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What Are Cataract?

Cataracts are a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment. They develop gradually and are often associated with aging, but they can also result from other factors.

Symptoms of Cataracts

  • Blurry or cloudy vision

  • Difficulty seeing at night or in dim lighting

  • Sensitivity to light and glare

  • Seeing halos around lights

  • Faded or yellowed colors

  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

Causes and Risk Factors

Aging

  • The most common cause, due to changes in lens proteins over time.

UV Exposure

  • Long-term exposure to sunlight without eye protection.

Diabetes

  • Increased risk due to metabolic changes.

Eye Injuries

  • Trauma to the eye.

Medications

  • Prolonged use of corticosteroids.

Genetics

  • Family history of cataracts.

Types of Cataracts

Diagnosis

Nuclear Cataracts

Cortical Cataracts

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

Congenital Cataracts

  • Smaller incisions with faster recovery.

  • Present at birth or develop in early childhood.

  • Creates a new drainage pathway for fluid.

  • Inserts a small tube to divert fluid.

  • Visual acuity tests

  • Slit-lamp examination

  • Retinal exam

  • Tonometry to measure eye pressure

Cataracts are typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:

Treatment Options

Surgery

  • Early-stage cataracts may be managed with stronger glasses, improved lighting, or magnifying lenses.

  • When cataracts significantly impair vision, they can be removed surgically and replaced with an artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL). Cataract surgery is safe, quick, and highly effective.

Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

1. Monofocal IOLs

Function

Pros

Cons

  • Glasses may still be needed for reading or close work if the lens is set for distance vision.

  • Provide clear vision at a single fixed distance—near, intermediate, or far.

  • Affordable and widely used.

  • Excellent for patients who don’t mind wearing glasses for certain tasks.

2. Multifocal IOLs

Function

Pros

Cons

  • Higher cost.

  • May cause halos or glare around lights, especially at night.

  • Designed to provide vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far).

  • Reduces dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

  • Ideal for people with active lifestyles.

3. Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs

Function

Pros

Cons

  • May require glasses for very close work.

  • Provides a broader range of vision (intermediate and far) with fewer visual disturbances than multifocal lenses.

  • Good for daily activities like reading, computer work, and driving.

  • Fewer halos or glare compared to multifocal IOLs.

4. Toric IOLs

Function

Pros

Cons

  • Glasses may still be required for near vision.

  • Corrects astigmatism in addition to addressing cataracts.

  • Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses for distance vision in patients with astigmatism.

5. Accommodating IOLs

Function

Pros

Cons

  • Limited effectiveness for very close vision.

  • Mimic the natural focusing ability of the eye by moving slightly inside the eye.

  • Provides good distance and intermediate vision.

  • May reduce dependence on glasses.

How to Choose the Right IOL

  • Your vision goals (e.g., reducing dependence on glasses).

  • Pre-existing eye conditions (e.g., astigmatism, dry eye, or macular degeneration).

  • Lifestyle and daily activities (e.g., reading, driving, or sports).

  • Budget and insurance coverage.

The best IOL for you depends on several factors

Consultation with Your Surgeon

Your eye surgeon will evaluate your specific needs, perform diagnostic tests, and guide you in selecting the most suitable IOL type for optimal vision correction.

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