What Is a Cataract, and How Do You Know You Have One?
A cataract develops when proteins in the eye's lens clump together, gradually clouding vision. It's usually age-related, though diabetes, long-term steroid use, a previous eye injury, or radiation exposure can bring it on earlier. According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts are extremely common with age and, left untreated, can progress to significant vision loss — the reassuring part is that surgery reliably corrects it. Common early signs include:
In patients who put off a check-up for years, which is common when the nearest hospital is a long trip away, the cataract can become dense or "mature," making vision very poor and the surgery itself more involved. That's a pattern the team at Drishti Netralaya sees often enough that it shapes which surgical technique gets recommended.
What to Expect: The Cataract Surgery Process
- Consultation and eye examination, including a biometry scan to measure the eye and calculate the IOL power
- Pre-operative checks, including blood sugar levels if you're diabetic
- Day of surgery: Local anaesthesia (eye drops or a small injection), with the procedure itself usually taking about 10–20 minutes per eye and performed as day care
- A short rest period at the hospital before being discharged the same day, with eye drops and a protective shield
- Follow-up visits over the following weeks to check healing and, if needed, update your glasses prescription
Who Should Consider Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery isn't only for people who can no longer see clearly at all — it's usually recommended once the cloudiness starts interfering with daily activities like reading, driving or recognising faces. Diabetic patients are a particular group to watch, since diabetes can accelerate cataract formation and often coexists with diabetic retinopathy, which is why a dilated retina check is usually done alongside cataract evaluation for anyone with diabetes.
Why Patients Across Upper Assam Choose Drishti Netralaya
Drishti Netralaya has built a strong reputation for cataract care across Upper Assam, combining extensive surgical experience, advanced techniques, trained specialists, and accredited standards of eye care.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, usually with numbing eye drops, so you remain awake but should not feel pain. Some mild pressure or discomfort during the procedure can be normal.
Most patients notice clearer vision within a day or two, while complete healing generally takes a few weeks. SICS recovery may take slightly longer than phaco because the incision is larger.
Typically, one eye is treated first, and the second eye is scheduled a few days to a couple of weeks later, once the first eye is healing well.
The right IOL depends on your eye measurements, whether you have astigmatism, and how much you would like to reduce your dependence on glasses. The lens choice is decided during your consultation after a detailed eye examination.
You will need to visit the main Dibrugarh hospital for the surgery itself. However, your initial consultation and pre-surgery checks can usually be completed at the Dhemaji or Machkhowa centre first.
It can. Diabetic patients may need their blood sugar checked before surgery and often require a dilated retina examination as well, because diabetes can affect both the lens and the retina.
The cost depends on the surgical technique and the IOL you choose. Pricing is discussed clearly during your consultation rather than being quoted over the phone. Details about cashless treatment and insurance empanelments are available separately.
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