Don’t Delay Cataract Treatment – Clear Vision Starts Today
Dr. Arup Bhaumik, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cataract Services, Disha Eye Hospitals
June is Cataract Awareness Month – a time to spotlight one of the most common yet curable causes of vision loss worldwide.
As an ophthalmologist, I see countless patients each year who are unaware that their vision loss is due to something entirely treatable — cataract. While cataracts are a natural part of aging, timely awareness and early intervention can preserve clear vision and greatly enhance quality of life.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision.
Global Impact of Cataract
Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness, affecting over 65 million people.
How Cataracts Affect Vision
Cataracts develop slowly and symptoms may be subtle at first. However, over time they significantly interfere with daily life:
- Blurred or foggy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light or glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors appear faded or yellow
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Seeing halos around lights
Causes and Prevention
While aging is the primary cause, other risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Eye injuries
Prevention tips: Wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes, quit smoking, eat antioxidant-rich foods (green leafy vegetables, fruits), and have regular eye exams after the age of 40.
How is Cataract Treated?
The only effective treatment for cataract is surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. The most advanced and widely used technique today is Phacoemulsification (Phaco).
What is Phaco Surgery?
- A tiny incision is made in the eye
- An ultrasonic probe breaks the cloudy lens into small pieces
- These pieces are removed, and an Intraocular Lens (IOL) is implanted
- No stitches are needed
- It’s a painless, quick procedure with fast recovery and excellent safety
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs):
- Monofocal Lens: Corrects only distance vision
- Toric Lens: For correcting astigmatism (~40% of cases)
Advanced IOLs:
- Trifocal Lenses: Provide vision at near, intermediate, and distance
- EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus): Offers excellent quality of vision in distance and intermediate
Robotic-assisted Femto Laser Cataract Surgery is also available for highly precise and bladeless procedures.
The Case for Early Surgery
At Disha Eye Hospitals, nearly 50% of our cataract patients now present with 6/12 or better vision even before surgery, indicating a growing awareness and preference for early intervention.
Benefits of early cataract surgery include:
- Better visual outcomes
- Lower risk of complications
- Earlier detection if others like Glaucoma, Retina onset.
- Faster recovery and Improved quality of life
Take-Home Message
Cataracts are not something to be feared. They are treatable, and the earlier they are detected and managed, the better your vision outcomes. If you experience early symptoms, consult an eye specialist promptly. Remember, restoring clear vision is just one safe surgery away.
