Cataracts
A cataract is clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, which sits behind the coloured iris. Normally clear, the lens slowly becomes cloudy, so light cannot pass through sharply and vision becomes blurred, dim or yellowed. Most cataracts are linked to ageing and develop gradually over years, often in both eyes. They can appear earlier in people with diabetes, after an eye injury or with long-term steroid use, and rarely are present from birth. Common complaints include difficulty reading, trouble seeing at night, glare from headlights or sunlight, and colours looking faded. Early on, updated glasses and brighter lighting may help. No eye drops or medicines can clear a cataract. When it starts to interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving or cooking, surgery is the effective treatment: the cloudy lens is removed, commonly by phacoemulsification through a small incision, and replaced with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens).
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurry vision
- Glare
- Faded colours
- Frequent prescription changes
Causes and risk factors of Cataracts
- Ageing
- Diabetes
- Long-term use of steroid medicines
- Eye injury, previous eye surgery or eye inflammation
- Smoking and prolonged exposure to sunlight (UV) without eye protection
- Congenital cataract present from birth (rare)
How Cataracts is diagnosed
- Visual acuity test (reading an eye chart)
- Slit-lamp examination of the lens
- Dilated eye examination to check the retina
- Biometry to measure the eye and choose the lens power before surgery
When to see a doctor for Cataracts
For severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms, do not wait for an appointment callback. Seek emergency care. For a routine concern, our care team can help you choose the appropriate specialist. This page cannot diagnose your symptoms.
Treatment for Cataracts at Iswarya Hospital
Iswarya Hospital's Ophthalmology department provides comprehensive eye care services including cataract surgery using phacoemulsification (micro-incision technique), LASIK laser vision correction, glaucoma management, diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment, retinal detachment surgery, squint correction, and paediatric eye care. Our ophthalmologists use advanced diagnostic equipment including OCT, fundus photography, and corneal topography.
Ophthalmology specialists for Cataracts
MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), Fellowship (Cornea & Refractive Surgery)
9+ Years Experience
Cataracts FAQs
Do I have to wait for a cataract to 'ripen' before surgery?
No. Modern cataract surgery does not require the cataract to become mature. Surgery is usually advised when blurred vision begins to affect your daily life, and very advanced cataracts can make surgery more complex.
Can eye drops or diet dissolve a cataract?
No medicine or eye drop has been shown to reverse a cataract. Protecting your eyes from strong sunlight, not smoking and controlling diabetes may help slow its progress.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
Many people still need reading glasses or a mild prescription after surgery. Your eye surgeon will discuss lens options and what vision to expect.
When should I see an eye doctor?
Book an eye check if your vision is gradually blurring, you struggle with glare or night driving, or your glasses prescription keeps changing. Sudden vision loss, eye pain or flashes of light are not typical of cataract and need urgent attention.
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.