10 Cataract Surgery Doctors in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery is a medical procedure in which your lens is removed and in most cases, they are replaced with the artificial lens. Cataract is a condition in which your lens becomes cloudy and your vision blurs. This may eventually affect your eyesight. Cataracts may cause blurry eyesight, increase the glare from the lights which may lead to difficulties in your everyday activities. During these conditions, cataract surgery may be recommended by your doctor. In this, the affected lens will be removed with ultrasound energy or with the laser-assisted technology. It is the most common and safe procedure. There are three types of cataract surgeries. 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. Safest procedure
2. Painless
3. Success rates are high
4. Can go home on the same day of surgery
5. Clear vision
6. Independence due to clear vision

What are the indications of Cataract Surgery?

The indications of cataract Surgery are as follows:

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

What is the preparation for Cataract Surgery?

Before undergoing Cataract Surgery, the following are the steps you need to follow:

1. If you are using any soft contact lenses then they must be removed at least a week prior to the surgery for the measurement of the intraocular lens and power calculation.
2. Avoid having food for at least 6 hours before the surgery. This way the risk of inhaling stomach contents into the lungs will be reduced.
3. Also, avoid applying any creams or makeup on the day of surgery.

What are the steps involved in  Cataract Surgery?

Method-1: Extracapsular surgery

1. In this method, a medium slit is made on the side of the cornea by your surgeon. During this procedure, the cataract (cloudy central section) is slipped out of the lens in one piece without breaking into the pieces.
2. The rest of the lens is vacuumed out from the eyes by your surgeon. Then it is replaced by the artificial lens.
3. This method is used to advance cataract where the lens is too thick.

Method-2: Intracapsular cataract surgery

1. In this method, a larger split than the extracapsular method is made on the side of the cornea by your surgeon.
2. The lens is removed at once instead of making into pieces.
3. Once the cataract lens is removed, an artificial lens is placed. These artificial lenses are called the Intraocular lens (IOL).
4. These are the clear, silicone or plastic lens suited for your eye size. This will help in restoring the normal vision.
5. This method is a rarely used method.

Method-3: Phacoemulsification

1. This method is also called small incision cataract surgery. 
2. This method is similar to the extracapsular surgery but in a more advanced way. 
3. A local anesthetic is given and a small opening is made at the side of the cornea. 
4. A device that sends ultrasound vibrations is placed into your eye. 
5. This device breaks the lens into small pieces. These pieces are removed carefully with the help of suction.
6. This will leave an intact space for the artificial lens to rest.

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

1. Do not let soap come into contact with your eyes.
2. Do not use lotions, creams, make-up, etc around the operated area.
3. Avoid going for a swim after the surgery at least for a week.
4. Do not lift weights or play sports like tennis and racquetball for next one week after the surgery.
5. Avoid going to crowded places and dusty areas to reduce complications after the surgery.
6. Use sunglasses if you go out. This may protect you from direct sunlight and sensitivity to light.
7. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
8. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor after this surgery after two days, the following week, and then again after a month to monitor the eye.

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 is the cost of Cataract Surgery?

The cost of Cataract Surgery may vary according to the following factors:

1. Doctor fee
2. Hospital charges
3. Medical condition
4. Type of procedure 
5. Lab tests recommended

The minimum amount to be paid in Bangalore starts from Rs.18,000

The average charges in Bangalore are approximately Rs. 45,750

The maximum cost in Bangalore is up to Rs. 80,000

Is Cataract Surgery a major surgery or minor surgery?

Cataract surgery is considered minor surgery. There is no need to stay in the hospital after the surgery.  

What is the eligibility criteria for Cataract Surgery?

People with a good health condition and if your everyday activities are getting disturbed due to cataract(blurred vision) is considered eligible for Cataract surgery.

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 are excluded
2. Pre-existing eye disease (glaucoma or dry eyes)
3. Ill Health
4. Pregnancy
5. Breastfeeding
6. 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. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Inflammation
4. Displacement of the artificial lens
5. Swelling
6. Drooping eyelid
7. Retinal detachment
8. Secondary cataract
9. Glaucoma
10. Loss of vision

How long does it take to complete Cataract Surgery?

The complete Cataract Surgery may take around 10 minutes.

What is the recovery time?

You may be discharged just within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the surgery. A protective shield is given to you and use it as instructed by your doctor. This may be removed later after few hours from the surgery. You may take some time to adapt to the changes after you remove the protective shield. Do not be alarmed if the vision is not clear. Your eyes may need a few days to adjust to the changes. 

What is the success rate of Cataract Surgery?

The success rate for Cataract Surgery is very high. It is considered as the safest procedure. 98% of cataract surgeries are successful. 

Is Cataract Surgery painful?

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

Is Cataract Surgery Permanent?

Cataract surgery may not be reversed since it is a permanent surgery. Your 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, adjusting the position, etc.

What are the long-term results of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery is one of the safest procedures. There are no long-term complications involved in this process. Most of the patients' vision was improved after the Cataract surgery without any complications.

What are the alternatives for Cataract Surgery?

The following are the alternatives for Cataract Surgery:

1. Eye drops
2. Lifestyle changes
3. Use of contact lens, glasses, bifocals, other visual aids, etc.