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A small corneal incision provides controlled entry into the eye.
Small incision • Individualised technique • Delhi Eye Care
Modern cataract surgery, explained clearly.
The cloudy natural lens is removed through a small incision and replaced with a transparent intraocular lens selected for your eye.
How it works
What happens during cataract surgery?
1. Numbing the eye
Most routine cases are performed under local or topical anaesthesia. You are usually awake but the eye is numbed.
2. Removing the cataract
Ultrasound energy fragments the cloudy lens, which is removed through a small corneal incision.
3. Implanting the IOL
A foldable intraocular lens is placed inside the lens capsule. The incision is usually self-sealing.
The operation is usually a day-care procedure. Exact duration, anaesthesia and technique depend on cataract density, eye health and patient cooperation.
Phaco and MICS
The smallest incision is not the only measure of quality.
Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound to remove the cataract. MICS refers to micro-incision cataract surgery performed through a particularly small incision. The appropriate approach is chosen according to the eye—not as a marketing label.
Alcon LEGION platform
Foldable IOL implantation
Astigmatism-aware planning
Technique adapted for dense cataracts
Femtosecond laser
Is “laser cataract surgery” necessary?
Femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery automates selected steps, but it is not automatically superior for every patient.
At DEC
Phaco and MICS are routinely available. Femtosecond assistance can be arranged through an associated facility when Dr. Nidhi believes it offers a meaningful case-specific advantage.
What matters more
Accurate measurements, appropriate lens selection, surgeon judgement, safe technique and attentive postoperative care remain central to the result.
Inside the procedure
Four precise steps—one individualised plan
The exact technique changes with cataract density, pupil size, corneal health and the strength of the lens-supporting structures.
Open the capsule
A circular opening is created in the fine membrane surrounding the natural lens.
Remove cataract
Ultrasound fragments the cloudy lens while fluidics maintain a stable surgical environment.
Position the IOL
A foldable lens is inserted into the natural capsular bag and centred.
Understand the terminology
Phaco, MICS and femtosecond assistance are not three grades of quality
| Approach | What it means | Where it fits | Important perspective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phacoemulsification | Ultrasound is used to break and remove the cataract through a small incision. | The standard modern method for a wide range of cataracts. | Outcome depends on the whole plan—not the machine name alone. |
| MICS | Micro-incision cataract surgery: phaco performed through a particularly small incision. | Used when the eye, cataract and selected IOL allow an appropriate micro-incision approach. | MICS is a refinement of phaco, not a separate “premium” operation. |
| Femtosecond-assisted | A laser performs selected steps before the remaining surgery is completed conventionally. | May be considered for selected case-specific reasons. | It is not automatically necessary or superior for every patient. |
At Delhi Eye Care: phaco and MICS are routinely performed. If Dr. Nidhi identifies a meaningful indication for femtosecond assistance, it can be arranged through an associated facility and discussed transparently beforehand.
Controlled energy, fluidics and magnification
Technology used for cataract surgery at Delhi Eye Care
The equipment supports precision, but the plan and every surgical decision remain surgeon-directed. Dr. Nidhi adapts settings and technique to the individual eye.
Alcon LEGION phaco platform
Provides ultrasound energy and manages irrigation and aspiration while the cloudy lens is removed. Settings are adjusted for cataract density and intraoperative response.
Lumera surgical microscope
Provides an illuminated, magnified view of delicate eye structures, supporting controlled microsurgical tissue handling through a small incision.
Surgeon-directed
Technology assists the operation; judgement and tissue handling remain central.
Case-adapted
Dense cataract, small pupil or weak zonules may need additional strategies.
See the environment
Dr. Nidhi Gupta performing cataract surgery at Delhi Eye Care
Actual Delhi Eye Care operating-room footage. Surgical images are shown for patient education.
Technique follows the eye
Meticulous surgery begins before the operating room
Dr. Nidhi Gupta’s plan incorporates cataract density, corneal status, pupil behaviour, glaucoma, retinal health, previous surgery, medicines and the intended IOL.
“A smaller incision or newer label is not a substitute for choosing the right technique for that particular eye.”
Her care continues after surgery through structured review, medication guidance and access to the team if recovery does not follow the expected course.
Balanced information
Is cataract surgery painless and risk-free?
Most patients feel pressure, light or fluid rather than sharp pain because the eye is numbed. Anxiety, difficulty lying flat or problems cooperating should be discussed beforehand so anaesthesia and support can be planned appropriately.
“Painless,” “bladeless,” “robotic” and “guaranteed spectacle-free” can be misleading when used as absolute claims. Good counselling explains what the technology does—and what it cannot promise.
Risks should be understood
Although cataract surgery is commonly performed, complications can occur, including infection, inflammation, pressure change, corneal swelling, retinal problems, lens-position issues or the need for additional treatment. Individual risk varies with the eye and general health.
From Dr. Nidhi’s desk
“Robotic eye surgery”: myths and facts
Patient education article
What technology actually does during cataract surgery
Dr. Nidhi separates marketing language from the real roles of the surgeon, phaco platform and femtosecond laser.
Read Dr. Nidhi’s article →Common questions
Frequently asked
Is MICS different from phaco?
MICS is micro-incision cataract surgery performed using phacoemulsification through a particularly small incision. It is best understood as a refinement of phaco, not an unrelated operation.
Will I be awake during surgery?
Most routine cataract surgery is performed with topical or local anaesthesia, so the patient is awake but the eye is numb. Sedation or another plan may be considered when clinically appropriate.
Does every patient need femtosecond laser?
No. It automates selected surgical steps but is not automatically necessary or superior for every eye. The potential case-specific value, availability and added cost should be discussed.
Will stitches be required?
The small corneal incision is commonly self-sealing, but a stitch may occasionally be placed when the surgeon believes it improves wound security.
How long does the operation take?
The surgical time varies with cataract density and eye complexity. Patients spend longer at the centre because preparation, dilating drops, checks and recovery are separate from operating time.
Can both eyes be operated on together?
At DEC, cataract surgery is generally planned one eye at a time, with the timing of the second eye determined individually.
Continue exploring
Your cataract care guide
Delhi Eye Care
Discuss your cataract plan with Dr. Nidhi Gupta.
A careful evaluation helps separate what is possible from what is appropriate for your eye.
Call: +91 92208 92424
Specialist: Dr. Nidhi Gupta, Medical Director
Cataract, Refractive & Glaucoma Surgeon
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nidhi Gupta • Last reviewed September 2026