SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: Cataract continues to be a major cause of avoidable blindness in India, particularly among the elderly population. On the occasion of the ongoing Cataract Awareness Month (June) Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals highlighted the dire need for increased public awareness about timely diagnosis of cataract to overcome this major cause of preventable blindness.
Cataract is a condition in which the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, difficulty in reading, driving, or recognizing faces, and if untreated, complete loss of vision. While it is most commonly associated with aging, it can also occur due to diabetes, trauma, long-term use of steroids, or excessive UV exposure. Unfortunately, many patients in India delay cataract treatment due to misconceptions or lack of awareness.
Busting myths surrounding cataract, Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director, Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals said “Cataracts continue to be the leading cause of blindness in India, responsible for over 66% of cases, yet many people delay surgery due to persistent myths and fears. It’s crucial to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions. A common misconception is that cataracts only affect the elderly. While aging is a major factor, cataracts can also result from diabetes, steroid use, UV exposure, trauma, and can even occur in children. Another widespread myth is that eye drops, diet, or exercises can cure cataracts—scientific evidence confirms that surgery is the only effective treatment.”
Waiting until vision is severely impaired before opting for surgery is also misguided; early intervention leads to better outcomes and quicker recovery. Contrary to fears, cataract surgery is among the safest procedures, performed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort and rapid healing. Finally, modern cataract surgery doesn’t necessarily mean lifelong dependence on glasses.
Advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), including extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses, offer excellent vision across distances and reduce reliance on spectacles. Dispelling these outdated beliefs is key to encouraging timely treatment. With today’s technology, cataract surgery offers a safe, effective path to restoring clear, vibrant vision—so seek professional advice at the first sign of trouble.
Dr Mahipal further added “Cataract is not just treatable, but curable with the right intervention at the right time. Raising awareness and offering advanced treatment options is the way forward. We aim to help people see clearly again—safely, effectively, and affordably. We are committed to not just treating patients but educating the public. Through our campaigns, we encourage regular eye check-ups and timely consultation, which are key to preventing blindness caused by cataracts.”
Centre For Sight has introduced cutting-edge procedures like Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)—a bladeless, computer-guided surgery offering unparalleled precision. It minimizes manual intervention, reduces healing time, and delivers superior outcomes for patients. These procedures are complemented by the latest premium intraocular lenses (IOLs)—including multifocal, toric, and extended depth-of-focus lenses—which help patients regain both distance and near vision, often without the need for glasses.
Centre For Sight also leverages modern diagnostic tools such as optical biometry and image-guided systems to customize treatment plans based on individual eye profiles, ensuring high-quality care and patient satisfaction.
