Cataract Treatment

How is Cataract Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of cataract generally starts with an eye examination. The doctor conducts a visual acuity test to assess eyesight and asks about vision changes, daily activities, and medical history. As standard practice, they perform additional examinations, such as a slit lamp examination (using a specialised microscope to identify cataracts in the lens), an intraocular pressure test (measuring the pressure inside the eye) and a dilated retinal exam to ensure the back of the eye is healthy.

How is Cataract Treated Based on Severity?

While surgery is the only available treatment for cataracts, doctors recommend different types of surgery depending on severity. Here is an overview of the cataract treatments based on severity:

Types of Cataract and Their Treatment

There are three main types of cataract, and each is treated with the following treatment options:

Cataract Treatment for Different Stages

There are four common stages of cataracts, each requiring different treatment approaches to restore clear vision. These include:

Surgical Treatments for Cataract

Surgery is the only permanent cure for cataracts. However, it can be performed using different methods:

Topical Medications for Cataract Treatment

Doctors often recommend the following eye drops after cataract surgery during the recovery process:

• Antibiotic Eye Drops: Moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, or ofloxacin may help prevent bacterial infections after surgery.

• Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops: Steroids such as prednisolone and dexamethasone help reduce swelling and inflammation inside the eye.

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drops: Ketorolac, bromfenac, and nepafenac can help relieve pain and further reduce inflammation.

• Lubricating Eye Drops: Artificial tears such as Systane, Refresh Tears, and Thealoz help keep the eyes moist and reduce dryness or irritation.

• Eye Drops to Control Eye Pressure: Pressure-lowering eye drops may be prescribed if eye pressure increases after surgery.

Note: You shouldfollowyour doctor's advice when using eye drops after cataract treatment.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Cataract

While surgery is the only proven option for cataract treatment, the following alternative treatments to keep eyes healthy and reduce eye strain:

• Therapies:Ayurvedic therapies such as Panchakarma, Virechana, Nasya, Akshitarpana, and Anjana are traditionally used in the management of cataract.

• Medicines and Herbs: Preparations such as Triphala Ghrita, Amalaki Rasayana, Saptamruta Lauha, Timirahara Lauha, and Haridra are used in Ayurvedic practice for eye health.

• Eye Exercises: Palming, guided blinking, eye rolling, near-and-far focusing, and other gentle exercises may help reduce eye strain.

Note: Seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner before starting alternative treatments for cataract treatment.

Home Care for Managing Cataract

Here are some tips to manage cataracts at home:

• Protect your eyes from UV rays when you go out in the sun by using hats or sunglasses with UV filters.

• Try doing eye exercises at home to avoid straining your eyes.

• Avoid driving at night as a safety precaution.

• Go to the eye doctor regularly to monitor the progress of cataracts. Get your prescription glasses changed if required.

Latest Treatment for Cataract in India

Surgeons in India are now utilising advanced cataract surgery techniques, imaging systems, and newer intraocular lenses to treat cataract. Among these, Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs) are a notable advancement that can be fine-tuned after surgery using controlled UV light treatments to optimise vision.

Furthermore, Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography (iOCT) provides surgeons with real-time images during the procedure, while AI can support surgical planning and post-operative monitoring. Additionally, modern torsional ultrasound systems also enable more precise cataract removal.

How Long Does Cataract Treatment Take?

Here is a summary of the recovery duration from various surgical treatments available for cataract:

Cataract Treatment Side Effects

Patients may notice the following side effects after cataract surgery:

• Dryness in the eyes

• Blurry vision

• Seeing halos around lights

• Cloudy vision

• Light sensitivity

• Droopy eyelids

• Eye irritation

• Redness in the eyes

• Changes in the eye pressure

• Nausea or disorientation in rare cases

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Cataract

The following lifestyle changes can help slow cataract progression and support recovery after surgery:

• Keep your blood sugar levels under control and follow your doctor's advice for managing diabetes or high blood pressure.

• Quit smoking, as smoking is connected to an increased risk of cataracts.

• Eat a balanced diet which includes antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

• Limit alcohol consumption.

• Wear UV protection glasses when stepping out.

Triggers That Can Worsen Cataract Symptoms

Here are some factors that can speed up cataract progression:

• Excessive UV exposure from sunlight

• Eye injuries or trauma

• Previous eye surgery

• Radiation exposure, including ionising radiation and infrared heat

• Indoor smoke or biomass fuel exposure

• High myopia

Cataract Treatment Cost

The cataract treatment cost depends on the type of surgery recommended to the patient. Cataract surgery with standard monofocal lenses can cost around ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per eye, while premium lenses such as multifocal lenses can cost around ₹50,000 to ₹90,000 per eye.

The cost also differs with the type of surgery. Phacoemulsification surgery costs ₹15,000 to ₹60,000, SICS costs ₹15,000 to ₹35,000, and intra and extra-capsular surgeries are priced at ₹12,000 to ₹30,000 per eye.

Expensive surgical procedures may cost more. For instance, MICS can cost between ₹45,000 and ₹1.5 lakh, while FLACS can cost anywhere from ₹70,000 to ₹2 lakh per eye.

Does Health Insurance Cover Cataract Treatment in India?

Yes, health insurance policies cover cataract surgery. Coverage generally includes day care procedure, pre & post-hospitalisation expenses, and ambulance costs such as follow-up care. The exact coverage may vary depending on the policy terms and conditions.

However, cataract surgery is considered a specified procedure and thus, is covered after a waiting period of up to 2 years. If a cataract was diagnosed before purchasing the policy, it is classified as a pre-existing disease (PED) and comes with a PED waiting period of up to 3 years.

Generally, health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh can help comfortably cover cataract surgery and related treatment expenses. Nonetheless, people over 60 years, those with diabetes, or those with a family history of cataracts may consider higher coverage.

Disclaimer: Read the policy documents carefully to understand the exact coverage available, as they may differ for each policy.