What is
Cataract ?
In the normal eye the lens inside is clear and
transparent, but when cataract develops it becomes cloudy and opaque. So the
light is not focused on the retina through lens which leads to blurring of
vision.
How Cataract
develops ?
Cataract can be developed with age (Senile Cataract).
It can be due to injury to the eye (Traumatic
Cataract).
Child can be born with cataract (Congenital
Cataract).
X-ray & other radiation (UV light) can cause
cataract.(Radiation Cataract)
Exposure to sunlight, Diabetes and Heredity are also
factors for the Cataract development.
What are the
Symptoms of Cataract ?
As mentioned, it is related. Blurred vision worsens
with time. Some complains about dimness in eye and brightness in the other eye.
Printed images may seem distorted. Glaring effect may be experienced. However,
Cataract never causes pain, itching or redness.
Can Cataract
be prevented ?
No, till date no preventive measure is found for the
Cataract. It is an age related changes. No drugs, diets or medicine can delay
or cure the Cataract. However, Wearing a sunglass that blocks the UV rays can
slow down the process of development of Cataract.
How Cataract
is treated ?
Surgery is the only way to remove the Cataract.
What exactly
done in Cataract Surgery?
Under an operating microscope and with
Phaco-emulsification machine a small cut is made in the eye and cloudy lens is
removed and plastic Intra-ocular Lens is placed in place of natural lens.
Will Surgery
improve the vision ?
Over 95% of Cataract surgery will improve the vision.
While pre-existing associated condition like glaucoma, diabetes, retinal
condition etc may limit the vision even after surgery. Yet, Cataract surgery
may still be worthwhile and necessary.
When should I
Plan my surgery ?
Under ordinary circumstances cataract surgery is not
an emergency situation except few rare instances. Therefore in most of the
cases the choice of undergoing surgery largely depends upon patients. In the
past, surgeons usually waited till the time Cataract becomes mature or ripe,
but modern technique an advances have now made possible to perform Cataract
removal at early stage. When it interferes with your day to day work, it is
time for surgery. However, it is advisable to have cataract operated early before
it becomes hard. An Ophthalmologist can give proper guidance.
What are the
surgical techniques ?
In recent time, two techniques are widely performed
like;
ECCE ( Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction) : It is
safe and perform under the operating microscope where the posterior (back
membrane) of Cataract is kept inside purposefully to support the IOL (Intra
Ocular Lens). The big incision of around 8-10 mm is sutured with very thin
thread.
PE (Phaco Emulsification) : It is the latest
technique which is performed by computerized machine. Since incision is very
small of 2.85 mm, no sutures are required and rehabilitation of the patient is
quick and fast.
Comparison of these two techniques
Phaco-emulsification ECCE Incision 3 mm 8-10 mm
Sutures No Sutures 6-7 sutures Healing Period 10-15 Days 50-60 Days Operation
Time 10 to 15 min. 30-40 min Technique Computerized Manual IOL Foldable
Silicone IOL Acrylic Post operative Astigmatism Very less Can be more
Which
technique is preferred ?
Phaco-emulsification will be the best of choice,
however Ophthalmologist will be able to guide you more regarding this.
How long one
has to stay in the Hospital after the surgery ?
It is Out Patient Surgery, no stay is required.
Patient will be discharged immediately after the surgery.
What post
operative care is required ?
After surgery you should be able to resume most
activities almost immediately. You will be cautioned against heavy lifting and
strenuous exercise to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the tiny structures
as your eye heals.
What about
gaining of normal vision ?
Vision usually improve within a few days after
surgery, but complete healing of the eye takes about a month. Vision continues
to improve as the eye heals.
What is
After-Cataract Yag Laser Treatment ?
Since the posterior (back) portion of the lens
capsule is left inside the eye purposefully to support the IOL (Intra Ocular
Lens). Over a period of time, the cells of the capsule grow and make the
capsule thick and opaque which obscure the vision. This is not the
complication. With help of the Yag Laser small opening is made in the capsule
just in few seconds without the surgery. Yag Laser Treatment is noninvasive OPD
procedures, requires no anesthesia and no patch. Younger patients are more
prone of thickening of Capsule.
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