Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure to restore clear vision by removing a cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. It is one of the most common and successful surgeries worldwide, significantly improving the quality of life for those affected by cataracts.

👁️ What is a Cataract?

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, glare sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. It often develops with age but can also be caused by diabetes, eye injuries, or prolonged UV exposure.

🔬 Types of Cataract Surgery

1️⃣ Phacoemulsification (Phaco) – The most common technique, where an ultrasound probe breaks up the cloudy lens, which is then removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).
2️⃣ Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) – Used for advanced cataracts, where a larger section of the lens is removed.
3️⃣ Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) – A laser-assisted method for precise incisions and lens removal.

🛠️ The Cataract Surgery Procedure

✔ Before Surgery:

A detailed eye exam is done to assess the cataract and determine the best intraocular lens (IOL) type.
Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation.

✔ During Surgery (15-30 minutes):

Performed under local anesthesia (numbing eye drops), ensuring a painless experience.
A small incision is made, and the cloudy lens is removed.
A clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted.
No stitches are needed in most cases, as the incision heals naturally.

✔ After Surgery:

Patients go home the same day with protective glasses or an eye shield.
Vision improvement is noticeable within a few days to weeks.

⏳ Recovery & Aftercare

✔ Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and slight blurriness are normal for the first few days.
✔ Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
✔ Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, and strenuous activities for a few weeks.
✔ Wear sunglasses to protect against bright light.
✔ Attend follow-up visits to monitor healing and vision improvement.

🎯 Benefits of Cataract Surgery

✅ Restores clear vision and reduces glare.
✅ Enhances color perception and contrast.
✅ Improves night vision and reading ability.
✅ Quick recovery with minimal downtime.
✅ Long-lasting results with a low risk of complications.