What Are Cataracts and What Causes Them?
Cataract?
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Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred or hazy vision and faded colors.
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They are most common in people over 60 due to age-related changes and may affect one or both eyes.
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Other risk factors include UV exposure, eye injury, smoking, long-term steroid use, and diabetes.
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In the early stages, cataracts may cause minor vision changes, sometimes requiring a new eyeglass prescription.
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While cataracts cannot always be prevented, protecting your eyes and managing risk factors may help reduce the risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
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When Should You Have Your Eyes Checked with an Ophthalmologist?
Consider a comprehensive eye examination if:
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Your vision becomes blurred, cloudy, or less clear.
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Your eyeglass prescription changes more frequently.
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Vision changes begin to affect your daily activities.
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You have difficulty with activities such as reading, driving, or working.
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You are concerned that your cataracts may be progressing.
You do not need to wait until cataracts become advanced. An ophthalmologist can assess your eye condition and recommend the appropriate timing for treatment based on your vision and daily needs.
Cataract Surgery Technology at TRSC
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Cataracts are treated using phacoemulsification, which uses high-frequency ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy natural lens.
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TRSC uses the CENTURION® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY® by Alcon, USA, for cataract surgery.
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The cloudy natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), with lens options from leading manufacturers, including Alcon, ZEISS, and Johnson & Johnson.
Benefits of Cataract Surgery at TRSC
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Clearer vision for everyday activities.
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Long-term lens replacement with an intraocular lens (IOL).
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Small incision, approximately 3 mm, typically without stitches.
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Low risk of complications for most patients.
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Refractive correction options may help reduce dependence on glasses after surgery
Which IOL Is Right for You?
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IOL options are available for both cataract surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).
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Choosing the right IOL depends on your eye condition, lifestyle, and visual needs.
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At TRSC, we help you explore the IOL option best suited to your vision and lifestyle.
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Both Clareon® PanOptix® and Clareon® PanOptix® Pro are trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) used during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s natural lens. These lenses are designed to help people see clearly at near, intermediate, and far distances. PanOptix® Pro is the next generation of the PanOptix® lens, developed to build on the original PanOptix® design. Both lenses aim to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
*Reference from: https://www.myalcon.com/cataracts/clareon-iols/panoptix-pro/#vision-simulator
Why Choose TRSC for Cataract Surgery?
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Specialist-Led Cataract Care
Comprehensive assessment and treatment planning by experienced ophthalmologists. -
Advanced Cataract Surgery Technology
Cataract surgery using the CENTURION® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY® by Alcon. -
Personalized IOL Selection
IOL options selected based on your eye condition, lifestyle, and visual needs. -
Post-LVC Cataract Surgery Expertise
For patients who have previously undergone Laser Vision Correction (LVC), such as SMILE, LASIK, or PRK, IOL calculation requires special consideration due to changes in corneal shape. TRSC uses the ZEISS IOLMaster 700 to measure both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, supporting precise IOL calculation and personalized lens selection. -
Leading IOL Options
Access to IOL options from established manufacturers, including Alcon, ZEISS, and Johnson & Johnson. -
Comprehensive Care & Follow-Up
Support from initial eye examination and treatment planning through surgery and post-operative follow-up. -
Dedicated Personal Counselor
Personalized support throughout your cataract treatment journey.
Cataract Surgery Process at TRSC
1. Comprehensive Eye Examination
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A comprehensive eye examination to assess your overall eye health and vision.
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Your ophthalmologist evaluates whether cataract surgery is appropriate for your eyes.
2. Cataract & Vision Assessment
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The cataract and its impact on your vision and daily activities are carefully assessed.
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Detailed eye measurements are performed to support treatment planning and IOL selection.
3. Personalized IOL Selection
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IOL options are considered based on your eye condition, lifestyle, and visual needs.
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Your ophthalmologist recommends the most suitable IOL option for your individual eyes.
4. Cataract Surgery & Follow-Up Care
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The cloudy natural lens is removed using phacoemulsification and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).
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Patients can return home after surgery, with a follow-up examination scheduled for the next day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
You may be a suitable candidate if:
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You are 75 years old or younger.
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You are in good overall health.
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Cataracts are beginning to affect your vision and daily activities.
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You understand the treatment process and expected outcomes of cataract surgery.
Final suitability for cataract surgery is determined by an ophthalmologist based on your individual eye condition and examination results.
What Are the Limitations and Considerations of Cataract Surgery
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Cataract surgery at TRSC is performed one eye at a time.
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Your ophthalmologist will assess the first eye after surgery before proceeding with treatment for the other eye.
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Vision outcomes may vary depending on your individual eye condition and the type of IOL selected.
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Some patients may still need glasses for certain activities after surgery.
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In some patients, the lens capsule may become cloudy months or years after surgery. This condition can be treated with a YAG laser procedure.
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Your ophthalmologist will discuss your individual eye condition, expected outcomes, and appropriate treatment plan before surgery.
Cataract Surgery Cost & Packages
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts
Do I need to wait until my cataract is “mature” before having surgery?
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No. Cataract surgery does not necessarily need to wait until the cataract becomes advanced.
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Surgery may be considered when blurred vision begins to affect your vision and daily activities.
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An ophthalmologist should assess your eyes to determine the appropriate timing for surgery.
Is cataract surgery painful? Will I need general anesthesia?
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Cataract surgery is generally performed using eye-drop anesthesia or local anesthesia.
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Patients remain awake during the procedure.
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The procedure typically takes approximately 15–30 minutes per eye, and most patients can return home afterward.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
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The cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), so the cataract itself does not return.
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However, some patients may develop posterior capsule opacification (PCO) months or years later.
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PCO can be treated with a YAG laser procedure.
What happens if cataracts are left untreated?
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Cataracts can gradually progress and cause increasingly blurred vision.
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Advanced cataracts may lead to severe vision impairment and can make treatment more complex.
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Regular eye examinations can help determine the appropriate timing for treatment.
Can cataract surgery also correct my vision?
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During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an IOL.
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Different IOL options may help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, depending on your individual eye condition.
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Your ophthalmologist will recommend an IOL based on your eyes and visual needs.
Meet Our Cataract Specialists
Led by Dr. Pichit Naripthaphan, President of the Cataract and Refractive Surgery Club of Thailand under the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, alongside Dr. Chonthicha Charumalai and Dr. Patchima Chantaren.
Inquiries / Appointments