Cataracts most commonly affect people over the age of 60, but they can also develop in younger individuals due to factors like diabetes, eye injuries, prolonged steroid use, excessive UV exposure, or genetic predisposition.

Cataract surgery is virtually painless. Local anesthesia is applied through eye drops to numb the area, so patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild pressure or slight discomfort afterwards, which typically resolves within a day or two.

No, cataract surgery is considered a minor, outpatient procedure. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, typically taking only 15–30 minutes. Most patients go home the same day and experience rapid recovery.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is typically performed using phacoemulsification, where ultrasound waves break up the lens for easy removal through a small incision.