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.