Last updated: 7 November 2026
In short: A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens. The only treatment that restores clear vision is surgery, in which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. At Vision Plus Eye Centre, cataract surgery is performed as a day-care procedure at the Sector 51 centre, led by Dr. Ritu Aurora, who started phacoemulsification in 1997 and was among the first few surgeons to start phaco in Noida and North India.
Book a cataract consultation: call +91 9717417417 or WhatsApp +91 8800313134.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the crystalline lens, the clear disc behind the pupil that focuses light onto the retina. The lens is made mostly of water and protein. With age, some of that protein clumps, and light scatters instead of passing through cleanly. Vision turns hazy, like looking through a dirty windscreen.
In India the common word is motiyabind (motia). People also say safed motia. Do not confuse it with kala motia, which is glaucoma, a different disease of the optic nerve. If you prefer to read in Hindi, see our page on motiyabind ka operation .
Most cataracts are age-related and appear after 50. Others come from diabetes, long-term steroid use, eye injury, past eye surgery or inflammation, and strong sunlight exposure over many years. Some babies are born with cataract, and that needs urgent paediatric care.
Symptoms: how a cataract feels
Cataract symptoms build slowly, often over years. You may not notice them until a task like night driving or reading a bill becomes hard.
- Blurred or cloudy vision that glasses no longer fix
- Glare from headlights and sunlight, halos around lights
- Colours looking faded or yellowish
- Needing brighter light to read
- Frequent change in glasses power, sometimes a sudden "improvement" in near vision (second sight) in older people
- Double vision in one eye
Cataract does not cause eye pain or redness. If you have pain, redness or sudden loss of vision, that is a different problem and needs a same-day eye examination.
When should cataract be operated?
Operate when the cataract interferes with things you need to do, not when it reaches a certain "ripeness". The old advice to wait for the cataract to become mature is outdated. Modern phaco surgery works well at any stage, and a very hard, overripe cataract is actually harder and riskier to remove. In some cases, delaying surgery until a cataract is very advanced can lead to lens-induced glaucoma (raised eye pressure caused by the cataract) or inflammation.
Surgery is advised sooner when:
- Vision problems affect work, driving, reading or safe walking, or you have had a fall
- The cataract is causing glaucoma or inflammation in the eye
- You have diabetes or a retinal condition, and the retina needs to be seen and treated clearly
- Both eyes differ so much that glasses cannot balance them
Some people believe Cineraria eye drops or homeopathic remedies can prevent cataracts, but there is no reliable scientific evidence that they do. Eye drops, "dissolving" medicines and exercises do not remove a cataract. Stronger glasses can help for a while in early stages. Your surgeon will confirm the timing after a dilated examination.
How cataract surgery is done, step by step
Modern cataract surgery is phacoemulsification (phaco): the cloudy lens is broken into tiny pieces with ultrasound energy and gently suctioned out through a very small cut, usually about 2 to 3 mm. A folded artificial lens (intraocular lens, IOL) is then placed in the same capsular bag that held your natural lens.
A routine eye takes around 10 to 20 minutes on the table. Plan 3 to 4 hours at the centre in all, including checks before and after.
| Stage | What happens | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-op checks | Dilating drops, blood pressure and sugar check, eye marking | 45 to 90 min |
| Anaesthesia | Numbing drops or a small injection around the eye, chosen by your surgeon and anaesthetist | 5 min |
| Incision | A self-sealing micro-incision in the cornea, often without stitches | 2 to 3 min |
| Lens removal | Capsule opened, lens broken by phaco and aspirated | 5 to 10 min |
| IOL placement | Folded lens injected, unfolds and centres in the capsule | 2 to 3 min |
| Finish | Incision sealed, eye shield or patch applied | 2 min |
| Observation | Rest, first drops taught, discharge instructions | 30 to 60 min |
Most patients feel pressure and touch but not sharp pain. Light, colours and the microscope light may be seen. You stay awake and are asked to look at the light.
