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CATARACT
 Cataract is not a
problem as it once was. For most people with poor vision from
cataract, the prospects of regaining good vision and resuming normal
daily activities are excellent. Our facility is oriented towards
providing low-stress patient-friendly care.
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.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CATARACT?
Painless blurring of vision
Glare or light sensitivity
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Poor night vision
Needing a brighter light to read
Double vision in one eye
Fading colours
Common misconceptions cleared:
Cataract is not a film over the surface of the eye
It is not caused by overusing the eyes
Not infectious [will not spread from one eye to the other, nor a
cancer
Not a cause of irreversible blindness
WHAT CAUSES A CATARACT?
The most common type is related to aging and referred to as a senile
cataract.
Other common causes are:
Family history
Medical problems, such as diabetes
Long-term use of medications, such as steroids
Injury to the eye
Congenital
Previous eye surgery
Long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight
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.
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 rapidly.
TREATMENT OF A CATARACT?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. No dietary
supplements, medications, exercises or optical devices have been
proven to prevent or cure cataract. However, if the symptoms of
cataract are mild, a change of spectacle prescription is all that is
needed.
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 to be mature ('ripe') before removal. Today
cataract surgery has the means to remove an immature cataract and a
mature ('ripe') cataract.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery is a microscopic surgery usually performed under
local anesthesia. The cloudy lens is removed leaving its capsule
behind, within which a permanent intraocular lens is implanted. The
refractive power of the implanted lens is calculated so that there
is a minimal need for post-operative spectacle prescription.
However, glasses will be required for near work.
After cataract surgery, one may return almost immediately to all but
the most strenuous activities. Medication must be administered as
per the instructions of the surgeon. Your surgeon will tell you when
you may return to work.
Conventional cataract surgery, which involves removal of the lens in
one piece, results in an incision size of 10-12 mm and closure of
this large incision with multiple stitches. This has been replaced
with the modern technique of cataract removal (micro incision )
WHAT IS CATARACT SURGERY AT OUR CENTRES?
The entire surgical experience at our centre has been designed to
help patients and their families are as comfortable and relaxed as
possible. This "patient first, family-friendly" approach is at the
heart of the surgical experience. An important part of our centers
approach to cataract surgery is the maintenance of familiar routines
i.e. meals or medications.
Micro-incision technique of cataract surgery is a sutureless
cataract surgery where in a foldable implant is inserted; the
incision size is smaller (2.8 - 3.0 mm) as compared to an
approximately 5 mm incision to accommodate a non-foldable lens. Both
incisions are self-sealing and need no stitches. We will help you
decide as to which lens should suit you best.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MICRO-INCISION SURGERY FOR CATARACT?
The wound is smaller [resulting in faster healing and visual
rehabilitation], the surgical time is reduced, and no stitches are
required. There is minimal or no post-operative discomfort and a
quick return to your normal routine.
Implants (IOL)
Only Imported foldable unifocal lenses are used at our centre to
assure the best quality vision to our patients
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