Cataract Patient FAQs

Cataract Patient FAQs

 

 

  1. General Understanding
  1. What is cataract? The natural lens of human eye is transparent. When this lens turns opaque, it is termed as cataract
  2. Why does cataract occur? Most commonly cataract occurs as a part of ageing. In rare cases it can be associated with trauma, prolonged steroid use, etc.
  3. What are the symptoms of cataract? Blurring of vision, dimness of colours, Sensitivity to bright lights are some of the common symptoms of cataract
  4. How do I know if I have cataract? A routine annual checkup helps in early diagnosis of cataract
  5. At what age does cataract usually happen? There is no said age for cataract. These days because of change in lifestyle we are seeing cataracts in as young as 40 year olds too.

 

  1. Diagnosis & Need for Surgery
  1. Can cataract be treated without surgery? No, Surgery is the only way a cataract can be corrected.
  2. When should cataract surgery be done? The doctor assesses your eye in detail and based on that he/she will advise you surgery
  3. Is it okay to delay cataract surgery? Although cataract surgery is not an emergency procedure, but delaying it too much can lead to hardening of cataract which can pose some challenges during surgery and can have delayed recovery
  4. How do I decide if surgery is required now? You need to leave this decision to your ophthalmologist who will advise you based on your detailed eye examination
  5. What happens if cataract is not treated? An untreated cataract hardens and can swell up inside the eye which may in turn increase the eye pressure causing pain and redness in the eye which can also pose a threat to the vision permanently.

 

  1. Surgery Process
  1. How is cataract surgery performed? Cataract surgery is a 7-10mins procedure which is painless and performed through phacoemulsification procedure.
  2. Is cataract surgery painful? No
  3. How long does the surgery take? 7-10 minutes
  4. Is admission required for surgery? No, it’s a day-care surgery
  5. What type of anesthesia is used? In 99% cases we put anesthetizing drops before surgery and in rare cases anaesthetizing injection is needed
  6. Is it safe for elderly patients? Yes

 

  1. Recovery & Results
  1. How soon will vision improve after surgery? Your vision will start getting better from the very next day. It will be a gradual process.
  2. How many days does recovery take? It takes appx 1 week for most of the recovery to take place
  3. When can normal activities be resumed? Activities like walking and going out of the house can be done after 3-4 days and work, office and travelling can be resumed after a  week
  4. Are there any restrictions after surgery? Yes there are basic restrictions like not taking head bath/ not washing the face for 1week, some restriction from screens in required for 3-4 days
  5. What precautions should be taken post-surgery? Your doctor will guide about these

 

  1. Lens (IOL) Related
  1. What is the lens used in cataract surgery? There are multiple type of lenses used in cataract surgery like monofocal, EDOF and multifocal/trifocal lenses                       
  2. What are the types of lenses available? There are multiple type of lenses used in cataract surgery like monofocal, EDOF and multifocal/trifocal lenses
  3. Which lens is best for me? That depends on your detailed examination and the scans that we do before planning the surgery.
  4. What is the difference between normal and premium lenses? Premium lenses give you much better quality of vision along with significantly less/no spectacle dependence
  5. Will I need glasses after surgery? If you choose multi/tri focal lenses then you will be glass free where as if u choose EDOF lens then your dependence on glasses is reduced significantly.

 

  1. Cost & Payment
  1. What is the cost of cataract surgery? At our hospital we provide multiple packages.
  2. Why does the cost vary? Cost of surgery majorly depends on the type of surgery (Bladeless or manual) and also on the type of lens chosen (Monofocal/EDOF/Trifocal)
  3. What is included in the surgery package?
  4. Are there any hidden charges? No
  5. Do you provide EMI or finance options?

 

 

  1. Insurance & Government Schemes
  1. Is cataract surgery covered under insurance? Yes
  2. Do you have cashless facilities? Yes
  3. Are CGHS / ESIC / other panels accepted? Yes
  4. Is treatment available under MJPJAY? yes
  5. What documents are required for claim approval?

 

  1. Safety & Risk
  1. What are the risks involved in cataract surgery? A routine cataract surgery si a very safe procedure with minimal risk of complications
  2. Are there any complications? In special cases like complicated cataract, traumatic cataract there can be some premeditated risk involved but such surgeries are planned accordingly
  3. How successful is cataract surgery? Cataract surgery is a very very safe surgery with success rates being close to 99.99%
  4. Can cataract come again after surgery? No we place an artificial lens inside the eye once the cataract is removed. Cataract can never occur in an artificial lens

 

  1. Pre-Surgery Preparation
  1. What tests are required before surgery? We get a blood profile along with an ECG done to access the suitability of the patient for the surgery
  2. What should I do before coming for surgery? Instill the drops as advised on the morning of surgery and carry all your reports and hospital file along.
  3. Can I eat before surgery? Yes you can have light breakfast before coming for surgery
  4. Should I stop any medicines? If you are on blood thinners then your doctor will advise you to stop them 3 days before the surgery

 

  1. Post-Surgery Follow-Up
  1. How many follow-up visits are required?
  2. What medicines are given after surgery?
  3. What if there is pain or discomfort after surgery?
  4. Who should I contact in case of emergency?

 

  1. Decision-Making Questions (Conversion Drivers)
  1. Which doctor will perform the surgery?
  2. Why should I choose SRN for cataract surgery? Our hospital is NABH accredited, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety, quality care, and clinical excellence. Equipped with advanced LENSAR femtosecond laser technology and other state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities, we are committed to delivering precise, safe, and personalized eye care. Our experienced team of specialists and modern infrastructure enable us to provide world-class treatment with a compassionate approach, ensuring the best visual outcomes for every patient. We are equipped like with the LENSAR Ally , digital cataract surgery machine – Verion, Diagnostic tools IOL master 700 and latest surgical machines like the Alcon centurion vision system.
  3. Can I visit the hospital before deciding? Yes
  4. How soon can I schedule the surgery?
  5. Can I get a second opinion here? yes

 

  1. Emotional & Practical Concerns
  1. Is cataract surgery risky for my age? No cataract surgery is a very commonly performed surgery with minimal risks involved
  2. Will I be able to see clearly again? If your retina and nerve of the eye is healthy you will gain 100% vision after the cataract surgery
  3. How many days will I need assistance?
  4. Can both eyes be operated together? No, it’s a risk to your eyes.
  5. What if I am scared of surgery? We have an expert anesthetist available during the surgery who will be monitoring your vitals at all times during the surgery. So there is nothing to be worried about.

 

  1. Appointment & Booking
  1. How can I book an appointment?
  2. How do I schedule surgery?
  3. What is the waiting time?
  4. Can I reschedule my appointment?

 

  1. Engagement & Follow-Up
  1. Can you remind me about my appointment?
  2. Will I get updates on WhatsApp/SMS?
  3. Can I contact you directly for queries later?