What is a cataract?The term ‘cataract’ is used to describe the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The vision dims because the cataract prevents light from passing beyond the lens and focusing on the retina.
Common symptoms of a cataract:
1.
Painless blurring of vision
2.
Glare or light sensitivity
3.
Frequent changes in eyeglass
prescription
4.
reduced night vision
5.
Needing a brighter light to
read
6.
Fading colours
What causes a cataract?
1.
The most common cause is due
to aging and referred to as a ‘senile
cataract’.
2.
Other common causes are:
- Medical problems, such as diabetes
- Long-term use of medications, such as steroids
- Injury to the eye
- Congenital, since birth
- Previous eye surgery
- Long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight
Common misconceptions
cleared:
1.
Cataract is not a film over
the surface of the eye
2.
It is not caused by
overusing the eyes
3.
It is not infectious and
will not spread from one eye to the other
4.
It is not a cancer
5.
It is not a cause of
irreversible blindness
How is a cataract detected?
A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist detects the presence and the extent of a cataract. Other conditions that could additionally compromise vision can also be detected, particularly problems involving the cornea, retina or the optic nerve.
A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist detects the presence and the extent of a cataract. Other conditions that could additionally compromise vision can also be detected, particularly problems involving the cornea, retina or the optic nerve.
How fast does a cataract develop?
Cataract development varies among individuals and may even vary between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with the aging process develop over years. Cataracts in younger patients and in those with diabetes may develop more rapidly.
Cataract development varies among individuals and may even vary between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with the aging process develop over years. Cataracts in younger patients and in those with diabetes may develop more rapidly.
How do you treat a cataract?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be treated. No dietary supplements, medications, exercises or optical devices have been proven to prevent or cure cataract.
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be treated. No dietary supplements, medications, exercises or optical devices have been proven to prevent or cure cataract.
When should surgery be done?
Surgery should be considered when the cataract causes visual disturbance enough to interfere with daily activities. Based on these needs and the examination findings, the patient and the ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate. Cataracts need not be mature or ‘ripe’ before removal.
Surgery should be considered when the cataract causes visual disturbance enough to interfere with daily activities. Based on these needs and the examination findings, the patient and the ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate. Cataracts need not be mature or ‘ripe’ before removal.
What should you expect from a cataract
surgery?
Cataract surgery is a day care.
Cataract surgery is a day care.
Microscopic surgery performed under
anaesthesia eye drops (Topical ) or local anaesthesia. The cloudy lens is
removed leaving its capsule behind, within which a permanent, artificial
intraocular lens is implanted. T
oday, there are a wide range of
intraocular lens implants available, which not only replace the cataract, but
also give visual advantages with better near vision, improved night vision and
also can reduce or eliminate the need for spectacles post surgery.
After cataract surgery, you can return immediately to almost all routine activities. Medication must be administered as per the instructions of your cataract surgeon or ophthalmologist.
After cataract surgery, you can return immediately to almost all routine activities. Medication must be administered as per the instructions of your cataract surgeon or ophthalmologist.
Low stress cataract surgery
The entire surgical experience at our centre is been designed to help patients and their families be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. This “patient first, family-friendly” approach is at the heart of the surgical experience. Your family has an opportunity to view your live cataract surgery.
The entire surgical experience at our centre is been designed to help patients and their families be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. This “patient first, family-friendly” approach is at the heart of the surgical experience. Your family has an opportunity to view your live cataract surgery.
Technique
Phacoemulsification is a micro-incision technique of
cataract surgery wherein an ultrasound probe breaks the cataract into tiny
pieces and sucks them out. A foldable lens implant is inserted through a very
small incision (2.8 – 3.0 mm) as compared to an approximately 5 mm incision to
accommodate a non-foldable lens.
The incision are self-sealing and needs
no stitches.
Your Doctor helps you decide as to which
lens implant is most suitable for you.
Benefits to you:
1.
Smaller incision resulting
in faster healing and visual rehabilitation
2.
Reduced surgical time
3.
No stitch surgery.
4.
Painless or minimal
post-operative discomfort
5.
A quick return to your
normal routine.
Can a cataract be treated with medicines
or a laser?
No.
No.
There is no
medical or laser treatment for cataract other than replacing this lens with
a surgery.
However, in layman terms today’s modern
cataract surgery is called ‘laser cataract surgery’ as there are no stitches,
although there is no actual use of the laser. The cataract is dissolved using
ultrasound waves from an equipment and is medically termed
‘phacoemulsification’.
Today’s procedures are quick, not taking more than 20 minutes of surgical time, pain free under topical (only eye drops) or local anaesthesia. Ask your Doctor if you are eligible for topical aneasthesia.
Today’s procedures are quick, not taking more than 20 minutes of surgical time, pain free under topical (only eye drops) or local anaesthesia. Ask your Doctor if you are eligible for topical aneasthesia.
Are there any complications of cataract
surgery?
At our centre, we follow the highest standards of healthcare and strict protocols of infection control.
At our centre, we follow the highest standards of healthcare and strict protocols of infection control.
We understand your fears regarding an
eye surgery, but you stand a greater risk of not doing cataract surgery when
required, as the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes to treat the
cataract easily and there is a greater chance of surgical complications.
Standard Vs Premium Lens Implants?
Multifocal and Accomodative Implants are a new technology in cataract treatment wherein you can gain additional benefit of reducing your dependence on reading glasses.
Multifocal and Accomodative Implants are a new technology in cataract treatment wherein you can gain additional benefit of reducing your dependence on reading glasses.
Standard Lens Implants
|
Premium Lens Implants
|
Single focus- usually distant
|
Multiple focuses- near, intermediate and distant
|
100% need for reading glasses
|
Reduces or eliminates need for reading glasses
|
Insurance usually covers the cost
|
May be reimbursed partially by insurance
|
Lens Implants available :
Standard IOLsMonofocal: AMO Sensar / Bausch and Lomb Akreos / Alcon / Zeiss
Monofocal Wavefront : AMO Tecnis / Bausch and Lomb Akreos AO / Zeiss ZO/Acrysof Alcon IQ
Monofocal Microincision: Bausch and Lomb MIL/ Zeis MIL
Monofocal Toric: Alcon / Zeiss
Premium IOLs
Multifocal: Tecnis / Restor / Zeiss
Multifocal Toric: Alcon / Zeiss
Accomodative: Crystalens
Multifocal: Tecnis / Restor / Zeiss
Multifocal Toric: Alcon / Zeiss
Accomodative: Crystalens
