What causes cataract?

Ageing is the most common cause. Other causes include diabetes (cataracts are 2–5 times more frequent in diabetic patients), glaucoma, hereditary factors, UV radiation from the sun, eye injuries, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, exposure to heavy doses of radiation, and prolonged use of medications like steroids.

What are the two surgical techniques for cataract removal?

The conventional technique is Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE/SICS), which uses a 10–12 mm incision and may require stitches. The modern technique is Phacoemulsification, where the cataract is emulsified using ultrasound energy through a micro-incision as small as 1.8 mm – no stitches required and faster recovery.

What is the difference between Monofocal and Multifocal IOLs?

Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at a single distance (usually far), so you can drive or watch movies easily, but about 70% of patients still need spectacles for near vision. Multifocal lenses have multiple focal points, enabling comfortable vision at all distances – far, intermediate, and near – dramatically reducing dependence on glasses.

What is an EDOF lens?

EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) lens provides high-quality visual comfort without the annoying side-effects like halos and glare often seen with multifocal lenses. It is very suitable for patients who want clear vision for distance, near, and intermediate work such as using a laptop or computer.

What is a Toric lens and when is it used?

Toric lenses have a combined surface of a sphere and cylinder, specifically designed for patients with astigmatism, myopia, or hypermetropia. If astigmatism is only in one eye, a toric lens is used for that eye and an ordinary spherical lens for the other.

What is an Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)?

The ICL (Collamer material) is a minimally invasive procedure with only a 3.5 mm incision and very short recovery time. The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes, and most patients can resume daily activities within just a few days with clearer vision.

Can a cataract return after surgery?

No, a cataract cannot return because the natural lens has been replaced by an artificial IOL. However, some patients may develop a mild clouding of the membrane behind the new lens (Posterior Capsular Opacification) months or years later. This is easily treated in 2 minutes using a painless YAG Laser in our outpatient clinic.

Should I wait for the cataract to mature before surgery?

No. It is advisable to get it removed at the early stages and not wait until the vision deteriorates significantly. Early removal allows for a smoother procedure and faster recovery.

What is an Accommodative lens?

Accommodative lenses provide vision at multiple distances by mimicking the eye's natural accommodation of light. They move in backward and forward motion in response to pressure inside the eye. Along with multifocal lenses, they are used for far-sightedness, near-sightedness, and astigmatism. A simple examination with our refractive surgeon determines if these lenses are suitable for your eyes.

Specialized Treatment

Cataract Surgery

Q: Is cataract surgery painful?

No. Most cases are done under topical anesthesia – no injection, no patch, and no pain. The eye surface is completely numbed with drops. Patients experience only a light pressure sensation and report absolutely no pain. Mild scratchiness or dryness is normal for a few days after.

Clinical Excellence

Cataract Surgery

Best Cataract Surgery in Andheri West, Mumbai – Advanced Phacoemulsification with Premium IOLs

The crystalline lens helps in focusing an image on the Retina. It is clear and transparent. But, with age, this lens can become cloudy and opaque. Any opacity in the crystalline lens leads to decreased vision. This opacity in the lens is what cataract is. Trust us for the Best Cataract Surgery in Andheri West, Mumbai to restore your vision.

It develops over a long period of time: months, or even years altogether. It usually affects both the eyes. The first characteristic to get affected is distance vision. As the lens becomes cloudier and rigid, it may deteriorate close vision as well.

While cataract is one of the most common causes of vision loss, it is only surgery that treats it. There are no medications that will clear the cataract or reverse it. Experience the best cataract surgery in Andheri West, Mumbai at Dr. Vaidya Eye Hospital. Our skilled Retina Specialist in Mumbai Dr. Harshit Vaidya provide superior care for optimal outcomes. Book your appointment now.

Treatment Highlights

Modern Phacoemulsification with micro-incision as small as 1.8 mm
Topical anesthesia – No injection, No patch, No pain
Premium IOL options: Monofocal, Multifocal, EDOF, Toric, ICL & Accommodative
Conventional ECCE/SICS technique available when clinically indicated
Advanced optical biometry calculations for exact IOL power matching
Same-day outpatient procedure with rapid visual recovery

Quick Facts & Details

Procedure Duration 10 – 15 Minutes

Anesthesia Topical (No injection, No patch, No pain)

Incision Size As small as 1.8 mm (Self-sealing, No stitches)

Recovery Time Visual clarity in 24 hours; complete healing in 3–4 weeks

IOL Options Monofocal, Multifocal, EDOF, Toric, ICL, Accommodative

Hospital Stay Outpatient (Discharge same day)

Causes

What Causes a Cataract?

