60 Cataract Surgery Doctors in Chennai

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery is a medical procedure done to remove and replace the natural eye lens with an artificial lens. A cataract is a condition in which the lens becomes cloudy and can affect the eyesight by blurring of vision and increased glare of lights which can affect the daily activities. This surgery is recommended by the doctor to treat cataract by using lasers or ultrasound. It is a common and safe procedure. There are three types of cataract surgery.

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

What can be the advantages of Cataract Surgery?

Advantages of Cataract Surgery are the following:

1. Safe and painless procedure
2. High success rates
3. Clearer vision

What are the indications of Cataract Surgery?

Indications of Cataract Surgery are the following:

1. Blurred vision
2. Less sharp colors
3. Poor night-time vision
4. Halos and starbursts when looking at bright lights

What is the preparation for Cataract Surgery?

1. Stop using any soft contact lenses at least a week prior to the surgery for measuring intraocular lens and power calculation.
2. The patient should undergo a few lab tests suggested by the doctor.
3. Should discuss all the risks, complications, and benefits of Cataract Surgery with the doctor.
4. Avoid applying any creams or makeup on surgery day.

What are the steps involved in Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery involves the following steps:

Method-1: Extracapsular surgery

1. During this procedure, the cataract (cloudy central section) is slipped out of the lens in one piece without breaking into the pieces through a slit made on the side of the cornea by the surgeon. 
2. The rest of the lens is vacuumed out and replaced by the 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.
3. Normal vision will be restored by these clear, silicone or plastic lens.

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 device breaks the lens into small pieces with the help of ultrasound. 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 post-procedure care taken for patients?

1. Avoid going for a swim after the surgery at least for a week.
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.
4. Avoid going to crowded places and dusty areas to reduce complications after the surgery.
5. Use sunglasses to protect the eyes from direct sunlight.

Doctors from which specialty can perform this Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery may be performed by a skilled Ophthalmologist.

What is the price of Cataract Surgery in Chennai?

Expenses for Cataract Surgery in Chennai changes due to the following factors:

1. Doctor fee
2. Age of the patient
3. Hospital charges
4. Type of eye implants used
5. Medical condition
6. Type of procedure 
7. Lab Tests recommended

Minimum amount to be paid for Cataract Surgery in Chennai starts from Rs.15,200

Average charges for Cataract Surgery in Chennai is approximately Rs.25,579

Maximum cost for Cataract Surgery in Chennai rises up to Rs.47,500

Is Cataract Surgery a major 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?

Eligible candidates for Cataract Surgery are:

1. The significant blurring of the eye lens.
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?

Ineligible candidates for Cataract Surgery are:

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 of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery has the following risks and complications:

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

How much time does it take to complete Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery may take about around 5-15 minutes to complete.

What is the recovery time from Cataract Surgery?

Recovery time from Cataract Surgery maybe 4-6 weeks.

What is the success rate of Cataract Surgery?

A few factors may determine the success rate of Cataract Surgery and they are:

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

However, the success rate of Cataract Surgery maybe 96-98%.

Does Cataract Surgery hurt the patient?

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 a permanent surgery?

Cataract surgery is a permanent surgery. The natural lens is removed and replaced 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.