What is the Treatment

While spectacles may temporarily improve vision in mild cases, the definitive treatment is surgical.

• Treatment of Choice: Phacoemulsification (cataract extraction) with the insertion of an Intraocular Lens (IOL).
• The Procedure :A small incision (approx. 3mm) is made. An ultrasound probe breaks the cloudy lens into fragments (emulsification), which are aspirated. A foldable artificial lens is then inserted to take its place.
• Anaesthesia :Usually performed as a day case under local anaesthesia.

Complications of Cataract Surgery

While modern surgery is highly successful, risks include:

• Infective Endophthalmitis :A rare but devastating infection (red, painful eye with vision loss); regarded as an ophthalmic emergency.
• Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO): The most common late complication
  where the back of the lens capsule becomes scarred/cloudy; treated with a YAG laser.
• Retinal Detachment :More common in myopic (short-sighted) patients.
• Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage: Severe intraoperative bleeding.
• Posterior Capsular Rupture: Damage to the lens “bag” during surgery, potentially leading to vitreous loss.