Cataract Surgery Treatment Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that leads to blurred vision, glare sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide, and modern techniques make it safe and highly effective. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, we perform phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery — a minimally invasive technique where the clouded lens is broken up using ultrasound energy and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes per eye and is done under topical or local anaesthesia. With over three decades of surgical expertise and NABH-level care standards, our team ensures precise outcomes and comfortable recovery for every patient.

Who Needs Cataract Surgery?

• •Patients experiencing progressive blurring of vision not correctable with glasses
• •People who notice increased glare or halos around lights, especially while driving at night
• •Individuals with double vision in one eye caused by lens opacity
• •Patients whose cataract interferes with treatment or monitoring of other eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy
• •Anyone whose daily activities — reading, cooking, working — are significantly affected by poor vision

How to Prepare

1. 1A comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity test, slit lamp exam, and IOL power calculation (A-scan biometry)
2. 2Inform the doctor about all current medications, especially blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin
3. 3Stop using eye makeup and facial creams for 2 days before surgery
4. 4Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure as your vision will be temporarily blurred
5. 5Fast for 4–6 hours before surgery if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1The eye is numbed using anaesthetic eye drops or a local injection around the eye
2. 2A tiny incision (2–3 mm) is made at the edge of the cornea
3. 3A probe is inserted that uses ultrasound waves to break the cloudy lens into small fragments (phacoemulsification)
4. 4The lens fragments are gently suctioned out through the same incision
5. 5A foldable artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the incision and positioned inside the lens capsule
6. 6The micro-incision is self-sealing and usually requires no stitches

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓Most patients notice improved vision within 24–48 hours after surgery
• ✓Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for 4–6 weeks as directed
• ✓Wear the protective eye shield while sleeping for 1 week to prevent accidental rubbing
• ✓Avoid bending below waist level, lifting heavy objects, and strenuous exercise for 2 weeks
• ✓Do not splash water directly into the operated eye for 1 week; avoid swimming for 4 weeks
• ✓Follow-up visits are typically scheduled at 1 day, 1 week, and 4–6 weeks post-surgery

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis) — rare but serious; treated with intravitreal antibiotics
• ⚠Posterior capsule opacification (secondary cataract) — can develop months later and is easily treated with YAG laser capsulotomy
• ⚠Temporary increase in eye pressure (ocular hypertension) managed with eye drops
• ⚠Swelling of the cornea or retina (cystoid macular oedema) that usually resolves with medication
• ⚠Extremely rare complications include retinal detachment, lens dislocation, or bleeding inside the eye

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions