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 ?

What are the Symptoms of Cataract ?

Can Cataract be prevented ?

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.

Advantages of Silicone Lens over Acrylic Lens :