Best lens for cataract surgery: how to choose an IOL
The right lens depends on your eye, your work and your tolerance for glasses, not on the most expensive option. Every lens below replaces the clouded natural lens permanently. A lens is chosen after measurements (biometry) of your eye and a corneal scan.
| Lens type | What it does | Suits you if | Watch out for | Indicative price per eye* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monofocal (standard) | One sharp focus, usually distance | You are happy to wear glasses for reading, or want the simplest option | Reading glasses needed | Rs 25,000 to 40,000 |
| Premium monofocal (hydrophobic, aspheric) | Single focus with a lens material and shape designed for clearer contrast and lower glare | You want sharper night vision and a lens with strong long-term clarity | Still needs reading glasses | Rs 30,000 to 45,000 |
| EDOF (extended depth of focus) | Smooth range from distance to arm's length (computer, dashboard) | You use a computer or drive a lot and want less dependence on glasses | Fine print may still need glasses; some halos | Rs 50,000 to 1,15,000 |
| Multifocal / trifocal | Distance, intermediate and near focus | You want maximum glasses freedom and have healthy eyes | Halos and glare at night, reduced contrast; needs a healthy retina and cornea | Rs 45,000 to 1,00,000 |
| Toric | Corrects corneal astigmatism, available as monofocal or multifocal | You have significant astigmatism (cylinder power) | Needs accurate alignment; small rotation can need a touch-up | Rs 45,000 to 65,000 |
*Indicative range, final quote after examination. Prices reviewed: November 2026. See the full cataract surgery cost page for what is included.
A few honest points. Multifocal and EDOF lenses are not suitable for everyone: a macular disease, advanced glaucoma, a scarred cornea, or a job that demands very high contrast at night can make them a poor choice. Premium does not mean better for your particular eye. Ask your surgeon to explain why a lens is recommended, and what you will still need glasses for.
Who operates on you?
Cataract surgery at Vision Plus is led by Dr. Ritu Aurora, Director and cataract and refractive surgeon. She completed MBBS and MS Ophthalmology at Maulana Azad Medical College, trained in phacoemulsification at Raghudeep Eye Centre, Ahmedabad, under Dr Abhay Vasavada, and began phaco in 1997. She has more than 30 years of practice in Noida and Delhi and has performed more than 50,000 phaco surgeries. She has also trained many eye doctors in phacoemulsification and conducted workshops and seminars. Her areas of interest include complicated and paediatric cataract and glaucoma surgery (conventional and MIGS).
Why this matters for you: complicated cases such as small pupils, weak zonules, dense cataracts after injury or in diabetes are where surgeon experience shows. If your eye is complicated, your plan will say so before the day.
Dr. Ritu Aurora's registration number: Delhi Medical Council, Reg. No. 22334 (2004). Read more on the doctor's page .
Safety and possible complications
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful operations in medicine, but it is still surgery and it carries risk. Serious problems are uncommon. The figures below are rough, vary by surgeon and eye, and are given so you can make an informed decision, not as a promise.
| Problem | What it is | How often (rough) | What happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posterior capsule tear | Small tear in the bag holding the lens | About 1 to 2 in 100 in published series; lower in experienced hands and easy eyes | Lens may be placed in a different position; vision usually still good |
| Posterior capsule opacification (PCO, "after-cataract") | Haze on the back of the bag months to years later | A good number of patients over several years | Simple YAG laser, a few minutes, no cut |
| Cystoid macular oedema | Fluid swelling at the macula | A few in 100, more in diabetes | Usually settles with drops, sometimes an injection |
| Raised eye pressure | Short rise after surgery | Occasional | Treated with drops |
| Endophthalmitis | Serious infection inside the eye | Roughly 1 in a few thousand | Urgent treatment; sight can be lost if late |
| Retinal detachment | Retina peels off | Uncommon; higher in high myopia | Needs surgery |
| Dropped lens, dislocated IOL, glare, need for glasses | Various | Uncommon | May need a second procedure |
You can lower risk by controlling diabetes and blood pressure, using drops exactly as prescribed, and not rubbing the eye. Tell the clinic about blood thinners, tamsulosin or similar prostate medicines (they can make the pupil floppy), and any past eye surgery.
