Best Cataract Surgeon in Kolkata

What is Cataract?

Cataract is a severe condition in the eye, and the patient complains about clouding of vision. This usually affects people over 45. At first, you might not notice much change. But over time, your vision gets hazy. Simple tasks like reading or driving become harder. Even recognizing faces can be a challenge!  Unfortunately, cataracts don’t go away naturally, as a result surgeons suggest surgery to the patients.  In this article, we’ll delve into the world of cataracts and introduce you to Dr. Sudipta Mitra, one of the best cataract surgeon in Kolkata..

 During this procedure, doctors remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial clear lens. Usually, the procedure is safe. But, since it is a surgery, there can be 1% of risk factors which can take place due to infection, swelling, or redness, The best cataract surgeon in Kolkata. Yet for most of us, the benefit that surgery offers possesses higher weight than the risk. After all, clearer vision can greatly improve your daily life!

What is Cataract?

Different Types of Cataracts

  • Nuclear: • Forms in lens center • Often age-related • Affects light focus
  • Cortical: • Starts as small bumps on lens surface • Grows inward, creating wedge-shaped opacities • Can be caused by diabetes or UV exposure
  • Posterior Subcapsular: • Develops at back of lens • Progresses rapidly • May cause glare and reduced vision • Risk factors: age, steroid use, smoking
  • Congenital: • Present at birth or in childhood
  • Secondary: • Results from other conditions (e.g., diabetes, glaucoma, uveitis) • Can be caused by steroid use
  • Traumatic: • Follows eye injury • May develop immediately or over time

What are the Causes of Cataracts?

Age:

  • The primary culprit
  • More common in older adults
  • Lenses become less flexible and cloudy over time

Lifestyle Factors:

  • Smoking: Contains harmful toxins
  • Excessive alcohol: Can dry out eyes and contribute to cataract formation
  • UV exposure: Prolonged sun exposure increases risk

Health Conditions:

  • Diabetes: Elevates cataract risk
  • Hypertension and obesity
  • Certain skin diseases

Genetic Factors:

  • Family history can increase risk

Nutritional Aspects:

  • Inadequate Vitamin C: May lower lens quality

Other Contributors:

  • Eye injuries or trauma
  • Radiation exposure
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids
  • Hormone imbalances (during pregnancy or menopause)

Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts​

Common Symptoms of Cataracts​

Common Symptoms of Cataracts: What to Watch For

Vision Changes:

  • Blurry, cloudy, or dim sight
  • Colors appear faded or yellowed 
  • Double vision in one eye

Light Sensitivity: 

  • Difficulty seeing in bright conditions
  • Halos around lights
  • Increased glare

Night Vision Problems:

  • Trouble seeing clearly after dark
  • Reduced contrast sensitivity

Reading Challenges:

  • Struggle with small print
  • Need for brighter light when reading

Prescription Shifts:

Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptio

  1. Vision Restoration: • Removes cloudy lens, replaces with artificial one • Dramatically improves clarity and visual acuity
  2. Quality of Life Boost: • Enhances daily activities (reading, driving, facial recognition) • Increases independence and reduces reliance on others
  3. Safety Improvements: • Reduces risk of falls and accidents,  best cataract surgeon in Kolkata • Enhances night vision, reducing glare and halos
  4. Preventive Measure: • Stops further vision deterioration • Lowers risk of blindness and related complications
  5. Customizable Solutions: • Various lens options to suit different lifestyles • Can correct other vision issues like astigmatism
  6. Technological Advancements: • Laser-assisted techniques for precision • Improved recovery times and outcomes
  7. Visual Function Enhancement: • Better contrast sensitivity and color perception • Potential reduction in dependency on glasses

Importance of Cataract Surgery

The Cataract Surgery Process

Initial Consultation: What to Expect
During the initial consultation, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess the extent of the cataract and overall eye health. This may include:

  • Visual acuity test
  • Dilated eye exam
  • Tonometry to measure eye pressure
  • Ultrasound test to measure the size and shape of the eye

Preparing for Surgery: Pre-operative Instructions

Prior to surgery, patients are given specific instructions to ensure a successful procedure:

  • Stop taking certain medications that can increase bleeding risk.
  • Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  • Arrange for transportation on the day of surgery.

