Stitchless cataract surgery
Understand cataract symptoms, when surgery is considered, lens choices and what the first consultation involves.
Comprehensive Vision Care
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. It usually develops slowly, and it is one of the common reasons that vision becomes blurred or dim as people get older.
Age-related changes are the most common cause. Cataracts can also be associated with an eye injury, some long-term medicines such as steroids, diabetes or other eye conditions. They can affect one or both eyes, and symptoms may be different in each eye.
Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens and, in most cases, replaces it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). Not everyone with a cataract needs surgery straight away. The decision depends on how much your vision affects your daily life and on what the examination shows.
See it explained
The same view of the eye twice. The difference is the lens: clear in a normal eye, clouded in an eye with a cataract.
See it explained
Compare a clear natural lens with a lens affected by a cataract, then see where three common patterns of clouding can develop. Your examination determines what applies to your eye.
Light passes through a transparent lens and focuses on the retina.
Clouding of the natural lens can scatter light and affect vision.
These describe where clouding sits in the lens. A person can have more than one pattern.
Clouding develops in the central part of the natural lens.
Clouding begins in the outer lens and can extend towards its centre.
Clouding develops near the back surface of the lens.
See it explained
Drag across the picture to compare a clear view with an illustration of clouded vision.
Clouding can make everyday tasks more difficult, especially in dim light or when facing bright lights.
Choosing a lens
Artificial lenses come in different designs. Monofocal lenses usually have one main focus; multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) designs aim to cover more than one distance. Toric designs address astigmatism and may overlap with these categories.
Which design, if any, suits you depends on your eyes, your daily activities and your expectations. The doctor explains the choices and what each can and cannot do. No lens can promise that you will never need spectacles.
See it explained
Explore four design terms. They are general categories, not a list of implants confirmed to be available at this centre.
A monofocal lens has one main focus, often chosen for distance. Spectacles may still be needed for other distances.
A multifocal design distributes light across more than one focus. It can involve visual trade-offs, which need an individual discussion.
A toric lens is designed to address corneal astigmatism. Toric features can be combined with other lens designs.
Which design, if any, suits you depends on your eyes, your daily activities and your expectations. These simplified diagrams do not predict your vision. No lens can promise that you will never need spectacles.
See it explained
A simple visual guide to what happens in cataract surgery, one step at a time.
The natural lens has become cloudy, so light does not focus as sharply on the retina and vision can look blurred, dull or hazy.
A very small opening is made at the edge of the cornea so the surgeon can reach the lens. Whether stitches are needed depends on the eye and on the technique the surgeon chooses.
The clouded lens is taken out of the eye.
A clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), is placed where the natural lens was. Which design suits you is decided with your doctor.
Note: a general outline. Your doctor explains how the operation is arranged for you, and what to do before and afterwards.
Know the signs
Sudden loss of vision, a new eye injury, or severe eye pain needs urgent medical attention. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
What to expect
A general outline. The doctor decides which steps you need and explains each one.
Your vision and the health of your eyes are checked, including the lens.
The doctor explains whether surgery is likely to help, what the options are and what the risks are.
If you decide to go ahead, measurements of the eye help plan the operation and choose a replacement lens. The doctor also explains any instructions about medicines, eye drops or contact lenses.
The centre explains how the operation is arranged, the benefits and risks in your case, and what to do before and afterwards.
The doctor advises on prescribed eye drops, protecting the eye, returning to daily activities and follow-up checks. Contact the centre promptly if you have worsening pain, redness or a sudden change in vision.
Watch
Dr. Poonam Jain's centre shares short videos on its YouTube channel and in its own footage.
Videos are general information, not a substitute for an examination. They complement the written information on this page.
Pressing play loads YouTube's player (privacy-enhanced mode). Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Pressing play loads YouTube's player (privacy-enhanced mode). Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Common questions
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your own eyes need to be examined before anyone can advise you.
Not always. If a cataract is not troubling you, the doctor may suggest checking it from time to time. Surgery is considered when it affects what you need to do in daily life.
It is the clear artificial lens placed in the eye to replace the natural lens that has become cloudy. Different designs exist, and the doctor discusses which may suit you.
Modern cataract surgery is often done through a very small opening that may not need stitches. Whether stitches are needed depends on the eye and on the technique the surgeon chooses, and this is explained to you.
Suitability is decided after an examination. Other eye conditions and general health can affect the plan, and every operation carries some risk, which the doctor goes through with you.
You are given individual instructions about eye drops, protecting the eye and follow-up. Vision can be blurred at first and improve over time. Do not rub the eye or restart driving, exercise or other activities until the doctor says it is appropriate for you.
The removed natural lens cannot develop another cataract. Some people later develop clouding of the capsule that holds the replacement lens. If this affects vision, the doctor can assess it and discuss treatment.
Previous prescriptions and eye reports, your current spectacles and a list of the medicines you take.
Contact the centre to plan your visit or arrange an eye consultation.
13A, Pocket A, Phase 3, Ashok Vihar, Delhi 110052
