Operation is the Most Effective Way to Treat Cataracts? This is What Doctors Say

JAKARTA - Cataract is a condition of the clarity of the eye lens that causes vision impairment. To overcome cataracts, it is not enough just with eye drops.

Eye drops only have an effect on inhibiting cataract growth, not completely curing it. The only way that is more effective in dealing with cataracts is surgery.

"There is no eye drop that is effective in relieving cataracts, at best it only inhibits its progressiveness. Surgery is the only way," said Eye Specialist Subspecialist Eye Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Pondok Indah Hospital, Dr. Amir Shidik, Sp. M, Subsp. K.B.R, during a media meeting at Pondok Indah, Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

With surgical action, the cloudy lens of the eye will be lifted and replaced. This procedure can help the patient's vision become clear again.

Interestingly, cataract surgery procedures have undergone many advances. Previously, cataract surgery procedures were performed with a wide incision of up to 15 mm, which required many stitches.

Now, cataract surgery has been performed with a small incision technique, which is more practical and accelerates patient recovery. Cataract surgery with a laser only causes a wound of about 2 mm and does not require stitches.

Not only that, biometric examination technology is also currently more comfortable for patients. This is because the cornea does not have to stick to the device and the fact that the error is minimal.

"The more cataract surgery gets more sophisticated. The wound can be 2.2 to 2.8 mm, so there is no need for stitches anymore," he said.

"The operation is fast now, only 10-15 minutes, the only thing is that it is just dripped, it does not need to be stitched, and the eyes can be opened immediately," he added.

With the sophistication of cataract surgery procedures today, patient recovery also takes place quickly. They can immediately carry out activities as usual after surgery.

"Patients can still bend (to worship), lift heavy weights, so more and more people are convinced, because cataract surgery does not hinder (activities)," concluded Dr. Amir.