Lens Surgery FAQs

Cataract Surgery

What is a cataract and how is it formed?
The eye works just like a camera and has a lens that helps us focus the light on to the retina. This lens is located behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Clouding of this lens called a cataract. This haziness of the lens reduces the quality of the image formed on the retina. In over 90% of the patients, cataract formation is due to the ageing process. Injury to the eye, certain diseases and some types of medication can also cause cataract formation.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?
A cataract prevents the formation of a sharp image on the retina along with reducing the amount of light going in to the eye. This can cause difficulty in reading in dim light, cloudy or blurry vision and fading of colours. Some patients may notice glare from on coming headlights. A frequent change in the prescription of your glasses is also one of the signs of cataract formation.

How is a cataract detected?
A cataract is detected by a thorough eye examination that will include testing your vision with and without your glasses. Special drops are then instilled in the eye to enlarge the pupil. Following this a slit-lamp (special eye examination device) is used to closely examine all parts of the eye. The dilating drops cause blurring of vision that can last several hours so make sure to have someone drive you to the consultation. If you are over the age of 60 years a detailed eye examination is recommended every 2 years.

What are the treatment options for cataracts?
Symptoms of early cataract may be corrected with a new pair of glasses or brighter lights or magnifying glasses. If these measures do not help then cataract surgery is the only option. This involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. This needs to be done only once, as a cataract is not something that grows back.

When you note that the reduction in vision, glare, etc are starting to interfere with everyday activities like driving and reading, it is time to think about cataract surgery. Your consultant ophthalmic surgeon will explain all the benefits and risks and help you make your decision about proceeding with surgery. There are no drops, vitamins or supplements that can make the cataract go away once it has formed.

How is cataract surgery performed?
For most patients, cataract surgery is done under local anaesthesia. A tiny incision is made in the eye. Through this incision, the surgeon inserts an ultrasonic instrument, about the size of a pen tip. This gently breaks up and removes the cloudy lens.

Once the clouded lens has been removed, an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted permanently to restore the focusing strength of the eye. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll spend just a few hours at the site. Because your eyes will be treated with anaesthetic, you should feel little to no discomfort.

After the surgery, you'll be able to go home the very same day. Drops will be prescribed to guard against infection and help your eyes heal. For a few days, you may need to wear a clear shield, especially at night, to prevent you from rubbing your eye.