Frequently asked questions 

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery is a medical procedure that helps to remove and replace the natural eye lens with an artificial lens. Cataract Surgery is a safe and common procedure that helps in treating cataract. A Cataract is a condition where the lens becomes cloudy and leads to either blurred or double vision, trouble seeing at night, and increased glare of lights. There are three types of Cataract surgery and they are:

1. Extracapsular surgery
2. Phacoemulsification
3. Intracapsular cataract surgery

What are the advantages of Cataract Surgery? 

The following are the advantages of Cataract Surgery:

1. Safe and painless procedure
2. High success rates
3. Can go home on the same day of surgery
4. Improves vision

What are the indications of Cataract Surgery?

The indications of Cataract surgery are as follows:

1. Blurred vision
2. Faded colors
3. Poor vision during night
4. Seeing halos around the light

What is the preparation for Cataract Surgery?

1. Should stop using any soft contact lenses at least a week prior to the surgery.
2. Avoid having food for at least 6 hours before the surgery.
3. Avoid applying any creams or makeup on surgery day.

What are the steps involved in Cataract Surgery?

Method-1: Extracapsular surgery

1. This method is used to treat advanced cataracts where the lens is too thick.
2. During this procedure, the surgeon will make a tear on side of the cornea and the cataract (cloudy central section) is slipped out of the lens in one piece without breaking into the pieces through this tear.
3. The rest of the lens is vacuumed out and is replaced by an artificial lens.

Method-2: Intracapsular Cataract surgery

1. In this method, a larger slit than the extracapsular method is made on the side of the cornea by the surgeon.
2. The eye lens is removed all at once instead of breaking it into pieces and an artificial lens or Intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in the eye.

Method-3: Phacoemulsification

1. Phacoemulsification is also called small incision cataract surgery and is similar to the extracapsular surgery but in a more advanced way. 
2. A local anesthetic is given and a small opening is made at the side of the cornea. 
3. A medical device that uses ultrasound is used to break the lens into small pieces. These pieces are then removed carefully with the help of suction.
4. This will leave an intact space for the artificial lens to rest.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Cataract Surgery?

1. Avoid swimming for at least a week after the surgery.
2. Do not use lotions, creams, make-up, etc around the operated area.
3. There should be follow-up visits to the doctor to check the condition of the eye lens
4. Do not let soap come into contact with the eyes.
5. Avoid going to crowded and dusty regions to reduce complications after the surgery.
6. Do not lift weights or play sports like tennis and racquetball for next one week after the surgery.
7. Use sunglasses to protect the eyes from direct sunlight.

Who can perform Cataract Surgery? [Right specialist type for Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery can be performed by a certified and skilled Ophthalmologist who is well experienced in performing Cataract surgery.

What can be the cost of Cataract Surgery?

Following factors may affect the cost of Cataract surgery in Hyderabad:

1. Doctor fee
2. Hospital charges
3. Medical condition
4. Type of artificial lens used
5. Type of surgery planned to be performed
6. Lab tests recommended

The minimum amount to be paid for Cataract Surgery in Hyderabad starts from Rs.16,000

The average expenses for Cataract Surgery in Hyderabad is approximately Rs.26,925

The maximum charges for Cataract Surgery in Hyderabad can be up to Rs. 50,000

Is Cataract Surgery a major surgery or minor surgery?

Cataract surgery is considered as minor surgery and the patient may leave the hospital on the same day of the surgery. 

What is the eligibility criteria for Cataract Surgery?

The following people are considered eligible for Cataract surgery:

1. People with blurred vision and difficulty in sight at night times.
2. The best correction of visual acuity (visual clarity) is 6/9 or worse.
3. Age of patients equal to or greater than 60 years.
4. Accidental eye lens damage due to foreign bodies.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Cataract Surgery?

The following are the ineligibility criteria for cataract surgery:

1. Old age people with diabetes or any other health condition(s)
2. Pre-existing eye disease (glaucoma or dry eyes)
3. Pregnancy
4. Breastfeeding
5. Medications that may interfere with this surgery (Antidepressants may cause chronic eye dryness)

What are the risks and complications associated with Cataract Surgery?

The following are the risks and complications involved in cataract surgery:

1. Infection and bleeding
2. Displacement of the artificial lens
3. Drooping and swollen eyelids
4. Retinal detachment
5. Secondary cataract
6. Glaucoma
7. Loss of vision

How long does it take to complete Cataract Surgery?

The complete Cataract Surgery may take around 5-15 minutes. 

What is the recovery time?

Recovery time from Cataract Surgery maybe 4-6 weeks.

What is the success rate of Cataract Surgery?

Following factors may affect the success rate of Cataract Surgery: 

1. Patient age
2. Health condition of the patient
3. Type of surgery performed

However, the success rate of Cataract surgery may range from 96-98%

Is Cataract Surgery painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. The patient won't be experiencing any pain during this process as the patient will be under general anesthesia. There may be some discomfort after the procedure.

Is Cataract Surgery Permanent?

Cataract surgery is a permanent surgery as it involves the removal of the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. In some cases, certain aspects of the surgery are redone like repositioning the artificial lens, etc.

What are the long-term results of Cataract Surgery?

1. Improvement in the vision.
2. Reduces the appearance of halos around light.

What are the alternatives for Cataract Surgery?

The following are the alternatives for Cataract Surgery:

1. Lifestyle changes
2. Vision correction
3. Eye drops
4. Use of contact lenses, glasses, bifocals, other visual aids, etc.