1. What is the ICCE full form?

2. Is ICCE still performed in 2026?

No, ICCE is now considered an obsolete procedure. It has been replaced by safer, more effective methods like phacoemulsification.

3. What is a cataract?

A cataract is a medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to a decrease in vision.

4. What is the difference between ICCE and ECCE?

ICCE removes the entire lens and capsule, while ECCE removes only the lens, leaving the capsule intact to support a new artificial lens.

5. How long does cataract surgery take?

Modern cataract surgery, typically phacoemulsification, often takes less than 20 minutes per eye.

6. What is phacoemulsification?

Phacoemulsification is the most common cataract surgery method. It uses ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then removed through a tiny incision.

7. Is cataract surgery painful?

No, the procedure is typically not painful. Anesthetic eye drops or a local anesthetic injection are used to numb the eye.

8. What is the recovery time for phacoemulsification?

Most patients experience improved vision within 24-48 hours and can return to normal activities within a few days.

9. Can cataracts return after surgery?

No, a cataract cannot return. However, a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can occur, making it seem like the cataract has returned. PCO is easily treated with a quick laser procedure.

10. Do I need to get my other eye done?

If both eyes have cataracts, the surgeon will usually perform the surgery on one eye at a time, with a few weeks in between.

11. What is an intraocular lens (IOL)?

An IOL is a small, clear artificial lens implanted in the eye during cataract surgery to replace the cloudy natural lens. There are many types, including multifocal and toric lenses.

12. Are there any risks with cataract surgery?

While modern phacoemulsification is very safe, there are minor risks, including infection, inflammation, or retinal detachment. These are rare and manageable.

13. Will I still need glasses after surgery?

It depends on the type of IOL used. Single-focus IOLs may still require glasses for reading or distance. Advanced IOLs can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.

14. Is it possible to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery?

Yes, surgeons can use a toric IOL to correct for astigmatism at the same time as cataract removal.

15. How much does cataract surgery cost in 2026?

The cost varies widely based on location, the surgeon’s fee, and the type of IOL chosen. You can find out more by exploring our global medical tourism guide.

16. What is Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)?

FLACS is a more advanced form of cataract surgery that uses a laser to perform some of the key steps, adding a layer of precision.

17. How do I prepare for cataract surgery?

Your doctor will provide specific instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications and not eating or drinking before the procedure. You can check our General Standard Checkup to get ready for your trip.

18. What is the role of an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care. They are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medication, and perform eye surgery.

19. Can I get a checkup package for my trip?

Yes, many of our affiliated hospitals offer specialized checkup packages to ensure you are fully prepared for your procedure. Visit our eye checkup section for details.

20. What is a ‘mature’ or ‘hyper-mature’ cataract?

A mature cataract is one that has become completely opaque, while a hyper-mature one is left untreated for so long that it starts to shrink or break apart. Modern surgery can handle these but it’s best to treat them early.

21. Can cataract surgery be done with local or general anesthesia?

Most modern cataract surgeries are performed with topical or local anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain awake but relaxed. General anesthesia is rarely used.

22. What happens if I don’t get my cataract removed?

If you choose not to get a cataract removed, the lens will continue to cloud and harden over time. Because the change is usually very slow, many people don’t realize how much they’ve lost until they reach a “tipping point.”

Here is the progression of what happens if cataracts are left untreated:

1. Progressive Loss of Independence

As the cataract matures, simple tasks become significantly harder.

• Driving: Night driving becomes the first casualty due to glare and halos. Eventually, you may no longer meet the legal vision requirements for a license.

• Safety: Loss of depth perception and contrast makes you much more likely to trip or fall, especially on stairs or uneven curbs.

• Daily Joy: Reading, sewing, or watching TV can become frustrating as colors fade and text remains blurry despite new glasses.

2. The “Hyper-Mature” Stage

If left for years, a cataract becomes hyper-mature. This means the lens is not just cloudy, but has become extremely dense, hard, and sometimes even shrunken or “leaky.”

• Increased Inflammation: Proteins can leak from the hardened lens, causing internal eye inflammation (uveitis).

• Secondary Glaucoma: A very advanced cataract can physically grow in size, blocking the eye’s natural fluid drainage. This causes a spike in eye pressure (glaucoma) that can permanently damage the optic nerve.

3. More Complicated Surgery

The most common misconception is that you should wait until a cataract is “ripe” (mature) before removing it. In 2026, the opposite is true.

• Harder to Remove: A hyper-mature cataract requires more ultrasound energy to break up. This increases the risk of damage to the delicate surrounding structures of the eye.

• Longer Recovery: While a standard cataract surgery recovery takes a few days, surgery on a hyper-mature cataract can involve a 2–3 week “visual rehabilitation” period and a higher risk of complications.

4. Reversibility

The good news is that cataract-related blindness is usually reversible. Unlike glaucoma or macular degeneration, which cause permanent nerve damage, a cataract is just a “cloudy lens.” Even if you have reached the point of legal blindness, removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial one can often restore your vision to near-perfect clarity.

When is it officially “time”?

Most eye surgeons recommend surgery when the cataract begins to interfere with your quality of life. If you can still do everything you need to do, there is no immediate danger in waiting. However, if you’re avoiding activities you love because you “just can’t see well enough,” it’s time to act.

23. Can I travel after cataract surgery?

You can usually travel within a few days, but it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative care instructions. It’s often recommended to stay close to the clinic for the initial follow-up appointment.

24. What are the best countries for cataract surgery in 2026?

25. How do I know if I have a cataract?

It’s a bit like looking through a window that’s slowly getting fogged up or smeared with grease. Since cataracts usually develop over years, you might not notice the changes right away.

Here are the most common signs that your eye’s natural lens is starting to cloud over:

Common Symptoms

• Cloudy or Blurry Vision: This is the hallmark sign. No matter how much you clean your glasses, things just look “fuzzy.”

• Difficulty at Night: You might find it much harder to drive after dark because of increased glare or a “haloing” effect around streetlights and oncoming headlights.

• Sensitivity to Light: Bright sunlight or indoor lamps might suddenly feel overwhelming or cause squinting.

• “Second Sight”: Paradoxically, some people find their near vision temporarily improves as the lens changes shape, but this is usually short-lived.

• Faded Colors: The world might start to look a bit yellowed or brownish, almost like an old photograph. Blues and purples can become particularly hard to distinguish.

• Frequent Prescription Changes: If you find yourself needing a new pair of glasses every few months, it could be the cataract shifting your vision.

The “Self-Check” Reality

While you can monitor these symptoms, you cannot self-diagnose a cataract. Many of these signs overlap with other serious eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Important Note: Cataracts are not an emergency unless they are accompanied by sudden pain or flashes of light. However, they are a normal part of aging for many and are highly treatable.

What should you do next?

A standard comprehensive eye exam is the only way to know for sure. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will dilate your pupils to look at the lens directly and determine the extent of the clouding.