Cataract is a part of the natural ageing process, but can affect any age group, including newborns. A clouding of the natural lens of the eye due to degenerative changes results in a blurring of vision.

The main signs and symptoms of cataract include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision.
• Decreased vision, especially at night
• Sensitivity to light and glare.
• Seeing “halos” around lights, especially around incandescent bulbs and car headlights.
• Frequent changes in eyeglass.
• Fading or yellowing of colours.
• Double vision or “ghosting” of images.

The treatment for cataract is surgical, and is recommended based on the density of the cataract and its impact on daily activities of the patient.

In case both eyes are affected, your doctor will usually choose to operate the worse eye first, operating on the second after a gap of a few weeks.

The different types of cataract surgery are day care procedures, under local anaesthesia, and are usually elective i.e. you get to choose when you want to get the surgery done.

Cataract Surgery

Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound vibrations to break up the cloudy lens, so that it can be sucked out through a small cut in the eye. The incision heals on its own and does not require any eye patch or stitches. A foldable, artificial lens (intraocular lens, IOL) can be inserted through the same incision.

Phacoemulsification with a still smaller incision (1.8mm as compared to standard phacoemulsification incision of 2.2mm) is called Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS).

This technique is associated with fewer complications such as astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea needing glasses for correction) and results in a much faster healing.

In case you do not want to wear glasses for reading following cataract surgery, your surgeon might offer you a multifocal lens. You may also be given the option of monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance, and the other for near work.