Cataract: Meaning, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

Prescription glasses/contact lenses: In the early stages of cataracts, vision may be improved with prescription glasses or contact lenses. These can help correct refractive errors and improve visual acuity but cannot treat cataracts.

Magnifying lenses: Magnifying lenses or reading glasses may be helpful in improving near vision in individuals with cataracts.

Brighter lighting: Brighter lighting can help improve vision, particularly for tasks that require detailed vision such as reading.

Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help slow down the progression of cataracts.

Medications: While there are currently no medications that can cure or reverse cataracts, some eye drops may help improve symptoms or delay the progression of the condition.

Some of the most prescribed medicines for cataracts are Ciprofloxacin, Besifloxacin, Erythromycin, and Moxifloxacin and more of these medications are vital for improving cataracts. Ideally, cataract is only treated through a surgical procedure. 

Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS)

In this cataract surgery, a microincision is made through which the surgeon breaks the lens and removes the broken parts of the lens through suction (Phacoemulsification). Further, the eye surgeon inserts another probe into the empty lens cavity and inserts and fixes and adjusts an Intraocular Lens (IOL). 

Femtosecond-Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

The cataract is removed through laser-assisted surgery in this procedure. The eye surgeon inserts a tiny probe into the eye, which emits ultrasound waves. These waves soften and break the lens, which is then sucked out using the phacoemulsification process. Further, another probe is inserted to fix and adjust an IOL in the empty lens cavity.