Cataracts Surgery: Types, Procedures, and Treatment

Cataract Diagnosis & Tests

Eye specialists carry out detailed exams to check lens clarity and eye health. These tests help determine the extent of clouding and its impact on vision:

• Visual acuity test: It measures the sharpness of vision using eye charts at different distances. It helps to assess functional impairment. It also helps to determine if corrective lenses can improve sight.
• Slit-lamp exam: It examines different parts of the eye under high magnification. It allows detailed visualisation of lens opacity location, density, and progression patterns.
• Retinal exam: It involves dilating the pupils to examine the retina.
• Tonometry: It measures intraocular pressure to diagnose pressure-related eye diseases.
• Refraction test: It determines if glasses or contact lenses can temporarily improve sight

Stages Of Cataract Development

• Stage 1 (Initial)

Slight cloudiness develops that is often missed during routine activities. The symptoms are diagnosed using the specialised equipment during the assessment.

• Stage 2 (Immature)

Blurred vision becomes noticeable. The glare sensitivity develops, and difficulty with night driving becomes more apparent.

• Stage 3 (Mature)

The lens becomes heavily opaque. It causes significant vision loss that interferes with daily tasks, including recognising faces. 

• Stage 4 (Hypermature)

Liquefied lens proteins may cause inflammation or pressure problems. It needs prompt surgery to avoid complications and preserve eye health.

Cataract Treatment Options

• Prescription lenses: Temporary relief in early stages through glasses, bifocals, etc.
• Anti-glare glasses: It lowers light sensitivity and enhances visual comfort during outdoor activities. It filters harmful wavelengths and reduces scattered light.
• Eye drops: It may delay progression in some cases.
• Cataract surgery: It replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens. It provides permanent vision restoration.
• Laser-assisted surgery: Uses advanced lasers for precise incisions and accurate lens removal.
• Lifestyle changes: Adjusting diet and lifestyle can help manage symptoms. It also slows down the early cataract progression

Types Of Eye Surgery For Cataracts

The type of surgery depends on cataract density and specific visual requirements.

1. Phacoemulsification: Ultrasound breaks the lens into small pieces through tiny incisions. It allows faster healing and less trauma.
2. Extracapsular extraction: Manual removal for dense cataracts. It requires larger incisions but is effective for complex cases.
3. Laser-assisted surgery: Uses lasers for precise cuts and accurate lens removal.
4. Femtosecond laser: Advanced laser technique for precise lens removal and improved outcomes.

Cataract Eye Surgery Procedure

Cataract surgery follows set steps to ensure safety and clear vision. It takes 15–30 minutes per eye as an outpatient procedure. Due to local anesthesia and modern techniques, most patients experience minimal discomfort.

The cataract eye surgery involves:

1. Pre-surgery assessment: Examines eye health and measures dimensions for lens selection.
2. Anaesthesia: Local numbing drops provide comfort. Anxious patients are sometimes put under mild sedation.
3. Lens removal: Using ultrasound energy, a cloudy lens is broken into small pieces. It is then carefully extracted through a tiny incision in the cornea.
4. IOL insertion: An artificial intraocular lens replaces the natural lens. It helps to restore focus and improve vision clarity.
5. Recovery room: Patient is briefed before discharge with post-surgery instructions.

Cataract Surgery After Care

• Use prescribed drops:

Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops prevent infection. They also help to control the inflammation

• Wear protective eyewear:

Shield or glasses protect the eye from dust and wind, and accidental rubbing. An accidental rubbing could cause infection and disrupt the healing of incisions.

• Avoid heavy lifting:

Do not lift objects over 10 pounds. It helps to reduce eye pressure and prevent complications.

• Attend follow-ups:

Regular follow-ups with the doctor ensure proper healing.

• Resume light activity:

Refrain from heavy exercise and swimming until your doctor permits.

Side Effects and After Effects Of Cataract Surgery

• Dryness: 

Temporary dryness or gritty feeling in the operated eye. It resolves within a few weeks as tear production normalises and the eye surface heals.

• Light sensitivity: 

Increased sensitivity to bright lights often fades within days. Gradually, the eye adjusts to improved clarity. Also, the brain adapts to enhanced light transmission.

• Floaters: 

Small spots may appear in vision temporarily as the eye heals. As the inflammation subsides, most spots or specs disappear

• Inflammation: 

Mild swelling and redness can develop due to surgery. It is usually treated through anti-inflammatory medications and cold compresses

• Posterior capsule opacity: 

Secondary clouding may develop months or years later. It is easily treatable with laser capsulotomy

Prevention And Eye Health Tips

• Eat antioxidant-rich foods:

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and nutrients that protect the lens from oxidative damage.

• Wear sunglasses:

UV-blocking sunglasses prevent radiation from damaging lens proteins and speeding up cataract formation.

• Quit smoking:

Tobacco increases oxidative stress, accelerating age-related eye changes and cataract risk.

• Manage blood sugar:

Controlling glucose is vital for diabetics to protect lens proteins and slow cataract development.

• Regular eye check-ups:

Annual exams detect early lens changes and monitor progression.

• Stay hydrated:

Adequate water supports lens clarity, tear production, and overall eye health.

Conclusion

Cataracts are common, but modern surgery reliably restores vision and improves daily life. Knowing symptoms, causes, and treatments helps patients make informed decisions. Early detection and timely surgery ensure the best outcomes for clear vision.

Book an appointment with a qualified ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.