A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens. It appears mostly with age, and is accelerated by diabetes, smoking and some medications. No drop or medicine restores the lens's clarity; the only treatment is replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The operation uses phacoemulsification through a tiny incision that needs no stitches, under anaesthetic drops only, and most patients see clearly within days. Because the implanted lens lasts a lifetime, choosing its type is an important decision made with you according to your eye and your daily needs.
Signs & who it is for
- Gradual blurring, as if looking through frosted glass
- Difficulty driving at night and glare from lights
- Needing brighter light to read
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
- Faded colours or double vision in one eye
When is it recommended?
When the cataract starts affecting your vision and daily life — not when it 'ripens' or hardens. Waiting for it to mature is an outdated and inaccurate idea; removing it early makes the operation easier, recovery faster and the result better. After 50, cataract surgery with a suitable implanted lens is also the best way to correct vision.
Options & techniques
- Phacoemulsification with the latest equipment through a tiny incision: no stitches, no injection, minutes long
- Monofocal lens: clear distance vision with reading glasses
- Multifocal / extended-depth lens: distance and near together, for less dependence on glasses
- Toric lens to correct astigmatism
- The lens is chosen from your eye's measurements and your lifestyle — not from someone else's experience
Frequently asked questions
Can a cataract come back after surgery?
No. The clouded lens is removed for good. Some people later develop slight clouding of the membrane behind the implant, which is cleared with a quick laser session in clinic.
Are there foods to avoid after cataract surgery?
There are no dietary restrictions. Claims about avoiding watermelon, mango or other foods are myths. The real instructions concern your drops, not rubbing the eye and keeping water out of it in the first days.
Can the operation be done without replacing the lens?
No. The whole point of the operation is replacing the clouded lens with a new clear one, so a lens must be implanted to restore vision.
Book your appointment in Riyadh
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Specialist Hospital – Riyadh · By appointment — call or WhatsApp for the next available slot