Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery under the care of Dr. Nishant Taneja at the Indian Eye Institute and Laser Center in Tirana. During the procedure, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, with the aim of improving visual clarity.

Updated (25 August 2026)

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The lens is normally transparent and helps focus light onto the retina.

The loss of transparency prevents a clear image from forming, causing blurred vision, glare, faded colors, and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.

Surgery is the only treatment that removes a cataract. During the procedure, the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, which remains permanently in the eye.

Dr. Nishant Taneja has extensive experience in both routine and complex cataract surgery. His training and surgical experience enable him to select the most suitable lens and refractive outcome for each patient. He also trains the next generation of ophthalmologists in these procedures.

CATARACT SURGERY AT A GLANCE

Duration:

15–20 MINUTES

Recovery:

GRADUAL

Anesthesia:

LOCAL

Clinical experience:

+50,000 SURGICAL PROCEDURES

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts usually develop gradually. Surgery may be considered when changes in vision begin to affect daily activities.

Blurred Vision Due to Cataracts

Objects may appear blurred, hazy, or less distinct than before.

Glare

Bright lights, sunlight, and car headlights may cause discomfort or temporary blindness.

Difficulty at Night

Seeing in low-light conditions and driving at night may become more difficult.

Faded Colors

Colors may appear less vivid, faded, or yellowish.

Frequent Changes in Prescription

Your eyeglass prescription may change frequently without providing the desired improvement in vision.

Double Vision in One Eye

A cataract may cause overlapping images or double vision in the affected eye.

Treatment and Lens Selection

Surgery is recommended when a cataract affects reading, driving, work, and other daily activities. The timing of surgery and the intraocular lens are selected individually.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

In the early stages, new glasses or better lighting may help temporarily. As the cataract progresses, these measures may no longer provide adequate vision.

Surgery may be recommended when blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing at night limits the patient’s independence and activities.

The decision is not based solely on the severity of the cataract. Dr. Taneja considers the patient’s vision, overall eye health, occupation, lifestyle, and individual needs.

Cataract Removal and Lens Implantation

During the procedure, several small incisions are made in the eye. The cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound energy and then removed in a controlled manner.

An artificial acrylic intraocular lens is placed in the lens capsule. The lens remains permanently in the eye and requires no daily cleaning or maintenance.

Most patients experience improved vision after cataract surgery. The final outcome may be affected by the condition of the cornea, retina, optic nerve, and other structures of the eye.

Intraocular Lens Selection

Before surgery, detailed measurements are taken to calculate the power of the intraocular lens. The selection depends on the prescription, astigmatism, condition of the eye, and the desired refractive outcome.

Depending on suitability, monofocal, toric, multifocal, or extended-depth-of-focus lenses may be considered. Each lens has different benefits and limitations.

Dr. Nishant Taneja discusses the patient’s needs for reading, computer work, driving, and other activities before recommending a lens. The potential need for glasses after surgery is explained during the consultation.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery

The surgery aims to remove the cloudy natural lens, improve visual quality, and help the patient return to daily activities more easily.

Clearer Vision

Cataract removal can improve visual clarity and make objects easier to distinguish.

Reduced Glare

Many patients experience less discomfort from bright lights and headlights.

Improved Color and Contrast

Colors may appear more vivid and objects more distinct after the cloudy natural lens is removed.

Permanent Intraocular Lens

The artificial lens is permanently implanted in the eye and requires no daily care.

Outpatient Procedure

The patient leaves the clinic after the procedure and postoperative examination have been completed.

Personalized Cataract Surgery Solutions

Phacoemulsification and Lens Implantation

Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy natural lens through small incisions.

The procedure involves:
  • Creating small incisions in the eye
  • Breaking up the cataract with ultrasound
  • Removing the cloudy natural lens
  • Implanting the acrylic intraocular lens

Personalized Lens Selection

The lens power and type are determined following detailed measurements and a discussion of the patient’s visual needs.

The following are assessed during planning:
  • Refractive error and eye length
  • Astigmatism and corneal shape
  • Condition of the retina and optic nerve
  • Near and distance vision needs

Complex Cataract Surgery

Dr. Nishant Taneja has experience managing both routine and complex cataract cases. The surgical plan is tailored to the structures of the eye and any associated conditions.

The following are assessed during planning:
  • Advanced or dense cataracts
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Associated retinal conditions
  • Need for customized surgical techniques

What to Expect

The process begins with a comprehensive eye examination and the measurements required to select the intraocular lens. Before surgery, the procedure, intended outcome, limitations, and recovery are explained.

01. Comprehensive Eye Examination

During the examination, visual acuity is assessed, intraocular pressure is measured, and the cataract is evaluated using a slit-lamp microscope. The pupils are then dilated to examine the retina, macula, and optic nerve.

Biometric measurements are taken to calculate the power of the intraocular lens. Depending on the case, corneal shape, astigmatism, and endothelial cell count may also be assessed.

Dr. Taneja discusses the intended visual outcome and explains whether the patient may still need glasses after surgery.

02. Procedure

Cataract surgery is performed as a day procedure and usually takes around 15–20 minutes. Eye drops are administered to dilate the pupil, and local anesthesia is used to numb the eye.

During surgery, small incisions are made, and the cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound energy. The fragments are removed, and an artificial acrylic intraocular lens is placed in the lens capsule.

The incisions are usually self-sealing and do not require stitches. After a postoperative check, the patient leaves the clinic the same day.

The patient should not drive themselves home. They are advised to have a family member or friend accompany them.

03. Recovery and Follow-Up

The first follow-up appointment usually takes place one day after surgery. The prescribed eye drops should be used according to the schedule provided by the clinic.

Vision usually begins to improve gradually. During the first few days, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, tearing, or mild discomfort may occur.

The patient should avoid rubbing the eye, strenuous physical activity, and heavy lifting for the recommended period. Driving should only be resumed with the doctor’s approval.

Severe pain, worsening redness, discharge, or a sudden decrease in vision requires immediate contact with the clinic.

Indian Eye Clinic Tirana: 15+ Years of Trust

50,000+
Successful Procedures
20+
Years of Experience & Expertise
Specialties

Retina | Cataract | Refractive Surgery

Dr. Nishant Taneja

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should Cataract Surgery be performed?

Surgery may be considered when the cataract affects reading, driving, work, or other daily activities. The timing of surgery is determined following an examination by Dr. Nishant Taneja.

Is Cataract Surgery painful?

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient usually does not feel any pain. During the procedure, they may perceive light, movement, or slight pressure.

Will my vision improve after surgery?

Most patients experience improved vision after cataract removal. The outcome also depends on the condition of the cornea, retina, macula, and optic nerve.

Can cataracts return after surgery?

A cataract cannot return once the natural lens has been removed. However, the capsule behind the artificial lens may become cloudy over time. This condition can be treated with a short laser procedure.

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