In the early stages, glasses may be used. You may need to change them often. For the best vision, surgery is advised. There are no medications to treat cataract.
In the early stages, glasses may be used. You may need to change them often. For the best vision, surgery is advised. There are no medications to treat cataract.
If you have cataracts, your eye’s natural lens is cloudy. This blocks light from passing through the eye and results in blurred vision. Cataract surgery replaces this cloudy lens with a transparent Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) that doesn’t block light.
For most people, surgery is a quick, safe way to restore clear vision. It is the only way to treat cataract. The surgery can significantly improve your quality of life.
- Some people with early stage cataracts can delay the surgery and wear glasses instead. Keep in mind that you may have to change your glasses frequently. Also, they are not a permanent solution.
- You will need surgery once the cataracts disturb your daily activities.
- Surgery will clear your vision, so you can drive, read, cook, etc.
- The progression of cataract will vary from person to person
You do not have to stay. Surgery can be done as a day care procedure and the patients can go home a few hours after surgery.
There are 6 types of rooms. Please see Inpatient Care in What to expect at Aravind? for more information.
Yes. Please refer Health Insurance for more details
The two type of surgery are Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and Phacoemulsification (PHACO). Some newer PHACO surgeries may be FEMTO laser assisted. Manual surgery uses rigid lenses, while PHACO uses foldable lenses. Aravind offers many types of IOLs.
PHACO generally has a smaller opening, earlier recovery, less induced astigmatism, and better IOLs. However, it may not be possible for everyone. Your doctor will choose the best option for you.
PHACO should be possible in most cases, except the most advanced ones. Your doctor will decide if you are eligible.
Yes. Depending on your eye condition, it can be done without injection.
If you have no other eye problems, yes. For healthy eyes, the risk of complication is very low.
You will need to wear near-vision glasses after the surgery. Some people may need to use distant-vision glasses for the best results.
If you don’t want to wear the near-vision glasses, you should tell your doctor to consider implanting a multi-focal lens.
For your safety, you will need to wear the dark sunglasses for 1 month after surgery at least outdoors.
Unless it is an emergency, you cannot change the lens. The lens you choose will be in your eye for the rest of your life.
The new lens should provide clear vision for the rest of your life.
Yes. You will need to get fitness from physician or the specialist who treats your systemic condition.
I had cataract surgery without IOL many years ago. Can I get an IOL implanted?
Yes, as long as your blood sugar levels are under control.
Yes, you can take all regular medicines, except diabetes tablets.
You will need to get your eye checked after 1 month.
For PHACO surgery, 10 days is usually enough.
Yes. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian are fine.
With PHACO surgery, you can go back to work after 10 days. With manual surgery, you can return after 1 month.
You can only take a head bath after 15 days. Before that, you can take a body bath. Keep water away from the face.
Not right away. You will need to wait at least 15 days before you can do yoga. For yoga that increases the pressure on the eye (such as kapalbhati), you may need to wait 3 weeks.