ALL ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY
Cataract surgery is the permanent solution for cataracts.
A cataract is an eye condition where the natural lens of your eye, also known as the crystalline lens, develops cloudy patches. This causes a decrease in your vision.
The natural lens of the eye normally focuses light onto the back of the eye so you can see objects clearly and without distortion. Hence, a cloudy lens during cataract disease impairs your vision.
Metabolic changes of the crystalline lens fibers and certain environmental factors over time lead to the development of this eye condition. Also, cataracts can be congenital, meaning they’re present at birth.
Congenital cataracts are considered one of the leading causes of childhood blindness.
Cataracts are painless but can cause progressive blurred vision. They can present with dull color vision, increased nearsightedness, and occasionally, double vision in one eye.
Poor night vision and increased glare from lights are also frequent.
Even though it’s your decision whether or not to go ahead with cataract surgery, if a cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your everyday activities, your doctor may suggest the procedure.
After all, cataract surgery is not painful, and recovery time is very short. It is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on an outpatient basis.
Ultimately, the procedure allows to restore vision and improve the quality of life. Also, patients with high myopia or hyperopia can have cataract surgery for refractive correction purposes.

Medically reviewed by Dr Osama Bahsas Zaky
Written by Joaquín Pineda
Updated on October 19, 2021
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