Eye Health Guide · ORINvue
Cataract
Hindi / common name: Cataract (motiyabind)
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris. It develops slowly in most people and is a very common cause of blurred vision in older adults in India. Cataract is treatable: when it starts affecting daily life, surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens, IOL) is one of the most commonly performed and successful operations.
Symptoms of cataract
- Gradually blurred, cloudy or misty vision
- Glare and halos around lights, especially while driving at night
- Colours looking faded or yellowish
- Needing more light to read
- Frequent changes in spectacle power
- Double vision in one eye in some cases
Causes and risk factors
- Ageing: the most common cause, usually after 50 to 60
- Diabetes
- Long-term use of steroid medicines or steroid eye drops
- Unprotected exposure to strong sunlight (UV)
- Smoking
- Eye injury or previous eye inflammation
- Some babies are born with cataract (congenital cataract) and need urgent specialist care
How it is diagnosed
Cataract is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist using a slit-lamp examination, usually after dilating the pupil. Vision testing shows how much the cataract affects sight. Before surgery, the doctor measures the eye (biometry) to choose the right intraocular lens power. An optometrist's eye test can show reduced vision that does not improve with glasses, which is a reason to see an ophthalmologist.
Treatment options
- In early cataract, updated glasses, anti-glare lenses and better lighting may help for a while
- Surgery is the only effective treatment: the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an IOL, usually by phacoemulsification
- IOL options include monofocal, toric (for astigmatism) and multifocal/extended-depth lenses, chosen with your surgeon
- No eye drops or tablets have been proven to dissolve a cataract
- Surgery timing is decided by you and your ophthalmologist based on how much the cataract affects daily life
Glasses and lens options
Most people still need glasses after cataract surgery, often for reading, and sometimes for distance. Your surgeon will tell you when the eye has settled for a new prescription, commonly a few weeks after surgery. UV-protective sunglasses are useful outdoors.
Prevention and everyday care
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a cap in strong sunlight
- Control diabetes and blood pressure
- Avoid smoking
- Never use steroid eye drops without a doctor's prescription
- Have a yearly eye check after 50
When to see an eye specialist the same day
- Sudden loss of vision
- Severe eye pain, redness or swelling, especially in the days after cataract surgery
- A white reflex in a child's pupil in photos
- Flashes, floaters or a curtain after surgery
Cataract in Lucknow
Lucknow's strong summer sun makes UV protection worth it, and many families in the city care for elderly parents with gradually blurring vision. A timely eye check prevents years of avoidable poor vision.
How ORINvue can help
Every eye test at ORINvue is done by our qualified optometrist, Khushboo Gangwar, a complete vision and eye-health check in 10–15 minutes. If cataract surgery is the right next step, she guides you to a trusted eye specialist. After surgery, once your eye has settled, ORINvue makes your new distance, reading or progressive glasses, from ₹999 all-inclusive.
Book Free Eye TestFrequently asked questions about Cataract
Can cataract be removed without surgery?
No. Glasses can help in early stages, but surgery is the only effective treatment. No drops or medicines are proven to dissolve cataract.
When should cataract surgery be done?
Usually when the cataract starts affecting daily activities such as reading, driving or recognising faces. Your ophthalmologist will advise; there is no need to wait for it to become 'ripe'.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
Many people need glasses for reading, and some for distance too, depending on the lens implanted. New glasses are made once the eye has settled.
Is cataract surgery painful?
It is usually done under local anaesthesia or numbing drops and is generally not painful. Follow your surgeon's aftercare instructions carefully.
Can young people get cataract?
Yes, though less often. Diabetes, steroids, injury and some genetic conditions can cause cataract at a younger age.
Explore more: Eye Health Guide (all conditions) · Optical & spectacles questions answered · ORINvue blog
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Every eye test is done by our qualified optometrist, Khushboo Gangwar, free with every spectacle package. Opening December 2026 in Kalyanpur, Vikas Nagar, Lucknow. Open daily 10 AM–10 PM.
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