With over 20,000 cataract surgeries performed personally, Dr. Swati Agarwal offers Kolkata's patients state-of-the-art Phaco and Femto Laser cataract surgery — with a full range of IOL options and unhurried pre-surgical counselling.
The natural lens inside the eye — positioned just behind the pupil — is normally clear, allowing light to focus sharply on the retina. With age (and sometimes due to injury, diabetes, or steroid use), this lens gradually becomes cloudy. This clouding is called a cataract.
Cataracts cannot be dissolved with drops or corrected with glasses. The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the clouded lens and replacement with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest, most successful procedures in medicine.
The old advice to wait until a cataract is "ripe" is outdated. A dense, mature cataract is harder and riskier to remove. Modern surgery works best on early-to-moderate cataracts — the right time to operate is when your vision is affecting your quality of life.
Ultrasound energy breaks up the cataract through a 2–2.8mm incision. A proven, highly effective technique with an outstanding safety record. Performed under eye-drop anaesthesia only — no injections, no general anaesthesia.
A femtosecond laser performs key surgical steps — incision creation, capsulotomy, and lens softening — with computer-guided precision before phaco begins. Results in less ultrasound energy inside the eye, faster healing, and superior accuracy for premium IOL centration.
The IOL placed inside your eye during surgery determines your visual quality for the rest of your life. Dr. Swati personally counsels every patient on lens selection — there is no "best" lens, only the right lens for your lifestyle and eyes.
| Lens Type | Distance | Reading | Astigmatism | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monofocal | Excellent | Glasses needed | No | Most patients; insurance-covered |
| Toric | Excellent | Glasses needed | Yes | Pre-existing astigmatism ≥1.00D |
| Trifocal | Excellent | Good | Optional | Spectacle independence desired |
Visual acuity, slit-lamp exam, biometry for IOL power calculation, retina check. Full discussion of lens options and surgical plan.
Dilating drops applied. Surgery performed under topical anaesthesia (eye drops only). The procedure takes 15–20 minutes. You are awake but feel no pain.
A protective shield is placed over the eye. Most patients return home within an hour. Driving is not permitted on surgery day — please arrange transport.
Post-operative examination the next morning. Most patients notice significant vision improvement by this appointment.
Eye drops used for 4–6 weeks as directed. Most daily activities resume within 24–48 hours. Final spectacle prescription (if needed) given after 4–6 weeks.
Over 95% of patients achieve vision adequate for driving without glasses. Over 85% achieve 6/6 (perfect) unaided vision. Patient satisfaction rates consistently exceed 95%.
Book a cataract evaluation at The Eye Clinic — a thorough assessment that tells you exactly what stage your cataract is at and what the right next step is.