What Treatment Options Are Available for Cataract at Age 71?

Dear A S Durga Prasad ji

At 71, cataract surgery is commonly performed when the cloudy lens is affecting vision and daily activities. The operation removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). 

How cataract surgery is done

Usually, the eye is numbed with local anaesthetic drops or medicine around the eye, so you generally do not feel significant pain. The surgeon makes a small opening, removes the cloudy lens, and places the artificial lens inside the eye. Most patients can go home the same day after a short observation period.

The exact type of lens should be discussed with your eye specialist. Your choice may depend on your eye measurements, lifestyle, other eye conditions and whether you want to reduce your dependence on glasses.

What tests are needed before surgery?

The ophthalmologist will examine the eye and measure it to select the correct lens power. Depending on your condition, the doctor may also check :

• Eye pressure

• Retina and optic nerve

• Cornea

• Vision

• Blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes

• Blood pressure and other general health conditions

• Other tests required before anaesthesia or surgery

At 71, your age alone does not prevent cataract surgery. However, conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease or macular degeneration can affect the final vision, so these should be checked before the operation. 

What should you do before surgery?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including medicines for blood pressure, diabetes and blood thinners. Do not stop any regular medicine on your own.

Follow the hospital's instructions about food, medicines and eye drops before surgery. Arrange for someone to accompany you and take you home after the procedure.

What happens after surgery?

Some blurring, mild irritation, watering or redness can occur during the initial recovery. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops and tell you how to use them. Do not rub or press the operated eye, and protect it as advised.

For the first few days, take care while bending and doing household activities. Avoid swimming for around two weeks and strenuous activities until your eye doctor says they are safe. Driving should be restarted only after your ophthalmologist confirms that your vision is adequate. 

Vision often improves quickly, but it can take a few weeks for vision to stabilise completely. A new glasses prescription may be given after the eye has settled. 

What are the possible risks?

Cataract surgery is generally a safe procedure, but like any operation it can have complications. These can include infection, inflammation, increased eye pressure, swelling, bleeding, retinal problems or other complications. The risk can be higher when there are other eye diseases or previous eye surgery.

Contact your eye doctor urgently if you develop severe eye pain, sudden or worsening loss of vision, significant discharge, flashing lights or a dark curtain/shadow over your vision.

What is the approximate cost?

The cost varies according to the city, hospital, type of IOL, technology used and other medical requirements.

Based on the cost information in the source you shared, the approximate cataract surgery cost in India is :

Hospital type	Approximate cost
Small clinic	₹25,000–₹75,000
Multi-speciality hospital	₹75,000–₹95,000
Super-speciality hospital	₹95,000–₹1,10,000

The overall listed India range is approximately ₹20,000 to ₹1,30,000, so your actual cost can be different depending on the hospital and lens selected.

Before booking the operation, ask the hospital whether the quoted amount includes the surgeon's fee, IOL, operation charges, medicines, investigations, follow-up visits and any additional treatment that may be required.

Please share your city and state. We can help you connect with a suitable eye hospital and ophthalmologist for cataract evaluation and treatment.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth