Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide, especially in people over the age of 50. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, glare, poor night vision, and faded colors. While cataracts develop gradually, they can significantly impact daily life and quality of vision over time.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts are mostly age-related but can also be caused by:
- Prolonged UV exposure
- Diabetes
- Eye injuries or inflammation
- Long-term use of steroids
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking and alcohol use
Early cataracts may not require surgery and can be managed with stronger glasses or brighter lighting. However, once the cataract begins to interfere with reading, driving, or other routine tasks, surgery becomes the only effective treatment.
What is Phacoemulsification?
Phacoemulsification is the most advanced and commonly performed technique for cataract surgery today. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens into tiny fragments. These fragments are then gently suctioned out through a very small incision — usually around 2.2 mm.
Once the natural lens is removed, it is replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) customized to your eye, often correcting distance vision or even astigmatism.
Why Patients Prefer Phaco Surgery
- Tiny incision = No stitches needed
- Quick recovery (most return to normal activities in 1–2 days)
- Minimal discomfort
- High success rate with improved vision quality
This technique is especially ideal for individuals who want a faster, safer recovery and are looking to reduce dependency on glasses.
When Should You Consider Cataract Surgery?
If you’re noticing:
- Blurred or dim vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Difficulty driving at night
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
…it may be time to see your ophthalmologist. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention and better outcomes.