<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-medical-council-to-summon-vashi-doctors-over-cataract-surgery-negligence-claims-23588795" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Cataracts are no longer confined to the elderly</a>. Pune eye specialists report that people in their 40s and 50s now make up nearly 30 per cent of cataract surgeries, while those under 40 account for about 10 per cent, according to the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO).</p>
<p>[popcorn number="30%" desc="Percentage of patients in their 40s and 50s undergoing cataract surgery" class="Default"]</p>
<h2>Expert Speak</h2>
<p><img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/oct/Dr-Aditya-Kelkar_1793228891_s.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p><strong><em>Dr Aditya Kelkar, Director, NIO Super Specialty Eye Hospital, Pune</em></strong><br />&ldquo;Early cataracts in the 40s and 50s stem from prolonged steroid use, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/rising-type-1-diabetes-in-indian-children-sparks-urgent-health-concerns-23605250" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">eye injuries, genetics, and diabetes</a>. Shifting lifestyles and high demands for night driving, computer work, and travel prompt earlier surgeries. Since early cataracts trigger headlight glare and daily struggles, patients refuse to compromise their quality of life.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/oct/Eye-check-up_1793229576_s.jpg" alt="Doctors say comprehensive eye examinations and personal visual needs must guide treatment. Representation pic/istock" /><br /><strong><em>Doctors say comprehensive eye examinations and personal visual needs must guide treatment. Representation pic/istock</em></strong></p>
<h2>Advances in surgical techniques</h2>
<p>Phacoemulsification uses small incisions and improved surgical precision to enhance efficiency</p>
<p>Advanced intraocular lenses have helped reduce recovery time for many patients</p>
<p>Multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses offer a wider range of vision and reduce spectacle dependence in suitable patients</p>
<p>Many younger cataract patients are keen to reduce their dependence on glasses after surgery</p>
<h2>Tailored care&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Lens selection must be customised, as each option carries specific advantages and limitations. Advanced technology alone should never drive the decision to undergo surgery Comprehensive eye examinations, symptom severity, personal visual needs, and realistic expectations must guide treatment</p>
<h2>Beyond vision</h2>
<p>Modern cataract surgery does more than just remove a cloudy lens. Dr Kelkar emphasises that the goal is to restore high-quality vision so patients can <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/article/mental-health-experts-highlight-what-late-night-doomscrolling-does-to-your-nervous-system-23656559" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">maintain their professional and personal lives with confidence</a>. Age alone no longer determines when to operate; the true measure is how much the condition impacts a patient&rsquo;s overall quality of life.</p>

Pune eye specialists report more cataract surgeries among younger adults, citing steroid use, diabetes, eye injuries and changing visual demands as factors

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Specialists reveal that cataracts have been striking people in their 40s and 50s these days


Maharashtra: Cataracts on the rise among youth, Pune doctors report early surgeries

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