DR. MD Maksude Mowla › Services › Cataract & Phaco Surgery
We provide comprehensive cataract evaluation and advanced phacoemulsification (Phaco) surgery with premium intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Our goal is to restore clear vision through safe, precise, and minimally invasive surgical techniques with rapid visual recovery.
Our specialists are available 6 days a week for in-person and virtual consultations.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens — the transparent disc that sits just behind the pupil. A healthy lens focuses light precisely onto the retina. When proteins in the lens begin to clump together, the lens loses its clarity and vision gradually becomes hazy, dull, or blurred.
Phacoemulsification — known as “Phaco” — is the modern gold-standard technique for cataract removal. Using a tiny 2–3 mm incision, the surgeon applies ultrasonic energy to break the cloudy lens into microscopic fragments, which are gently aspirated away. A foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is then placed inside the eye, restoring clear vision. No stitches are required and recovery is rapid.
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of treatable vision loss worldwide. They develop slowly and many people are unaware of how much their vision has declined until after surgery. If daily tasks like reading, driving, or recognising faces are becoming difficult, it may be time for an assessment.
Cataracts are classified based on where they develop in the lens and their underlying cause:
Nuclear Cataract
Forms in the centre (nucleus) of the lens. Progresses slowly and often causes temporary improvement in near vision (“second sight”) before vision worsens. The lens gradually turns yellow or brown.
Cortical Cataract
Develops in the outer layer of the lens in spoke-like patterns extending toward the centre. Causes glare and difficulty with contrast, particularly in bright light.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC)
Located at the back surface of the lens. Tends to progress faster than other types and causes significant glare and difficulty reading. More common in patients on long-term steroids, diabetics, and younger individuals.
Congenital Cataract
Present at birth or developing in early childhood. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye) and support normal visual development.
Age-Related (Senile) Cataract
The most common form — a natural consequence of ageing. Most people over 60 will develop some degree of lens clouding over time.
Cataracts usually develop slowly over months or years. Common signs include:
• Blurred, hazy, or foggy vision — like looking through frosted glass
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in dim light
• Sensitivity to bright light, lamps, or car headlights
• Seeing halos or starbursts around light sources
• Colours appearing faded, washed out, or yellowish
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent changes in spectacle or contact lens prescription
• Difficulty reading small print even with glasses
Many people adapt gradually to the vision change and do not realise how much they have lost until after surgery restores clarity. If any of these symptoms are affecting daily life, please arrange an examination.
A thorough assessment is required before cataract surgery. This includes:
Visual Acuity Test
Measures how clearly you can read letters at a standard distance, both with and without glasses.
Slit-Lamp Examination
A specialised microscope allows detailed inspection of the lens, cornea, and iris — confirming the type, location, and density of the cataract.
Dilated Eye Examination
Eye drops widen the pupil so the lens and retina can be examined thoroughly.
Retinal Assessment
Confirms the retina is healthy before surgery. Conditions such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy may affect the expected visual outcome and need to be discussed in advance.
Biometry (IOL Power Calculation)
Precise measurements of the eye’s length and curvature are taken to calculate the exact power of the intraocular lens (IOL). Accurate biometry is the key to achieving the best possible vision after surgery.
Glasses can compensate for early cataract symptoms but cannot reverse the clouding. Surgery is the only effective treatment.
Phacoemulsification (Phaco Surgery)
A 2–3 mm incision is made at the edge of the cornea. Ultrasonic energy breaks the cloudy lens into tiny fragments, which are removed by gentle suction. A foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted through the same small opening and unfolds inside the eye. No stitches are needed. Each eye takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options
Monofocal IOL — provides clear vision at one distance (usually far). Reading glasses are still needed.
Multifocal IOL — reduces spectacle dependence by providing good vision at multiple distances.
Toric IOL — corrects astigmatism alongside the cataract for sharper unaided vision.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL — provides a continuous, natural range of vision with reduced halos compared to multifocal lenses.
Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate IOL based on your lifestyle, occupation, and expectations.
Most patients notice a clear improvement in vision within 24–48 hours after surgery.
Post-operative eye drop schedule:
• Antibiotic drops — 4 times daily for 2–4 weeks
• Anti-inflammatory drops — tapering course over 4–6 weeks
• Lubricating drops — as needed for comfort
Activity guidance:
• Avoid rubbing or pressing on the operated eye
• No swimming, eye makeup, or dusty environments for 4 weeks
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 2 weeks
• Wear sunglasses outdoors
Follow-up appointments:
• Day 1 — post-operative check
• 1 week — wound and pressure check
• 1 month — visual assessment
• 3 months — final refraction; new spectacle prescription if needed
Contact us immediately if you experience a sudden reduction in vision, severe pain, or significant increase in redness — these may indicate a complication requiring urgent attention.
Common questions about cataract surgery and phacoemulsification
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye that causes blurry or dim vision. Surgery is recommended when the cataract significantly affects daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognising faces, and cannot be corrected with glasses alone.
Phacoemulsification is a modern, minimally invasive technique where the cloudy lens is fragmented using ultrasound energy and removed through a small incision of less than 3 mm. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is then implanted to restore clear vision.
Options include monofocal lenses (distance vision), multifocal lenses (near and distance vision), toric lenses (for astigmatism), and extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, ocular health, and personal preferences, which your surgeon will discuss in detail.
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes under local anaesthesia. Most patients notice significant visual improvement within 24–48 hours. Full recovery and final visual stability usually occur within 4–6 weeks, during which heavy lifting, eye rubbing, and swimming should be avoided.
Cataract surgery with phacoemulsification is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Serious complications are rare. Mild temporary symptoms such as glare or fluctuating vision during the healing phase are common and usually resolve quickly with appropriate post-operative care.