A cataract can develop from several factors — from natural ageing to lifestyle and medical conditions.

Ageing

The most common cause of cataract.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled glucose levels can cause lens swelling and cataract formation.

Higher Risk with Diabetes

Cataracts are two to five times more frequent in patients with diabetes.

Glaucoma

A known contributing condition.

Hereditary

A family history can increase the risk.

UV Radiation

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Injury to the Eye

Trauma or injury to the eye.

Excessive Alcohol

Heavy alcohol consumption.

Radiation Exposure

Exposure to a heavy dose of radiation.

Smoking

A significant lifestyle risk factor.

Heavy Medication

Long-term use of steroids and similar medication.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Cataract

Cataract is a troublesome disease — even routine activities can become problematic. Reading and driving become difficult, and complaints of seeing coloured dots or halos, dual images, and poor night vision are common.

Difficulty reading

Difficulty driving

Coloured dots or halos

Dual images

Poor night vision

Diagnosis

How is a Cataract Detected?

Regular Eye Check-up

Especially important for people above the age of 40.

Vision Test

Measures clarity and sharpness of sight.

Slit-Lamp Examination

A detailed microscopic view of the eye.

Fundus Examination

Assesses the retina and back of the eye.

Treatment

Cataract Treatment

The only treatment for cataract is surgery. As a cataract can affect daily activities like reading, drawing and watching TV, it is advisable to treat it early before vision deteriorates.

Surgical removal of a cataract is a simple, frequently performed and safe procedure. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) — a permanent solution with natural peripheral vision and depth perception.

Why It's Safe & Simple

Often done under topical anaesthesia

No injection, no patch, no pain in many cases

Local or general anaesthesia for select cases

Patients often return home the same day

Permanent clear vision with a foldable IOL

Surgical Options

Cataract Surgery Techniques

Conventional Technique

Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction / SICS

Injections are given near the eye and incisions of 10–12 mm are made, after which the lens is removed with special tools.

Incision of 10–12 mm

Stitches may be required

Higher chance of cylindrical number

Latest

Phaco Emulsification

Modern Technique

The latest cataract removal technology. The cataract is emulsified and removed using ultrasound energy through a very small incision of about 1.8 mm — broken into small pieces and suctioned out, followed by implantation of a foldable IOL.

Tiny incision of about 1.8 mm

Ultrasound energy (no large cut)

Foldable intraocular lens implanted

Typically stitch-free

IOL Options

Lenses Used During Surgery

Several types of intraocular lens are available — your surgeon will help you choose the right one.

Monofocal Lens

The most basic lens implant. It provides clear distance vision but does not correct near vision, so about 70% of patients still need spectacles for tasks like computer work.

Multifocal Lens

Has more than one point of focus (e.g. a bifocal has distance and near). An alternative to bifocals that enables comfortable vision at all distances.

EDOF Lens

High-quality visual comfort without the halos and glare often seen with multifocal lenses. Great for clear distance, near and intermediate (laptop) vision.

Toric Lens

Combines spherical and cylindrical surfaces to correct astigmatism, myopia or hypermetropia — can be used in one eye with a spherical lens in the other.

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

A minimally invasive Collamer-material procedure through a 3.5 mm incision. The 20–30 minute procedure lets most people resume activities within a few days.

Accommodative Lens

Used for far-sightedness, near-sightedness and astigmatism. A simple exam with our refractive surgeon determines if these lenses suit your eyes.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Vaidya Eye Hospital?

Vaidya Eye Hospital offers advanced eye care, experienced specialists, modern technology, and patient-focused treatment you can trust.

How long does cataract surgery take?

Modern phaco-emulsification cataract surgery is quick — the procedure itself usually takes only about 20 to 30 minutes. Including preparation and a short rest afterwards, you can expect to be at the hospital for a few hours, and most patients go home the same day.

Is cataract surgery painful?

No. Most cataract surgeries are performed under topical anaesthesia, so the eye is numbed with drops — there is no injection, no patch, and no pain. You may feel mild pressure or see bright lights during the procedure, but it is not painful.

What is the recovery time after cataract surgery?

Recovery is usually fast. Many patients notice clearer vision within a day or two and can resume most daily activities within a few days. Your eye continues to settle over the following weeks, and your surgeon will guide you on eye drops and follow-up visits.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Restore Clarity for Your Eyes

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