Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss, especially as we age. Cataract surgery is a safe, quick, and highly effective procedure that can restore clear vision in just a few minutes.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which causes blurry vision, glare, and
difficulty seeing at night. Cataracts develop slowly and are usually related to aging, but can also be caused by injury, certain medications, or diseases like diabetes.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis.
The Procedure
The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes. It is done under local anaesthesia where the patient is awake but the eye is numb.
Stitches are generally not needed and vision improves within a few days.
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
The patient may choose from:
- Monofocal IOL – clear vision at one distance
- Multifocal IOL – vision at both near and far distances
- Toric IOL – for people with astigmatism
The eye surgeon will help choose the best lens based on the patient’s lifestyle and eye
condition.
Recovery & Aftercare
The patient should use prescribed eye drops for a few weeks and should avoid rubbing the eye or heavy lifting. The patient should also wear protective sunglasses outside.
Most people return to normal activities in 1–2 days.
When to Call the Doctor
The patients should contact the eye specialist if they experience sudden pain or vision loss, redness or discharge, or increased light sensitivity
Who Should Consider Cataract Surgery?
One may need surgery if vision is affecting daily activities like reading or driving; if glasses are no longer helping improve vision; or if cataracts are interfering with treatment for other eye conditions.
Final Thoughts
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful surgeries performed worldwide. With advanced technology and skilled surgeons, most people enjoy dramatically clearer vision and a quick recovery.