Types of Cataract Surgeries in India: Your Complete Guide

Types Of Cataract Surgeries In India: Your Comprehensive Guide

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed eye procedures in India. With advancements in the medical field, there are many types of cataract surgeries available each suited to the specific needs of the patients.

Keep reading to learn more about the type of cataract surgeries performed in India that will help you make informed decisions.

Understanding Cataract Surgery

Cataract is a medical condition in which the eyes’ natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision. It commonly develops with increasing age but may also occur due to injury, prolonged exposure to UV radiation, and certain medical conditions. It may affect one or both eyes.

The different symptoms of cataracts are

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty in seeing at night
  • Fading of colors
  • Double vision in an eye
  • Sensitivity to light 

Cataract surgery is a procedure to treat cataracts by removing the cloudy lens from the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. It is very common and generally a safer procedure.

Who Needs Cataract Eye Surgery?

Cataract surgery is required when

  • Cataract causes blurred or cloudy vision making it difficult to read or drive
  • Difficulty seeing in dim light as cataract progresses
  • Increased sensitivity to light especially at night as cataract worsens
  • Frequent change of eyeglass prescription due to worsening cataracts

Phacoemulsification (Phaco Surgery)

Phacoemulsification is the most common type of cataract surgery that is widely performed in India. It uses ultrasonic waves to break up the cloudy lens making it easier to remove.

How Is It Done?

  • A small incision is made in the cornea.
  • An ultrasonic probe is inserted through the incision that breaks the cloudy lens into tiny fragments. 
  • The broken pieces are then suctioned out.
  • An artificial intraocular lens is implanted through the same incision to replace the natural lens.

Pros Of Phacoemulsification

  • Minimally invasive involving small incisions
  • Faster recovery time
  • Minimal stitches required and minimal discomfort
  • Higher success rate and improved vision

Cons Of Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification may not be suitable for patients with dense cataracts. 

Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE)

ICCE is an old surgical procedure that is less common and is performed when other methods are not available.

How Is It Done?

  • A large incision is made in the cornea after a thorough cleaning of the eye and administration of anesthesia.
  • The lens is removed along with the capsule.
  • After removing the natural lens, an artificial intraocular lens is implanted.
  • The incision is closed using fine sutures or by applying a self-sealing technique.

Pros Of ICCE

  • Improved vision clarity
  • Suitable for complex cases
  • Lower risk of capsule-related complications

Cons Of ICCE

  • Requires more stitches
  • Longer healing time

Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)

An extracapsular cataract procedure is performed when the cataract is too dense for phacoemulsification. It is a traditional method of cataract surgery.

How Is It Done?

  • A larger incision (10-12mm) is made in the cornea after administering anesthesia.
  • The cloudy lens is removed in a single piece without breaking into pieces leaving the posterior capsule.
  • Once the lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens is implanted to replace the natural lens. The incision is closed using sutures or allowed to self-heal.

Pros Of ECCE

  • Suitable for individuals with dense cataracts
  • Improved vision clarity
  • May correct additional refractive errors

Cons Of ECCE

  • Longer recovery time
  • Larger incisions involved and require more stitches
  • More discomfort

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS)

LACS is a recent medical procedure for removing cataracts. It involves using lasers to soften the cataract and remove it. Another advancement is Re-LACS (Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery which addresses both cataract removal and improving the refractive outcome of the surgery. 

How Is It Done?

  • A precision laser is used to create a small opening in the cornea.
  • The laser beam may also be used to soften the cataract. The cataract is broken into small pieces and removed.
  • After removing the broken piece, an artificial lens is replaced.  

Pros Of LACS

  • Painless procedure
  • Faster recovery
  • Fewer complications and less trauma to the eyes
  • Improved precision

Cons Of LACS

  • Higher cost compared to traditional surgeries
  • Requires expertise and may not be widely available at all eye centers

Choosing The Right Cataract Surgery For You

The right cataract surgery depends on different factors, including overall eye health, severity of cataract, and specific medical conditions. 

The cost of cataract surgery depending on cataract surgery type, location of the hospital, and overall medical condition of the patient. The average cost of the cataract surgery may vary between 15,000 INR-2,00,000 INR.

It is recommended to consult an Ophthalmologist to assess your eye health and choose the right cataract surgery for you.

If you are looking for a well-established and reputable eye care institution in Mumbai for performing cataract eye surgeries, then Surya Eye Hospital is a perfect choice for you.

It provides minimally invasive cataract treatment, including robotic cataract surgery and refracttive laser-assisted cataract surgery with enhanced accuracy and faster recovery.

Conclusion

Cataract surgery is an effective procedure to restore the vision by removing the cataract. There are different types of cataract surgery and understanding their differences will help you in making informed decisions.

It is important to consult with your eye care professional to determine the right cataract surgery for your needs. For queries regarding cataract eye surgery in Mumbai, book an aapointment at Surya Eye Hospital!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cataract surgery?

The most commonly performed cataract procedure is phacoemulsification which is widely preferred due to its minimally invasive nature, safety, minimal post-operative discomfort, and faster recovery times.

What is the recovery time for different cataract surgeries?

The recovery time for cataract surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery performed, the patient’s overall health, age, and the presence of complications. Phacoemulsification and LACS take less time about 1-2 weeks to recover compared to ECCE.

Are there any risks associated with cataract surgery or other treatments?

The risks after cataract surgery are uncommon but sometimes, it may cause swelling, infection, bleeding, drooping eyelids, glaucoma, secondary cataracts, artificial lenses moving out of place, and in the worst case, loss of vision.

References

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