Day-of-surgery checklist
- Eat a light breakfast unless told otherwise. Take regular BP, thyroid and heart medicines. Ask about diabetes medicines and blood thinners in advance.
- Bring all your previous eye reports, current glasses, a list of medicines, your Aadhaar or ID, and insurance or CGHS papers.
- Take a head bath and wash your face before coming, if possible. Wear a comfortable, front-button shirt; avoid face cream, makeup or oil on the face.
- Bring one adult attendant. You should not travel alone after surgery.
- Do not drive yourself home. Plan your ride to Sector 51 or Gaur City-1 in advance.
- You will get an eye shield and a drops chart before you leave. Ask any questions before you go.
Cataract surgery recovery: day by day
Most people see better within a day or two, and the eye keeps settling for 4 to 6 weeks. The table gives a typical course. Your surgeon may change it.
| When | What to expect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Eye may feel scratchy or watery; vision blurry | Rest, wear shield, start drops as told |
| Day 1 | Check-up, vision often clearly better | Attend follow-up, begin drop schedule |
| Days 2 to 7 | Mild irritation, glare, red patches possible | Wear shield at night, no rubbing, no water in the eye, avoid dust |
| Week 2 | Comfort improves, vision stabilises | Light work and TV are fine; avoid heavy lifting |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Final glasses power is measured | Get reading or distance glasses if needed |
| 3 months | Final check; PCO review if vision dips | Routine annual check-up |
Drops are usually continued for 3 to 4 weeks, tapering. Swimming and dusty exposure should be avoided for roughly 2 to 4 weeks, and head-bath should be done with care so that water and soap stay away from the eye. Most people drive again after the doctor gives clearance, often within the first week or two.
Call us the same day if you have severe pain, sudden drop in vision, increasing redness, a lot of discharge, or new flashes or a curtain over vision.
Second eye surgery: when and why
The second eye is usually operated 1 to 4 weeks after the first, once the first eye is comfortable and healing well. Some people with very different power between eyes choose a shorter gap, while those with diabetes or other risk may need a longer wait. Operating both eyes on the same day is not routine for most patients; your surgeon will decide.
Special situations
Diabetes
Diabetic patients can have excellent outcomes, but need tight sugar control and a careful retina check before surgery. Swelling at the macula is more likely afterwards, so follow-up is closer, and sometimes an anti-VEGF injection or steroid is used. Retina specialists on our team, including Dr. Ajay Aurora, can look after both the lens and the retina. See our diabetic eye care page.
Glaucoma
Cataract surgery can lower eye pressure a little in many patients. If glaucoma is present, the plan may be cataract surgery alone, or combined with a pressure-lowering procedure (including MIGS). Multifocal lenses are generally avoided in advanced glaucoma. See glaucoma care .
High myopia
Very short-sighted eyes (usually above about 6 dioptres) have a longer axial length. They carry a higher lifetime risk of retinal detachment, so a dilated retina check, sometimes preventive laser, is planned first. Lens power calculation is also trickier, and the target may be chosen to be slightly short-sighted.
Previous LASIK
If you have had LASIK or PRK, the cornea is reshaped and standard formulas can mislead. Bring your old LASIK records so the lens power can be calculated with special formulas.
Cost, CGHS and insurance
Cataract surgery in Noida generally falls between Rs 25,000 and Rs 1,15,000 per eye, depending mainly on the lens. The surgeon's skill, the operation theatre, medicines and follow-up are part of the package, but the lens is the main price lever. Final quote is given only after examination.
Health insurance policies normally cover cataract surgery after the waiting period, usually up to a stated limit for a standard lens, and you pay the difference if you choose a premium lens. CGHS beneficiaries are reimbursed at CGHS package rates. Vision Plus offers CGHS and cashless insurance support; confirm panel at the desk Read the detailed cost page before you compare quotes.
