterior capsular opacification (PCO), a condition where the lens capsule becomes cloudy. This can be treated with a quick, painless laser procedure.
- Are there different types of lenses available for cataract surgery?
Yes, options include monofocal lenses (clear vision at one distance), which are regular lenses and specialised lenses like extended depth of focus lenses (edof), multifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, toric lenses (for cylindrical powers), and combination lenses. Your surgeon will recommend the best choice for your needs.
- Will i still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It depends on the type of lens implant you choose. Premium lenses may reduce or eliminate your need for glasses, while monofocal lenses may require you to use glasses for certain tasks. However possibility of need for glasses cannot be completely eliminated with any type of lens used.
- Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Basic cataract surgery with standard lenses is typically covered by insurance, but premium lenses and certain advanced techniques may involve additional costs.