What is cataract

The human crystalline lens, which is clear and transparent is part of the focusing mechanism of the eye. With age, the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, thereby hampering normal vision. Any opacity in the crystalline lens, which leads to decreased vision is cataract.The early cataractous lens bends light irregularly, so the images formed are blurred and unclear. When opaque, the cataract may cut off light nearly in total, causing blindness(reversible).

What causes cataract?

Ageing is the most common cause. With age, proteins of the eye lens get altered and opacified leading to cataract. Other causes include congenital and developmental anomalies, trauma, inflammation of the eye, metabolic diseases like diabetes, Hypothyroidism etc.,

What are the common symptoms of cataract?

The first symptom may be blurred vision, a phenomenon also appears glare when looking at the light source. Signal of the beginning of cataracts can also be a need for frequent changes in glasses and the problem of fitting the appropriate correction. In the course of the disease to, visual acuity decreases drastically, and the colors are faded. In extreme cases, you can only see the outlines of objects. Cataracts are not painful, doesn't cause redness, or tearing, and that is why usually recognized later.

Cataract makes simple tasks difficult and in some cases impossible to perform.

• Cloudy of Blurred Vision
• Changes in one's perception of colours
• Sensitivity to bright lamps or sunlight
• Poor night vision
• Difficulty in driving especially at night
• Frequent changes in eye glass prescription

 

What are the treatment options for Cataract?

Surgery is the only course of treatment for cataract.Once the decision is made, cataract surgery typically is done in a clinic and does not require an overnight hospital stay. In fact, an uncomplicated cataract procedure usually takes less than 10-20 minutes.

Prior to surgery, your eye will be dilated with eye drops. Next, your surgeon will numb your eye with drops or an injection.

There are two options available for cataract surgery:

1 - Conventional Cataract surgery or Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction(SICS/ECCE)

In this old technic

• Injections are given near the eye
• Requires an incision of 7-8 mm
• The cloudy eye lens is removed in one piece
• A hard plastic lens is removed in one piece
• A hard plastic lens is implanted
• Multiple Stitches are required in ECCE
• Final glass prescription could take even up to 10 weeks

 

2 - Micro incision Cataract Surgery(PHACOEMULSIFICATION)

Nowadays phacoemulsification is the best way that is used for cataract surgery in the world. The procedure requires a small cut in the cornea, and ultrasound power is used to break the hard cataract into minute pieces, which are then sucked out through a small 1.5-2.8mm incision. A foldable lens (IOL) of the required power is then implanted. The soft construction allows the lens implant to be folded for insertion through a 1.5 to 2.8mm microincission . Once in place, the lens unfolds to its regular size of 6 mm. This artificial lens that allows for good vision without the need for strong glasses. Operation ration takes about 10-20 minutes and is painless.Patient after surgery can walk independently and perform basic tasks, and after a few days it is possible to return to an earlier way of life.

• Drops of local anaesthetic agent are used or an injection near the eye
• Requires a very small incision of 1.5-2.8mm
• It allows for a stitchless, painless, safety surgery
• Early visual rehabilitation for the patient.
• Minimum curvature changes occur in the eye following surgery
• Post surgery, the wound is very secure
• Final glasses can be prescribed within two weeks.

 

With phacoemulsification and implantation of foldable Intra Ocular Lens (IOL), treatment of cataract has become very simple and sophisticated. The procedure is safe, accurate and leads to repaid recovery. Thus phacoemulsification with foldable lens implant is the most recommended treatment for cataract.

You'll also need to use eye drops for a few days after a procedure. It takes about a month for your eye to heal completely. But you'll probably notice much sharper vision within a day or so.In some cases the patient is able to see almost immediately following the surgery, although most patients experience clear vision after one or two days.

Cataractphaco surgery is one of the safest and most common medical procedures. Although risks are associated with any surgery, most people report great outcomes.

It is possible to have a phaco surgery on one eye even if the other eye had been operated upon by the conventional surgery.

This sophisticated technic is routinely carried out in Celamig Eye Clinic since more than 10 years.

 

Will I need glasses after phaco surgery?

You may need to wear glasses only to fine-tune your vision. These spectacles have normal lenses unlike thick lenses used in the past. For reading near vision glasses are almost always required.

Will activities have to be restricted after phaco surgery?

Normal activities including walking, reading, writing, watching television etc. May be resumed soon after the surgery. However, during the first week of the surgery, it is better to avoid strenuous activities & avoid exposing the eye to water or dust.

Is there any diet restriction after phaco surgery?

There are absolutely no diet restrictions after phaco surgery and you can continue with your normal diet. However, diet regulation advised for other diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. must continue.

When to go for Cataract removal?

Cataract should be removed as soon as it begins to affect daily activities. With any of the above mentioned symptoms setting in, it is the right time to go for Cataract removal. Do not wait for the cataract to get mature as unnecessary delay can lead to avoidable complications and more difficult surgery. Cataract surgery can be undertaken successfully in any season. Summer or rainy seasons have absolutely no effect on the outcome of the cataract surgery.