The Day of Surgery: Step-by-Step Procedure

On the day of surgery, the process typically involves:

  • Local anesthesia to numb the eye area.
  • Making a small incision in the cornea.
  • Using ultrasound waves (phacoemulsification) to break up the cloudy lens.
  • Removing the fragmented lens pieces.
  • Inserting an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to replace the natural lens.
  • Closing the incision (often self-sealing, requiring no stitches).

Post-Surgery Care

  • Post-surgery care is crucial for a smooth recovery:
  • Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
  • Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye.
  • Wear an eye shield while sleeping.
  • best cataract surgeon in Kolkata
  • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

What are my replacement lens options in Kolkata?

Type

Pros

Cons

Monofocal Lenses

  • Excellent for distance vision.
  • Typically covered by insurance.
  • Fewer complications related to glare or halos.
  • You may still need glasses for near or intermediate tasks.
  • Limited flexibility for activities requiring multiple ranges of vision.

Multifocal Lenses

  • Reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses.
  • Provides good vision at various distances.
  • Higher risk of glare, halos, or reduced contrast sensitivity.
  • Not ideal for people who drive frequently at night.

Accommodative Lenses

  • Provides a more natural range of vision.
  • Less risk of glare and halos compared to multifocal lenses.
  • Some patients may still need reading glasses.
  • Performance can diminish over time as the eye ages.

 Toric Lenses

  • Specifically designed to correct astigmatism in addition to providing clear distance or near vision.
  • Can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery.
  • Higher cost, and not always covered by insurance.
  • May still need glasses for reading or intermediate distances.

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses

  • Provides a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate.
  • Reduced visual disturbances like halos and glare compared to multifocal lenses.
  • May not provide as sharp near vision as multifocal lenses.
  • Expensive and might not be covered by insurance.

Recovery Period

Quick Vision Improvement

See better within days

 Full healing takes 4-6 weeks

Temporary Symptoms

Mild itching and discomfort

Light sensitivity

Don’t worry, this is normal!

Do’s and Don’ts

Do wear protective eyewear

Don’t rub your eyes

Avoid heavy lifting 

Keep irritants away from eyes

Long-Term Care

Regular check-ups are key

Catch any issues early

best cataract surgeon in Kolkata

Keep your new vision in top shape

Restrictions after Surgery

Protect Your Eyes

Wear your eye shield at night

Rock sunglasses during the day

Take It Easy

No heavy lifting or tough workouts

Cut back on reading and screen time

Hold off on driving for now

Keep It Clean

Keep soap and water out of your eye

Skip swimming and hot tubs for a while

best cataract surgeon in Kolkata

Avoid dusty or smoky places

Hands Off

Don’t rub your eye

Skip eye makeup for now

Follow Doctor’s Orders

Use eye drops as told

Show up for check-ups

How Do We Stay Safe from This Disease?

After Cataract Surgery: Your Easy Guide

Protect Your Eye

Wear your eye shield, especially at night

Rock those sunglasses outdoors

Take it Easy

No heavy lifting or tough workouts

Cut back on reading and screen time

Keep it Clean

Hands off! Don’t rub your eye

Say no to swimming and hot tubs

Watch Your Surroundings

Steer clear of dust and smoke

best cataract surgeon in Kolkata

Hold off on driving for now

Follow Doctor’s Orders

Use eye drops as told

Show up for check-ups

Frequently asked questions

How Do I Know if I Need Cataract Surgery?

 If cataracts bug your daily life, maybe. A quick eye check tells all

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Surgeon?

You must look for:

  • Tons of cataract experience
  • Happy patient stories
  • Solid track record
  • Someone you click with

Are There Any Risks or Complications?

Surgery’s usually safe, but heads up:

  • Infection or bleeding (rare)
  • Retina hiccups
  • Eye pressure changes
  • Cloudy vision comeback

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

Costs swing is  based on:

  • Fancy lens picks
  • Surgeon’s street cred
  • Where you live • Check your insurance perks!

How Do I Choose the Perfect Lens for My Eye?

 Your lifestyle is the key . Following are the options:

  • One-distance wonder
  • All-rounder for near and far
  • Astigmatism fixer-upper

When Can I Get Back to Work after Cataract Surgery?

 Most of the patients can get back in few days to a week . However it depends on surgeon and healing speed