According to Indian Council of Medical Research, cataract if not treated accounted for 62.6% of all blindness cases in India in 2020 and the The prevalence of cataract is higher in rural areas of India compared to urban areas. It is a condition that affects millions of people across the world that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to a reduction in vision. In this article, we will discuss cataract, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options with risks involved.

What is cataract in eyes?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens is responsible for focusing light on the retina, which sends images to the brain. It occurs when the lens becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly. The cloudiness in the lens is caused by a buildup of protein, which can be the result of aging, inury, or other factors.

The major causes of Cataract

The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As with age, the protein in eye lens starts to break down and clump together, causing cloudiness.

Other factors that can cause cataracts include:

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to ultraviolet light
• Certain medications, such as steroids
• Eye injuries or surgeries
• Genetics

What are the Symptoms of cataracts?

There are various symptoms but vary depending on the condition of patient. Some common symptoms include:

• Blurred or cloudy vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Double vision in one eye
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Need for brighter light when reading or doing close work
• Halos around lights

Cataract Treatment in India

Cataract surgery in India is the only effective treatment for cataracts. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). There are two types of surgeries in available India:

Phacoemulsification Surgery in India

Phacoemulsification is the most common eye surgery. It involves using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens, which is then removed through a small incision in the eye. Once the lens is removed, an IOL is inserted into the eye. It is a quick and relatively painless procedure, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days.

Extracapsular cataract surgery in India

Extracapsular cataract extraction is a more traditional type of cataract surgery that involves removing the entire cloudy lens in one piece. This procedure requires a larger incision and may take longer to recover from than phacoemulsification.

Intraocular lenses surgery in India

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses that are implanted in the eye during surgery. There are different IOLs available in India, each with have their own advantages and disadvantages. We will discuss some common types below:

• Monofocal IOLs: These IOLs provide clear vision at one distance, either near or far. Patients may need glasses to correct their vision for other distances.
• Multifocal IOLs: These IOLs provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses after surgery.
• Toric IOLs: These IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism, a common condition that causes blurry vision.
• Accommodative IOLs: These IOLs are designed to move inside the eye, allowing patients to focus on objects at different distances without the need for glasses.

Choosing the right IOL is based on various factorsthat include your age budget for the surgery, lifestyle, and overall eye health.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery in India

Cataract surgery has several benefits, including improved vision, increased quality of life, and reduced risk of falls and accidents. Cataract surgery can also improve your ability to perform daily tasks such as reading, driving, and cooking. Additionally, cataract surgery helps to prevent the progression the eye defect and reduce the risk of blindness.

Cataract surgery cost in Delhi

The cost of cataract surgery in India varies depending on the type of surgery, the hospital or clinic, and the location. The cost of phacoemulsification surgery in India ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 depending on the hospital and the type of lens used.

The cost of ECCE surgery is usually higher than phacoemulsification surgery and can range from INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000

Risks involved during cataract surgery

Like any medical procedure, this eye surgery has some risks. Including infection, bleeding, and inflammation. However, these risks are rare and can be minimized by following the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.

Best Eye Surgeons for Cataract Treatment

Eye specialists are known as Ophthalmologists and Ophthalmology surgeons perform the eye operation to treat cataract. In India, there are many top eye hospitals and clinics for eye surgeries. One such surgery center for cataract is TaCa Healthcare also called as TaCa center for surgery, havings some of the best eye surgeons in India onboarded with them with high success rates.

You can also check for second opinion with your own eye doctor before planning for surgery