 |
Introduction
If you have been diagnosed as having a cataract, there
is no need to worry. In most cases, vision can be restored
with modern day surgery. Cataract formation is usually
a part of the eye's aging process.
Today, vision is restored to millions of patients each
year through a safe microsurgical procedure to remove
the cataract. The procedure is predictable and usually
performed with a minimum of discomfort and inconvenience.
And in most cases the patient returns home hours after
the surgery.
Your doctor will explain the details of the procedure
as well as any specifics relating to your particular case.
This website is intended to give you general information
about what to expect before, during and after your cataract
surgery.
What
is a Cataract?
Inside your eye is a lens, much like the lens of a camera.
Located behind the iris, the lens focuses incoming light
rays through the pupil onto the retina at the back of
the eye.
Your lens must remain clear for the light to pass through
and reach the retina. When the lens of the eye becomes
cloudy of opaque, light is unable to pass through the
lens and vision dims or blurs. A lens that has become
cloudy is called a cataract. Cloudiness of the lens usually
occurs with age.
Causes
of Cataract?
By far, the most common cause of cataracts is the deterioration
of the normal structure within the lens of the eye as
a person ages.
Other possible cause are injuries or diseases such as
diabetes, kidney disease, glaucoma and high blood pressure.
A cataract is not a growth or a film over the eye. It
is a cloudiness of the natural lens inside your eye.
Cataract
Growth
In the early stages, you can usually improve your vision
by changing your glasses. But once the cataract advances,
changing glasses frequently does not solve the problem.
When you can no longer see clearly, the cloudy cataract
lens may be removed and replaced with a new clear artificial
lens to help restore your vision.
Depending on the nature of your cataract, it may develop
rapidly over a few months or slowly over several years.
In many cases, your other eye will probably be affected,
but usually not at the same time as the first eye.
Cataract
Symptoms
Symptoms of cataract may include:
 |
Blurred, fuzzy or hazy vision; |
|
Seeing as through there is a film
over the eyes, or that one is looking through a
veil or cobweb; |
|
Frequently changes in eyeglass prescriptions; |
|
Severe decrease in vision when looking
at a bright scene or background; |
|
Glare, halos or tails around headlight
when driving at night. |
There are no medications, eye drops or diets that can
cure or prevent cataracts. Once the cataract interferes
with your activities, the only solution is surgery to
remove them. Cataract surgery has a high success rate
for the restoration of vision with today's modern advance
and technology.
When
to have Surgery
The need to have surgery is best determined by consulting
your ophthalmologist.
The best time for removing your cataract depends on how
the impairment of your vision handicaps your own life
style. If you rely a great deal on your eyes, you may
need the cataract to be removed much earlier than someone
with less need for sharp vision.
Before
Surgery
Prior to your surgery, some routine tests will be done
to determine your general health. Your doctor will decide
the exact nature of your preoperative schedule.
Shortly before your surgery, you will probably receive
medication to help you relax and some drops will be put
into your eyes. General anesthesia is not required for
cataract surgery and only a local anesthetic will be sufficient.
Cataract
Surgery
 Surgical
Techniques
There are two main techniques used for removing cataracts:
1. Phacoemulsification
2.
Extracapsular Extraction
Phacoemulsification
Phacoemulsication is the most advanced cataract removal
technique. It is performed through a very small incision,
approximately 3mm on the side of the cornea. A probe delivers
ultrasonic vibrations to fragment and remove the cataract.
A foldable intraocular lens is then inserted through the
same incision. The small incision is generally self-sealing,
requiring no stitches, which allows for faster, safer
healing and speeds your return to normal activity. The
actual surgery usually lasts no more than 30 minutes.
Extracapsular Extraction
Extracapsular Extraction is the traditional method which
requires a larger incision as the lens is removed in one-piece
through the incision. A non-foldable intraocular lens
is then placed into the eye. The incision is then closed
with several stitches. The wound takes longer time to
heal and visual recovery is slower.
After
Surgery
The doctor may place a small patch over your eye. Within
a few hours you will be ready to go home. As soon as you
feel up to it, you will probably be allowed to resume
normal, moderate activities. Your doctor will advise,
depending on your medical condition.
Road
to Recovery
With modern surgical techniques, you do not need to stay
overnight in the hospital. You will be able to return
almost immediately to your normal daily activities, including
showering, shampooing your hair, reading, and possibly
even going to work.
Lens
Implants
After your natural lens is removed, it must be replaced
with a substitute lens so that the incoming light rays
are focused properly. Majority of the cataract surgeries
replace the lens with an intraocular lens.
An intraocular lens is a clear, tiny artificial lens that
is implanted in the same location as the natural lens.
Before your operation, your doctor will conduct a test
to measure your eye in order to determine the type and
power of lens best for you.
New
Advances in Cataract Surgery
The modern day concept of intraocular lenses was introduced
in 1949. Since then, lenses and the surgical procedures
for implanting them have undergone many improvements and
refinements. Your doctor may choose to use one of the
intraocular lenses made by .
Surgical incisions are much smaller today because techniques
have improved. A smaller incision heals faster and allows
you to return to normal, daily activities faster with
less discomfort.
New lens designs include foldable and round optic lenses
small enough to insert through incisions less than one-fourth
the size required just a few years ago.
Whatever the shape or design of your new lens, it is intended
to stay in your eye permanently. The capsular bag of the
original lens anchors the new lens implant in its position.
Minimising "Glare"
While patients should be able to see clearly after the
surgery, there have been reports of "glare"
from some patients who have been fitted with certain intraocular
lens. Although not life-threatening, the patients may
not be able to enjoy the clear vision that they expected.
Glare is a condition when one is not able to see clearly
due to secondary light reflecting from the intraocular
lens surface towards the back of the eye.
Should you experience such incidences, please consult
your doctor for follow-up.
An advanced and innovative range of foldable intraocular
lenses from includes the Akreos®
acrylic and Soflex® Silicone lenses. These
advanced lenses are made from biocompatible materials
with low refractive indices to minimise glare. Eye easily
accepts them with excellent visual outcomes.
Happy
Seeing You!
Welcome back to an active, sight-filled life. With the
current high success rate, you may expect to return to
the level of work, leisure and activity you wish within
a short time.
We hope this website has helped answer your questions
about your cataract surgery. If you have further questions
or need more information, please call your health care
professional or email us info@perfectvisionindia.com |
|
|
|
|
