<p>Old age comes with many health concerns, some mild and some severe, some curable and some life-threatening. <a href="../../cataract" target="_blank">Cataract</a>, however, is one such problem that can be easily cured.</p>
<p>According to the first World Vision Report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 8, 2019, about 65.2 million people worldwide suffer from cataracts and this can be easily cured through a simple sight-restoring surgery.</p>
<p><strong>So, what is a Cataract?</strong></p>
<p>Cataracts usually occur with old age when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy from natural proteins that build up over time, causing <a href="../../all-about-cataract" target="_blank">symptoms such as blurry vision</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One, however, does not need to be a senior citizen to have a cataract. It can develop in one&rsquo;s 40s and 50s during middle age when the cataracts are mostly small and do not affect vision much. After 60 cataracts usually cause a problem with vision. Babies also can be born with congenital cataracts or develop them during their early childhood. The good news is that cataracts can be easily removed through a safe surgical procedure.</p>
<p><strong>Okay, are there more than 1 type of Cataract?</strong></p>
<p>The most common type of cataract typically found in people over the age of 40 is called a nuclear cataract, where the cataract forms in the centre of the lens. A cortical cataract is another type, where the cataract develops at the edge of the lens instead of the centre. A posterior capsular cataract, which develops faster than nuclear or corneal cataracts, usually forms at the back of the lens blocking light from reaching the retina.</p>
<p><strong>Then, what are the symptoms of a cataract?</strong></p>
<p>The most common symptoms of a cataract are &ndash;</p>
<ul>
<li>Blurred or clouded vision</li>
<li>Seeing 'halos' around lights</li>
<li>Problem with night vision</li>
<li>Problem with glare of light</li>
<li>Fading or yellowing of colors</li>
<li>Double vision</li>
<li>Frequent change of eye power</li>
</ul>
<p>These&nbsp;<a href="../../blog/signs-that-you-might-suffering-from-cataract" target="_blank">symptoms</a> can, however, be signs of other eye problems as well. So, it is best to check with an eye care professional.</p>
<p><strong>So, how is the cataract treated?</strong></p>
<p>Effects due to early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A&nbsp;<a href="../../cataract-surgery" target="_blank">cataract operation</a> involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Generally, it takes around 10 minutes to do a simple cataract surgery. Overall, for a patient, it takes a total time of around 30 minutes to an hour including all other processes involved. In most cases, people see better within 24 hours of surgery and sight progressively improves within the first week.</p>
<p><strong>What happens before surgery?</strong></p>
<p>Before surgery, your doctor will perform some tests. which may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps your doctor chose the right&nbsp;<a href="../../blog/which-is-the-best-iol-lens-for-cataract-surgery-indian-or-imported" target="_blank">type of intraocular lens (IOL)</a> for you.</p>
<p><strong>What are the types of lenses?</strong></p>
<p>A Monofocal Lens usually corrects your distance vision, and you will be dependent on eyeglasses for near vision.</p>
<p>A Monofocal Toric Lens cures cataract as well as Astigmatism which causes blurred and distorted vision due to changes in the shape on the front surface of the eye (cornea) or the natural lens inside. You will not need to wear glasses after the surgery.</p>
<p>A&nbsp;<a href="../../types-of-cataract-lenses" target="_blank">Multifocal Lens</a> corrects both cataract and presbyopia (inability to see up close). You will not need to wear glasses to read, watch TV, use a computer or mobile, sew, etc. after the surgery.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="../../blog/what-are-the-best-lens-options-for-cataract-surgery-in-2022" target="_blank">Multifocal Toric Lens</a> cures cataracts, astigmatism and as well as presbyopia. You will not need to wear eyeglasses for these problems after the surgery.</p>
<p>Only a doctor will be able to decide the lens best suitable for a patient. Use of glasses may be required to rectify other eye conditions.</p>
<p><strong>What are the types of cataract surgeries then?</strong></p>
<p>Phacoemulsification or <a href="../../cataract-surgery" target="_blank">PHACO surgery</a>, which is performed through a highly advanced machine is a safe and very good option for cataract surgery. It is a painless and stitch-free operation performed through a very small incision made by the machine. After surgery, the eye patch is removed within a few hours and the person can return to work soon.</p>
<p>Manual&nbsp;<a href="../../blog/phaco-vs-sics-which-cataract-surgery-procedure-is-a-better-option" target="_blank">SICS or Small-Incision Cataract Surgery</a> is a lower-cost surgery, which is done by making a small incision. This cataract operation is also painless and stitch-free. The patient may, however, need to stay at the hospital for a day after the procedure, and can resume normal life within 15 - 16 days of surgery.</p>
<p><strong>So, what happens after surgery?</strong></p>
<p>Slight itching and mild discomfort are normal after surgery, while some fluid discharge is also common. Initially, your eyes may be sensitive to light and touch. Usually, after 1 or 2 days the moderate discomfort disappears. For a few weeks after surgery, your&nbsp;<a href="../../cataract-surgery-preparation-planning" target="_blank">doctor may advise you</a> to use eye drops to decrease the risk of infection. You will need to wear dark glasses for some time and must avoid rubbing or pressing your eye.</p>
<p>At home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores. In most cases, a person can join work soon after a week. Your doctor may suggest you few eye exams to check on your vision progress and will ask you go for a follow-up checkup.</p>
<p><strong>Some important information you may find helpful</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Cataracts can develop in persons of any age.</li>
<li>Cataract surgery can be done any time in the year.</li>
<li>A cataract operation is a simple and safe surgery, which only takes a few minutes.</li>
<li>Cataract surgery needs to be done when the patient starts losing vision without waiting for the cataract to mature.</li>
<li>Different types of lenses (IOLs) are implanted through surgery depending on the condition of the eye.</li>
<li>Cataracts can only be cured through surgery, there is simply no other remedy.</li>
<li>It just takes a few days to recover after surgery.</li>
</ul>
<p>To sum it all, do remember that&nbsp;<a href="../../cataract-faq" target="_blank">cataracts</a> can be easily treated and removed without much hassle. As cataracts gradually mature it will give you enough time to plan your treatment. Do consult the doctor whenever you see the symptoms and do not neglect it unnecessarily. Always remember gaining back your vision is as good as having a new and better life.</p>
<p><em>Do not consider this blog post as medical advice. We suggest you consult with the doctor to know about your eye condition and treatment procedure. Only the doctor can suggest you treatment after examining your eyes.</em></p>