Cataract Surgery

Overview

Cataract surgery is the definitive treatment for a cataract — a clouding of the eye's natural lens that blurs and dulls vision. The cloudy lens is broken up and removed through a tiny self-sealing incision using ultrasound energy (phacoemulsification), and a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is placed to restore clear focusing.

It is one of the most commonly performed and predictable surgeries in ophthalmology, done as day care under eye drop or local anaesthesia.

Who It Is For

• Patients whose cataract is affecting daily activities such as driving, reading or work
• Patients with glare, halos, dulled colours or frequently changing spectacle power
• Older adults where cataract has become dense enough to reduce quality of life
• Selected younger patients with cataract from injury, steroids or diabetes

Who May Not Be Suitable

• Active eye infection or uncontrolled inflammation — treated first, before surgery
• Very early, mild cataract not yet affecting daily function — monitoring may be advised instead
• Uncontrolled systemic conditions needing medical stabilisation before elective surgery

Preparation

• Slit lamp examination and vision testing to assess the cataract
• Biometry (IOL power calculation) to select the correct lens power
• Dilated retina check to confirm the retina and optic nerve are healthy
• Basic fitness blood tests and blood-sugar/blood-pressure control if applicable
• Discussion of IOL type (monofocal, toric or multifocal) based on lifestyle and budget

Procedure Steps

• Eye is numbed with drops or a local anaesthetic injection
• A small self-sealing incision is made at the edge of the cornea
• The cloudy lens is broken up and removed using phacoemulsification
• A foldable intraocular lens is inserted and unfolds into position
• No stitches are usually needed; a protective shield is placed over the eye

Recovery

Most patients go home the same day and notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours.

• Tapering course of eye drops for about 4 weeks
• Avoid rubbing the eye, dust and swimming for 3–4 weeks
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 2 weeks
• Final spectacle prescription usually given 3–4 weeks after surgery

Risks / Possible Complications

• Infection or inflammation inside the eye (rare)
• Temporary corneal or macular swelling
• Raised eye pressure in the early post-operative period
• Posterior capsular opacification later — treated with a brief YAG laser sitting
• Residual spectacle power in some eyes

Expected Outcomes

The large majority of patients with an otherwise healthy eye achieve significant improvement in vision. If the retina or cornea is also affected, expected improvement is discussed beforehand.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on the diagnosis, the tests required, the technology or implant chosen and the length of treatment or follow-up.

The clinic explains the full cost — tests, procedure and follow-up visits — before you agree to treatment. There are no hidden charges.

Insurance and cashless approval depend on your policy and the procedure; the front desk helps with the paperwork wherever a claim applies.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Technology Used

• Optech motorized OT table and Takagi motorized zoom operating microscope
• Laureate & Orteli phaco machines for lens removal
• Appasamy 3-step slit lamp with applanation tonometer and Remidio fundus camera for pre-operative assessment
• Optovue Revo OCT and corneal topography (rental basis) when detailed imaging is needed

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Surgery by Dr. Dipti Murkute (Pansare), MBBS, DNB Ophthalmology, FICO (UK)
• Structured pre-operative workup with biometry and retina evaluation
• Unhurried consultation with lens options explained clearly
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune