WHAT IS A CATARACT ?
A cataract is a condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurry or dim vision. Thanks to medical advances, cataract surgery in Mumbai is now one of the safest and most effective procedures. At Kenia Eye Hospital, known as the best hospital for cataract surgery in Mumbai, we offer advanced, quick, and painless day-care procedures. The surgery usually takes less than an hour, and patients go home the same day and can resume daily activities like reading or watching TV the very next day. After a successful cataract treatment, vision will be clearer, brighter, and sharper than it’s been in a long time.
WHAT CAUSES CATARACT ?
A cataract occurs when the clear lens of the eye gradually becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dull vision. This lens, located just behind the iris, plays a key role in focusing light onto the retina and contributes about 33% of the eye’s focusing power.
At birth, the lens is soft and flexible, almost jelly-like. But with age, it begins to harden and loses its ability to change shape. This is why many people need reading glasses in their mid-forties, a condition known as presbyopia. Over time, the proteins in the lens, which are responsible for its clarity, start to break down or clump together, forming cloudy patches that lead to cataracts.
In most cases, cataracts develop slowly as part of the natural aging process. However, they can also occur earlier due to inherited conditions, eye injuries, previous eye surgeries, or long-term inflammation. In rare instances, cataracts can be present at birth (congenital cataracts) or appear during early childhood.
As the lens becomes more opaque, it reduces the quality of vision and eventually makes everyday tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult.
At Kenia Eye Hospital, we offer the best cataract treatment in Mumbai, combining expert diagnosis with compassionate care. For those in need of surgery, our team is known for delivering the best cataract surgery in Mumbai, using advanced technology to help patients regain clear, sharp vision.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS?
Cataracts usually develop slowly and painlessly. The most common sign is a gradual decrease in clear vision. In early stages, the clouding of the lens might be mild, but over time, it can make daily activities like reading or driving difficult.
Common cataract symptoms include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
- Needing more light to read
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Double vision in one eye
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Poor night vision
You might not notice these changes right away. Sometimes, cataracts are found during a routine eye exam before symptoms appear. While early vision changes can be managed with glasses or brighter lighting, surgery becomes necessary once your vision is noticeably affected.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a good time to schedule an eye check-up. Our specialists at Kenia Eye Hospital, a leading cataract eye hospital in Mumbai, are here to guide you every step of the way.
Common Cataract Risk Factors
Common risk factors for cataract include:
- Age: Cataracts are more common in people over 60.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, glaucoma, and other health issues can lead to cataracts, but managing these conditions can help reduce the risk.
- Eye injuries: Injuries from accidents, chemicals, extreme temperatures, or radiation can cause what’s called traumatic cataracts. Quick treatment can help minimize damage.
- Sunlight exposure: Too much UV light from the sun can speed up cataract formation. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps.
- Smoking: Smokers have a higher chance of developing cataracts. Quitting smoking lowers your risk.
If you are noticing vision changes or just want peace of mind, it’s a good idea to search for cataract surgery near me to get immediate care from nearby experts like those at Kenia Eye Hospital.
How We Check Your Eyes Before Cataract Surgery
If you are considering cataract surgery in Mumbai, it starts with a detailed eye check-up. At Kenia Eye Hospital, we use a range of tests to understand your vision and plan the best treatment for you. Here are the common tests done before cataract surgery:
- Vision Test : An eye chart test is used to measure your reading and distance vision.
- Refraction Test : Your eye doctor should determine if glasses would improve your vision.
- Glare Test : Vision may be significantly altered in certain lighting conditions and normal in others; in these circumstances, your doctor may check your glare symptoms with a variety of different potential lighting sources.
- Vision Potential Test : This helps the ophthalmologist get an idea of what your vision would be like after removal of the cataract. Think of this as the eye's vision potential if the cataract was not present.
- Contrast Sensitivity Test : This check for your ability to differentiate different shades of gray, which is often this limited by cataract.
- Eye Pressure Test (Tonometer) : a standard test to measure fluid pressure inside the eye (Increased pressure may be a sign of glaucoma.)
- Pupil Dilation: The pupil is enlarged with eye drops so that the ophthalmologist can further examine the lens and retina. This is important to determine if there are other conditions which may ultimately limit your vision besides cataract.
- IOL Master Test: A new dimension in optical biometry to improve postoperative refractive results. It is a gold standard in biometry (calculating IOL power)
Modern cataract surgery in Mumbai not only removes the cloudy lens but also aims to improve your overall vision. With tools like the IOL Master, we can choose the right lens and get better results, even for complex cases like very short-sighted or long-sighted eyes.
FAQs
CATRACT
How do I know when have a cataract ?
The most common symptom is blurred vision. As the cataract develops, the progressive clouding can make night driving difficult by intensifying the reflection of lights. Symptoms differ from one person to the next. It depends on the type of cataract and how far it has progressed.
Can I have any other treatment for cataract ?
Diet, medicine, eye drops or exercise have not been shown to retard or prevent the development of cataract. A cataract does not result from using the eyes too much, or by reading in bad light.
When should I operate ?
Ideally with modern methods, cataract can be removed at any stage, but it should be operated when it interferes with your daily life.
Should I wait till the cataract advances or matures ?
With the modern technique of Phaco, the cataract needs to be broken inside the eye. As the cataract advances it hardens making it difficult to remove by Phaco. Over-matured cataract can burst in the eye and result in complete loss of vision. Thus Phaco surgery needs to be done while the cataract is still soft.
Which is a good technique for surgery ?
Phacoemulsification is a good technique with advantage of micro incision, no stitches, safer and faster recovery.
Which is a good lens?
Foldable lenses are good as they can be inserted through micro incision requiring only a small puncture. With advance optics foldable lenses the quality of vision especially at night and low light conditions is much better.
What special treatment does my eye require while healing?
Use drops as directed. Wear protective sunglasses whenever you are outside on sunny days if the glare causes discomfort. Avoid direct pressure on the eye ? don't rub or scratch the eye.
What precautions are to be taken after surgery?
Avoid rubbing the eye or compression (while sleeping) for a month.
Avoid dust, pollution and water entering the eyes for a month.
Head baths should be avoided for 30 days.
Follow the medication guideline strictly and maintain good eye hygiene.
Will I require glasses after surgery?
It depends on the eye and the healing responses of the body. Gross work can be done without glasses but fine work may require a visual aid.
When can I resume daily routine?
Daily routine work can be resumed after a rest of 2 days depending on the work environment. Dust, pollution and stressful conditions should be avoided.
What is After-cataract or Charri?
The natural lens covering thickens over time which causes blurred vision, known as "after cataract" or "Charri". This can be removed without surgery using a laser.