Visit us in Noida
Sector 51 (main centre): Kisan Tower, FF, SF & TF, Capt Shashikant Sharma Marg, Hoshiarpur, Sector 51, Noida 201301. Near Sector 51 metro. Mon to Sat 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Sun 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Gaur City-1 (Noida Extension): Shop No. 213, Aarza Square-2, Plot No. CS-2, Gaur City-1, Sector 4, Greater Noida West 201309. Mon to Sat 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sun closed.
Patients come from Sectors 50, 52, 62, 18, 15, 12 and 76, Indirapuram, Crossings Republik, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and East Delhi.
When to see a doctor urgently
Do not wait for a routine slot if you have:
- Sudden loss or blurring of vision
- Eye pain with redness, headache and nausea (possible acute glaucoma)
- Flashes, new floaters or a curtain across vision
- A white pupil in a child
- Pain, redness or reduced vision after recent eye surgery
Frequently asked questions
What is a cataract and is it the same as motiyabind?
Yes. Cataract is the English term for motiyabind (safed motia), a clouding of the eye's natural lens that slowly blurs vision. It is not a growth or film on the surface. It is different from kala motia, which is glaucoma. Cataract can only be corrected by surgery, not drops.
When should I get cataract surgery?
Get it done when blurred vision, glare or poor night sight starts to interfere with work, reading, driving or safety. There is no need to wait for the cataract to be "ripe". Delay can make the lens harder and surgery slightly more complex. Your surgeon will check your eye and advise the right time.
What is the best lens for cataract surgery?
There is no single best lens. A monofocal lens suits most people and is the simplest. EDOF and multifocal lenses reduce dependence on glasses but can cause night halos. Toric lenses correct astigmatism. The right choice depends on your eye health, work and expectations, and is made after measurements.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes, it is one of the most commonly performed operations and has high success rates. Serious complications such as a capsule tear or infection are uncommon but possible. Risk is higher in diabetes, high myopia, dense cataract and glaucoma, which is why a full check-up comes first.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Most patients feel pressure and touch, not sharp pain, because the eye is numbed with drops or a small injection. You stay awake and may see bright light and colours. A scratchy feeling or mild ache for a day is common. Tell the team immediately if you feel discomfort during surgery.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The operation itself takes about 10 to 20 minutes per eye in a routine case. Expect to spend 3 to 4 hours at the centre including checks and observation. Complicated cataracts may take longer. You normally go home the same day.
How long is recovery and when can I drive?
Vision often improves within one or two days, and the eye settles over 4 to 6 weeks. Light routine work is fine in about a week. Driving is allowed once your doctor confirms good vision, commonly in the first one to two weeks. New glasses are prescribed at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can both eyes be operated together, and what is the gap?
Usually one eye at a time, with a gap of about 1 to 4 weeks so the first eye can heal and you can judge the result. Some patients need a longer gap, for example with diabetes. Same-day surgery on both eyes is not routine, and your surgeon will advise.
What is the cataract operation cost in Noida and is it covered by insurance?
Cataract surgery in Noida generally costs about Rs 25,000 to 1,15,000 per eye depending on the lens. Insurance usually covers a standard lens up to policy limits and you pay any upgrade. CGHS beneficiaries are reimbursed at package rates. Prices reviewed: November 2026; final quote after examination.
Where can I find a cataract specialist near Sector 51 or Noida Extension?
Vision Plus Eye Centre has two Noida centres: Kisan Tower in Sector 51, and Aarza Square-2 in Gaur City-1, Greater Noida West. Call +91 9717417417 for a surgery consultation or WhatsApp +91 8800313134 to book. Bring your glasses, old reports and medicine list.
Book your cataract consultation
A consultation includes a dilated eye examination, measurements for lens power and a written explanation of your options and cost range.
- Surgery consultation: +91 9717417417
- Appointment desk and WhatsApp: +91 8800313134
- Email: wecare@visionplus.net.in
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ritu Aurora, November 2026