Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in India, yet many patients delay it simply because they do not fully understand what a cataract is, when surgery becomes necessary, or what the procedure actually involves. This page sets out the condition and the surgery in clear, factual terms.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens, caused by a gradual build-up of protein within the lens that makes it progressively less transparent. As light can no longer pass through the lens clearly, vision becomes blurred, dim, or hazy. Cataracts are one of the most common causes of preventable vision loss globally, and unlike many eye conditions, a cataract does not resolve with medication or eye drops — surgery is the only treatment.
Advancing age is the most common cause. Other contributing factors include diabetes, prolonged sun exposure, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, long-term steroid use, and previous eye injury or surgery.
Blurred or cloudy vision, increasing difficulty with night driving due to glare from headlights, frequent changes in spectacle prescription, colours appearing faded or yellowed, and, in advanced cases, a visibly whitish or cloudy pupil.
Cataract surgery is generally recommended once the cataract begins to meaningfully interfere with daily activities — reading, driving, recognising faces, or working — rather than at a fixed stage defined by age alone. An eye examination, including a slit-lamp assessment, is used to determine the extent of lens clouding and whether it corresponds with the patient's reported symptoms.
Modern cataract surgery uses a technique called phacoemulsification, performed through Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS). At Bajaj Eye Care Centre, this is performed on the Bausch & Lomb Stellaris Micro Surgical System, an FDA-approved platform, through an incision of approximately 1.8 to 2 mm.
A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. A high-frequency ultrasonic phaco tip is introduced through this incision and used to break the clouded lens into small fragments. These fragments are removed through the same tip while a separate side port maintains fluid balance inside the eye. A folded artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted through the same small incision and unfolds into position inside the eye. The incision is typically self-sealing and does not require stitches.
The procedure is usually performed under local or topical anaesthesia, takes a relatively short time per eye, and most patients are discharged the same day.
The IOL replaces the natural lens permanently, so the choice of lens affects how much a patient depends on glasses afterward:
Clear vision at one distance, usually far; reading glasses are typically still needed.
Corrects pre-existing corneal astigmatism at the same time as the cataract.
Aims to provide functional vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
Provides an extended range of clear vision with generally fewer visual side-effects like halos than traditional multifocal lenses.
Provides distinct focal points at near, intermediate, and far distances for patients seeking minimal glasses dependence.
Lens power is calculated using the Argos optical biometer (Alcon), a precision optical coherence-based measurement system, before surgery is scheduled.
Most patients notice improved vision within a day or two, though full stabilisation can take a few weeks. Prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops are used for a defined period after surgery, and patients are advised to avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, and heavy lifting during the initial healing window. Follow-up visits allow the surgeon to confirm the eye is healing correctly and the IOL is well positioned.
Dr. Rajiv Bajaj has personally performed over 50,000 cataract surgeries across 30 years at the same Pitampura address. The centre is NABH accredited and empanelled with CGHS, DGEHS, NDMC, MCD, DJB, Delhi University, and the GIPSA group of insurers, allowing cashless treatment for eligible patients.
Full cataract procedure page: Cataract Surgery at Bajaj Eye Care Centre
Empanelment details: Empanelment
All answers below are specific and fact-based. No generalised statements, no hypothetical outcomes.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens, caused by a build-up of protein that reduces its transparency and blurs vision.
Advancing age is the most common cause, along with diabetes, prolonged sun exposure, smoking, heavy alcohol use, long-term steroid use, and previous eye injury.
Blurred or cloudy vision, glare during night driving, frequent changes in spectacle prescription, faded or yellowed colour perception, and a visibly cloudy pupil in advanced cases.
No. Surgery is the only treatment for a cataract; no medication or eye drop reverses the clouding of the lens.
Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS) using phacoemulsification on the Bausch & Lomb Stellaris Micro Surgical System, through a 1.8–2 mm incision.
Typically no. The micro-incision used in MICS is usually self-sealing.
Monofocal, Toric, Multifocal, EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus), and Trifocal lenses, chosen based on the patient's individual needs and astigmatism.
Using the Argos optical biometer (Alcon), a precision optical coherence-based measurement system, before surgery.
Most patients notice improved vision within a day or two, with full stabilisation over the following weeks; most are discharged the same day as surgery.
Call +91-9811219959 or 011-47024919, WhatsApp +91-9811219959, or visit Bajaj Eye Care Centre at 101, Vikas Surya Plaza, Plot No-7, DDA Community Centre, Road No-44, Pitampura, New Delhi 110034, Monday to Saturday.
Bajaj Eye Care Centre in Pitampura performs Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery on the Bausch & Lomb Stellaris platform, with the full range of IOL options and cashless treatment for CGHS, DGEHS, and other empanelled patients, personally performed by Dr. Rajiv Bajaj across more than 50,000 procedures.
CATARACT SURGERY IN DELHI
Bajaj Eye Care Centre — Pitampura, New Delhi — Est. 1996 — NABH Accredited
SMILE (Zeiss VisuMax) | Blade-Free LASIK (Zeiss VisuMax + MEL 80) | Cataract MICS (Stellaris)
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CGHS | DGEHS | NDMC | MCD | DJB | GIPSA | 4.6 ★ Google (153 Reviews)
153 Google reviews101, Vikas Surya Plaza, Plot No -7, DDA Community Centre, Road No-44, Pitampura Delhi (Near M2K Picture Hall Pitampura, Rani Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110034
