It is common for any adult above age 50 to undergo cataract surgery. Aging is the most common cause of cataracts but some diseases like diabetes can also result in cataract. Any surgery involving the eye is considered critical. However with modern technology cataract surgery has become relatively simple and painless.

A cataract is defined as clouding or haziness of the eye lens resulting in poor vision. Typical symptoms include blurred vision, poor night vision and double vision. Cataracts can also make eyes more sensitive to bright lights and cause difficulty in driving.

Cataracts cannot be prevented and hence regular eye examination is highly recommended for adults above 50.The most common cause of cataracts is aging. Diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma are also associated with cataract formation. Sometimes genetic and poor nutrition can also cause cataracts.

There are three types of cataracts:

Nuclear cataract: This type of cataract is present in the centre of the eye lens. This can be caused mainly due to deformation of the protein structure of the eye with aging.

Cortical cataract: This type of cataract originates from the outer part of the lens and moves to the centre. Diabetes is the main cause of cortical cataract.

Sub capsular cataract: This type of cataract originates at the back of the lens.

The doctor may recommend a procedure after a complete eye exam. In most cases surgery is recommended to correct the condition. The surgery involves removing the natural lens and placing an artificial lens to restore clear vision. Prior to the surgery the doctor may perform various tests to evaluate the size and shape of eye. This helps to determine the kind of lens required to be used. The eye exam will also measure the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or any other eye problems you have before the surgery.

Following are the most common types of artificial lens:

  • Standard lens are monofocal lens. The focal point or distance at maximum clarity can be set to distance, intermediate or near. The focal point is determined based on the eye exam and existing eye condition.
  • Multifocal lens can help to reduce both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
  • Toric lens can treat astigmatism and are monofocal.
  • Crystalens lens are adjusting and can enable the lens to shift its position inside to focus as per the distance.
  • Aspheric lens can help to improve contrast sensitivity and provide clear vision.
  • Monovision involves a monofocal lens with a different power in each eye depending on the strength of the eyes.

Most cataract surgeries do not require prolonged hospitalization. The doctor may advise to stop food intake 12 hours before the operation. The procedure takes around an hour or two and is painless. It requires local anesthesia to numb the eye. The first step of the procedure is to break up the natural lens into small bits. The pieces of the lens are removed from the eye using suction. The step involves minimum amount of incision and the patient will not feel any pain.

Once the all pieces of the natural lens are safely removed the new artificial lens is placed. The artificial lens can be plastic, silicone or acrylic. The doctor will provide adequate information about the pros and cons of each and will act as per your choice. Once the lens has been securely placed the doctor will close the incision with a small stitch.

The patient will be relieved from hospital after an hour or so after the surgery. In case cataract is present in both eye two separate surgeries will be required. Both of them will be performed in a space of few weeks to provide adequate recovery time.

Cataract surgeries are painless and have few complications. The operated eye may have soreness or itching for a couple of days. The doctor will prescribe eye drops to be used couple of items a day. The drops help prevent any infection. You may also notice fluid discharge from the operated eye for a few days. It is recommended to avoid directly looking at bright lights and using black glasses to shield the eyes. All strenuous activities should be avoided. Protect your eye from water, dust, grime and any outside particles to avoid infections.

The doctor may also advise for a follow up check up 15 days after the surgery. After about 6-8 weeks the eye will be completely healed.

The cost of cataract surgery in India has steadily gone down over the years. Surgeries can cost as low as Rs 10000 depending on the city and type of hospital. A typical keyhole surgery using an Indian make lens can cost approx Rs20000. Microsurgery is the most commonly performed procedure with minimum incision. It can cost close to Rs30000 – Rs 50000 depending on the type of lens used, city and hospital. The latest advancement using laser surgery can cost Rs 60000 and above. Most of the surgeries have a high success rate and are pain free. More information about cataract surgery in India here.

The surgery has also been supported by non-government and charity organizations. These organization help perform surgeries at a subsidized cost for lower socio economic individuals. Various camps are organized from time to time to provide cataract surgeries for free or nominal cost. The main aim of these programs is to eliminate blindness caused due to cataracts. Surgeries at low or nominal cost encourage people to go for the surgery and get their vision restored to normal.

Author's Bio: 

Pousali is an M.Phil in English literature and likes to explore genres related to arts and aesthetics. She is an ardent believer of the ‘learning, unlearning and relearning’ process. She truly enjoys knowing and writing on different concepts.