A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens. It is not a film that grows over the eye and it cannot be cleared with drops, exercises or laser alone — the clouded lens has to be removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). In Gujarati and Hindi this is commonly called motiyabind or motiya.
At ShivAnuj Eye Hospital & Diagnostic Center on Harni–Warasiya Ring Road, cataract surgery is performed by Dr. Anuj Kodnani (MS Ophthalmology, DNB, FTVPEI, FWCRS) using micro-incision phacoemulsification on an Alcon Centurion active-fluidics platform, in a dedicated modular operating theatre.
મોતિયો (મોતિયાબિંદુ) અને તેનું ઓપરેશન
મોતિયો એટલે આંખના કુદરતી લેન્સનું ધીમે ધીમે ધૂંધળું થવું. તે દવાનાં ટીપાંથી દૂર થતો નથી — ધૂંધળા લેન્સને કાઢીને તેની જગ્યાએ નવો લેન્સ મૂકવો પડે છે. વધુ માહિતી માટે +91 94289 74800 પર ફોન કરો.
When is the right time for cataract surgery?
The old advice to “wait until the cataract is mature” belongs to an earlier era of surgery. With modern phacoemulsification, a denser cataract is actually harder to remove and carries slightly more risk. The decision today is based on function, not on how the cataract looks.
Surgery is usually discussed when the cataract starts interfering with things you need to do:
- Headlight glare or halos that make night driving uncomfortable
- Needing more light to read, or print looking faded and yellowed
- Frequent spectacle number changes that stop helping
- Difficulty recognising faces, watching television or reading a price tag
- A failed vision test for a driving licence
- A cataract dense enough to obstruct examination or treatment of the retina
If the cataract is mild and you are managing comfortably, there is no obligation to operate. It is reasonable to review it periodically.
How the surgery is done
Micro-incision phacoemulsification (MICS)
Phacoemulsification uses an ultrasound probe to break up the clouded lens so it can be removed through a very small opening. In micro-incision cataract surgery the incision is typically around 2.2 mm or smaller — small enough that it usually seals itself and needs no stitches.
In outline:
- Anaesthetic drops numb the eye. You are awake but should not feel pain.
- A small self-sealing opening is made at the edge of the cornea.
- A circular opening is created in the lens capsule.
- The clouded lens is emulsified and aspirated.
- A folded intraocular lens is inserted through the same small opening and unfolds into position.
The procedure itself commonly takes around 15–20 minutes for a straightforward case, and it is done as day care — you go home the same day.
Measurement comes before surgery
The refractive result of cataract surgery is decided largely before the operation, by how accurately the eye is measured and how well the lens is chosen. We use swept-source optical biometry and retinal imaging as part of the workup.
Choosing an intraocular lens
There is no single best lens; there is a lens that best fits your eyes, your work and your tolerance for compromise.
| Lens type | What it gives you | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Clear vision at one distance, usually far | Reading glasses will still be needed. Excellent contrast and the most predictable option. |
| Enhanced monofocal / EDoF | Distance plus a usable range of intermediate vision | Helpful for screens and dashboards. Fine print usually still needs glasses. |
| Trifocal | Distance, intermediate and near | Greatest spectacle independence, but halos and glare at night are more likely, especially early on. |
| Toric (any of the above) | Also corrects corneal astigmatism | Needs accurate measurement and precise alignment at surgery. |
Biometry, corneal topography and a discussion of how you actually use your eyes come before this decision. Someone who drives at night for a living and someone who embroiders at home are not well served by the same lens.
On cost: cataract surgery is priced per eye and varies mainly with the lens chosen. We will give you a written estimate after your examination, once the lens has been selected. Please call +91 94289 74800 for current package details.
Recovery
Most people notice clearer vision within a day or two, though it can take a few weeks to settle fully, and some fluctuation early on is normal.
- Same day: go home after a short observation period. Vision may be hazy.
- First week: prescribed drops on schedule; avoid rubbing the eye, dust, and swimming. Avoid head-down positions and heavy lifting.
- Two to four weeks: drops are tapered; most normal activity resumes.
- About four to six weeks: if glasses are still needed, the prescription is finalised once the eye is stable.
Contact us promptly if you develop increasing pain, a sudden drop in vision, marked redness or discharge. These are uncommon, but they are checked urgently.
Risks
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and most studied operations in medicine, and serious complications are uncommon. They are not zero. Possible issues include infection, swelling of the retina, posterior capsule rupture, raised eye pressure, retinal detachment and a refractive result that differs from target. Months or years later, the capsule behind the lens can cloud (posterior capsule opacification); this is treated with a brief YAG laser procedure in the clinic.
Your individual risk depends on your eyes and your general health, including conditions such as diabetes. It is discussed with you before you consent.
Second eye
When both eyes have cataracts, they are operated on separate occasions, usually a short interval apart, so the first eye can be assessed before the second is scheduled.
Questions patients ask
Is cataract surgery painful?
The eye is numbed with drops, so the surgery itself should not be painful. Most people describe pressure or a sensation of light and movement rather than pain. Mild grittiness or watering for a day or two afterwards is common.
Do I need to be admitted overnight?
No. Cataract surgery at ShivAnuj is day-care surgery. You come in, have the procedure and go home the same day after a short observation period. Please arrange for someone to accompany you home.
How soon can I get back to work?
Desk-based work is often possible within a few days. Dusty, dirty or physically heavy work needs longer. Your surgeon will advise based on your eye and your job.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It depends on the lens implanted. With a monofocal lens you should expect to need reading glasses. EDoF and trifocal lenses reduce dependence on glasses, but no lens guarantees you will never need them.
Can both eyes be done on the same day?
Our routine practice is to operate the eyes on separate occasions so that the first eye can be reviewed before the second is scheduled.
What is MICS, and is it different from laser cataract surgery?
MICS refers to micro-incision cataract surgery — phacoemulsification through a very small, usually stitch-free incision. Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery (FLACS) is a separate technology in which some steps are performed by a laser. Both remove the cataract by ultrasound emulsification.
I have diabetes. Can I still have cataract surgery?
Yes, and it is common. Your retina is examined beforehand, because diabetes can affect the retina independently of the cataract, and blood sugar control is reviewed. Diabetic eyes need closer follow-up after surgery.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Most health insurance policies in India cover cataract surgery, though many apply sub-limits and waiting periods, and premium lenses may not be fully covered. Please bring your policy details and our team will help you check.
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This page is general health information, not a substitute for a clinical examination. Suitability for any procedure is decided only after an in-person assessment. Individual results vary.