The most common cause of cataract is degenerative changes due to the ageing process. With age, proteins in the natural lens degenerate, resulting in a clouded lens called a cataract. There might be other causes such as:

• Health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, glaucoma, smoking, eye injuries, infection, and inflammation inside the eye
• Prolonged use of certain medications can also lead to cataract formation
• Cataract may also occur in children due to genetic or metabolic defect or due to infection and trauma

If you have cataract, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms.

• Cloudy vision
• Colours of objects may appear faded
• Poor eyesight at night
• Difficulty in driving at night, especially because of the glare of lights
• Difficulty in reading in dim light
• Coloured haloes
• You may see multiple images or double images

Phacoemulsification (MICS)

• In this method a tiny instrument is inserted through a very small incision.
• Ultrasound vibrations break the cataract into tiny pieces.
• These pieces are gently suctioned out.

Usually no stitches are required to close the incision. This minimally invasive surgery allows faster and safer healing, and you can return to your normal activities in no time.

Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS):

This is also a technique where the cataract is removed manually through a slightly larger incision. This technique is used if your cataract is excessively hard, making phacoemulsification difficult.

Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) Options for cataract surgery

Monofocal Lens

A Monofocal IOL is the basic type of lens implanted after cataract surgery. It is designed to provide clear distance vision. However, you will need glasses for reading and for close detailed work. There are various materials that a monofocal lens is available in.

Toric Monofocal Lens

It is used to correct corneal astigmatism. Corrects your vision for distance vision and cylindrical power (if any) and will require you to use glasses for near and intermediate work.

EDOF Lens

EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOL is an intraocular lens used in cataract surgery. It offers patients improved vision over a range of distances, reducing the need for glasses. Unlike traditional monofocal lenses that correct vision at one distance, EDOF IOLs provide a continuous range of vision from near to intermediate to distance. This helps patients achieve better visual acuity in various situations, enhancing their overall quality of life post-surgery.

Trifocal Lens

It is designed to help to see clearly at near, intermediate and far distance, and reduces the dependency on glasses. This does not mean that you can do away with glasses completely and may occasionally need glasses for very fine tasks at near and distance.

This is the most preferred IOL these days since it provided all 3 visions without glasses, with minimum use of spectacles. Please check with your Doctor for the best suited lenses for your needs.

Trifocal Toric Lens

Corrects cataract and also astigmatism, provides clear vision for near, intermediate and far distance and reduces the dependency on glasses. This does not mean that you can do away with glasses completely and may occasionally need glasses for some fine tasks at near and distance

Months to years after cataract surgery your eye capsule which supports lens may become cloudy (posterior capsular opacification) and blur your vision. Whenever this happens it can be treated by a painless small OPD procedure called YAG Laser capsulotomy