When Is the Right Time for Cataract Surgery?
(A Patient Guide by Dr. Praveen Saluja — Saluja Eye Care Center, Indore)
Seeing Clearly Again — The Right Time Matters
Cataract is not a disease of the eye surface — it is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens inside your eye, leading to blurred or hazy vision.
It develops gradually, and in its early stage, you may only notice mild blurring, glare at night, or frequent changes in your glasses.
“Cataract surgery is not about rushing — it’s about restoring clarity when your daily life demands it.”
— Dr. Praveen Saluja
At Saluja Eye Care Center Indore, we assess not only your visual acuity but also your comfort, occupation, and lifestyle before advising surgery.
How Cataract Affects Your Vision
When the natural lens becomes opaque, light cannot focus properly on the retina. This causes:
- Blurred or foggy vision
- Glare from sunlight or headlights
- Faded colors or double vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Frequent change of glasses with little improvement
Myths vs Facts — “Waiting for Maturity”
Myth
- “You must wait until cataract is fully mature.”
- “Cataract surgery is risky at an early age.”
- “Glasses are enough — surgery can be postponed indefinitely.”
Fact
- ❌ Outdated. Modern MICS techniques allow safe removal at any stage.
- ✅ With advanced technology, earlier surgeries give faster recovery and better vision.
- ⚠️ Delay can cause harder cataract, more energy during surgery, and higher risk of complications.
When Should You Consider Surgery?
Dr. Saluja recommends surgery when:
- Vision affects daily tasks — driving, reading, cooking, or work
- There is glare or halos around lights at night
- Frequent spectacle changes give little improvement
- The cataract becomes dense and obscures retina view
- You need accurate retina or glaucoma evaluation but cataract blocks light
Remember:
“The best time is when vision no longer meets your life’s needs — not when it becomes totally blind.”
Diagnostic Evaluation at Saluja Eye Care Center
Every patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment before scheduling surgery:
- Visual Acuity & Contrast Testing
- Slit-Lamp Grading of Cataract (Nuclear/Cortical/PSC)
- Retina Evaluation — OCT, B-Scan if needed
- Keratometry & Biometry for accurate IOL power
- Blood Sugar / Pressure Check to ensure systemic fitness
All steps are performed under the direct supervision of Dr. Praveen Saluja, ensuring both safety and precision.
Benefits of Timely Surgery
If Done Timely
- Softer cataract, easier removal
- Clearer view of retina
- Faster recovery and better IOL fixation
- Reduced anxiety and better confidence
If Delayed Too Long
- Hard cataract, more ultrasound energy
- Retina assessment becomes difficult
- Longer healing, possible corneal stress
- Higher surgical risk and delayed vision restoration
Recovery and Post-Surgery Vision
Most patients notice dramatic improvement within 24–48 hours.
Micro-incision techniques (MICS) allow:
- No stitches
- Minimal inflammation
- Faster return to routine life
- Excellent vision with modern IOLs
At Saluja Eye Care Center, patients receive a customized post-operative care plan and follow-up schedule for long-term stability.
Key Patient FAQs
When blurred vision interferes with daily life or when your doctor sees significant lens opacity on examination.
Yes. Modern MICS techniques are safe and offer faster visual recovery.
Depending on the IOL chosen (monofocal or premium), you may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
No — it’s done under numbing drops (topical anesthesia). Patients feel only mild pressure.
What is the recovery time?
References
- AAO Cataract Update 2023 — Timing and Outcomes of Modern Surgery.
- AIOS Guidelines 2024 — Best Practices in Phaco and MICS Surgery.
- ESCRS Clinical Insights 2023 — Visual Quality and Surgical Timing.
मोतियाबिंद ऑपरेशन का सही समय कब है?
मोतियाबिंद एक धीरे-धीरे बढ़ने वाली स्थिति है जिसमें आँख का प्राकृतिक लेंस धुंधला हो जाता है।
शुरुआत में थोड़ी धुंधलापन या रात में चमक की परेशानी होती है, लेकिन समय के साथ दृष्टि कम हो जाती है।
कब कराएँ ऑपरेशन?
- जब दैनिक जीवन की गतिविधियाँ प्रभावित हो रही हों (पढ़ना, ड्राइविंग, रसोई)
- जब चश्मा बार-बार बदलने पर भी फायदा न हो
- जब चमक या ग्लैर से दृष्टि धुंधली हो
जब डॉक्टर रेटिना का मूल्यांकन न कर सके क्योंकि लेंस बहुत घना हो गया है
सही समय पर सर्जरी कराने से:
दृष्टि जल्दी सुधरती है, सर्जरी आसान होती है, और सुरक्षा अधिक होती है।
“मोतियाबिंद का उपचार तभी कराएँ जब आपकी दृष्टि आपके जीवन की जरूरतों को पूरा न कर पाए — ना बहुत जल्दी, ना बहुत देर से।”
— डॉ. प्रवीण सलूजा
About Saluja Eye Care Center, Indore
Established in 2008, Saluja Eye Care Center is a NABH-accredited eye hospital in Indore, trusted for advanced cataract, glaucoma, retina, cornea, refractive and children’s eye care. We are consistently ranked among the top eye hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, delivering superior care with ethical, patient-centered service.
सालुजा आई केयर सेंटर, इंदौर के
बारे में
2008 में स्थापित, सालुजा आई केयर सेंटर इंदौर का NABH मान्यता प्राप्त नेत्र चिकित्सालय है, जहाँ मोतियाबिंद, ग्लूकोमा, रेटिना, कॉर्निया, रिफ्रैक्टिव और बच्चों की आँखों के लिए आधुनिक एवं सुरक्षित उपचार उपलब्ध हैं। मध्यप्रदेश के शीर्ष नेत्र केंद्रों में से एक, हमारा वचन है – नैतिक और मरीज-केंद्रित देखभाल।
Superior Care, Trustworthy Service (श्रेष्ठ चिकित्सा, विश्वसनीय सेवा)
For Appointments/अपॉइंटमेंट के लिए:
Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 8 PM (By Prior Appointment)
समय: सोमवार से शनिवार, सुबह 11 से रात 8 बजे (पूर्व अपॉइंटमेंट पर)