Monofocal lenses
Provide sharp vision at one distance (usually distance vision), with reading glasses needed for close-up tasks.
Seeing clearly again
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light onto the retina. As we age, proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing vision to become blurry, hazy, or dull — as if looking through a fogged-up window.
Cataracts develop slowly and painlessly, and while they can’t be prevented, they can be completely treated with surgery.
Signs to watch for
Common symptoms
- Blurred, cloudy, or dim vision
- Increasing difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Sensitivity to light and glare, especially from headlights or bright sun
- Seeing halos around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in a single eye
Causes
What causes cataracts?
- Age-related changes — the most common cause, typically after age 60
- Diabetes and other metabolic conditions
- Prolonged UV exposure
- Eye injury or previous eye surgery
- Long-term steroid use
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Genetics or congenital factors (present at birth)
The procedure
How cataract surgery works
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in modern medicine, with a success rate above 95%. The cloudy natural lens is gently removed and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that restores sharp vision.
Numbing the eye
Local anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye — no needles or general anaesthesia required for most patients.
A tiny incision
A tiny incision, usually under 3 mm, is made at the edge of the cornea.
Phacoemulsification
A small ultrasonic probe breaks up the cloudy lens into tiny fragments, which are gently suctioned out.
Lens implantation
A folded artificial lens is inserted through the same small incision and unfolds into place.
Self-sealing closure
The incision is so small it usually heals without stitches.
Quick, day-care procedure
The entire procedure takes about 15–20 minutes per eye and is performed as a day-care procedure, meaning you go home the same day.
Your new lens
Choosing your intraocular lens (IOL)
Your surgeon will help you choose the right lens based on your lifestyle, visual needs, and eye health.
Multifocal lenses
Provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing dependency on glasses.
Toric lenses
Correct astigmatism along with cataracts.
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses
Offer a continuous range of vision from near to far.
Your journey
What to expect
Before surgery
A comprehensive eye exam, including measurements of your eye's shape and size to determine the correct IOL power.
Day of surgery
You'll be awake but comfortable; most patients feel little to no pain. You'll need someone to drive you home.
Recovery
- Mild grittiness, light sensitivity, or blurry vision for the first few days is normal
- Prescription eye drops are used for a few weeks to prevent infection and inflammation
- Most people notice a significant improvement in vision within 24–48 hours
- Full visual stabilisation can take up to 4–6 weeks
- Follow-up visits at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. The procedure is performed under topical anaesthesia and most patients report only mild pressure, not pain.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, though strenuous activity should be avoided for 2–4 weeks.
Will I still need glasses after surgery?
This depends on the lens you choose. Monofocal lenses typically still require reading glasses, while premium lenses can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Can both eyes be treated at once?
Eyes are usually treated a few days to weeks apart to allow the first eye to heal and to monitor for any complications.
When should I consider surgery?
When cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces — not necessarily when they’re first diagnosed.
Your care at Kunj Eye Hospital
Doctors, equipment & related services
Your doctors
Consultations are with our ophthalmologists:
- Dr. Prashant Saxena M.B.B.S, M.S (Ophthalmology)
- Dr. Rajiv Ghai M.B.B.S, M.S (Ophthalmology)
Equipment used
Optical biometer, immersion biometer and A-scan for lens power calculation; phacoemulsification systems and a German operating microscope for surgery; Nd:YAG laser for any later haze behind the lens implant.
See all our facilities & equipment