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 Cataract Services
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What is a Cataract?
Anything you see is an image that enters your eye in the form of light. Inside your eye is a lens, much like the lens of a camera. The lens focuses the light rays coming through the pupil onto the retina at the back of the eye. The different parts of the retina collect this light and send a message to your brain, enabling you to see.
A cloudy lens is called a cataract. It is not a growth or a film over the eye. |
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Causes of Cataract
The most common cause of cataract is the denaturation of the normal protein structure within the lens of the eye with age. There may be other causes like diabetes, kidney disease, glaucoma, smoking, eye injuries, infection and inflammation inside the eye. Prolonged use of certain medications can also lead to cataract formation.
In the early stages, you can improve your vision by changing your glasses but once the cataract progresses changing glasses will not help. You will notice some deterioration in your ability to see things clearly from a distance. You may have difficulty with glare while driving or while performing activities like reading that require clear vision. Other symptoms may be colored halos, double or multiple images in the eye when the other eye is occluded.
A cataract may develop slowly over years or rapidly within months. Often the other eye will also be affected. There are no medications, eye drops or dietary restrictions that can cure or prevent cataract formation. If the cataract interferes with your regular activities the only solution is surgery.
In cataract surgery, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) replaces your natural clouded lens. Your new lens should restore vision to nearly what it was earlier, though you may need to wear glasses for reading or driving.
Surgical Techniques
Several techniques used for removing cataract are:
Phacoemulsification:
In this method a tiny instrument is inserted through a very small incision. The instrument uses ultrasound vibrations to break the cataract into fine pieces; these are then gently suctioned out. The new lens is then inserted into the eye. Usually no stitches are required to close the incision. This minimal surgery allows faster and safer healing, hastening your return to normal activity.
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS):
This is a new technique where the cataract is removed manually through a small incision. The small incision heals fast enabling you to recover quickly.
Extracapsular Extraction:
Here the lens is removed in a single piece through a relatively larger incision. It is replaced with an artificial lens and the incision is closed with fine stitches. The surgeon may opt for this technique in cases where the cataract is very advanced. The recovery period is longer here.
Your doctor will select the method of surgery that is most suitable for your case.
Planning for SurgeryIt is not necessary for the cataract to mature fully or for the vision to become totally cloudy before scheduling surgery. You and your ophthalmologist should jointly decide on the time for surgery. Be sure to inform your doctor about any medications or herbal remedies that you may be using.
At the hospital our counselors will help you understand the pre-operative procedures and obtain an estimate of the expenditure involved. Prior to your surgery, you will need to undergo some routine medical and blood tests. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them so that your prescription can be checked. An A-scan will help the doctor determine the power of the new lens to be implanted in your eye.
It is good to wash your face thoroughly with soap and water before coming for surgery. You will be advised to use some eye drops. Please follow the instructions carefully as these drops help dilate your eye. If your eye is not properly dilated surgery may be delayed. You may also be advised not to eat or drink anything for a few hours prior to surgery. You can bring only one attendant; children below 15 years are not allowed unless they are patients.
Though the success rate for cataract surgery is almost 98%, sometimes there may be complications. Most of these complications are minor and can be rectified. Your doctor will advise you about any specific issues related to your case.
The Surgery
In the operating room, the area around your eye will be cleaned thoroughly. Sterile drapes will be placed around your head and face with only the eye exposed. Usually a local anesthetic in the form of topical drops or an injection is administered next to the eye. Sometimes doctors may have to perform the surgery under general anesthesia. An oxygen tube will be placed near you nose so that you do not feel suffocated.
The actual surgery lasts about 30 minutes. You will be relaxed and awake but feel no pain. The nerves in your eye will be completely numbed so you will not be able to see or move your eye.
Care After Surgery
After surgery a bandage or shield will be placed over your eye. You will be advised to rest till you are ready to leave.
You should wear protective glasses or an eye shield in the day and an eye patch at night to avoid accidental injury. The doctor will advise you when you can discontinue using them. You can bathe carefully from below your neck but do not wet the operated eye for 10 days. You may gently clean the eyelids with a piece of cotton boiled in water or a sterilized tissue.
Some Important Tips:
- Do not rub the operated eye.
- Do not use any eye cosmetics until the doctor allows it.
- Do not wash your hair until the doctor says you can.
- Shave carefully as soap or water should not enter the eye.
- Avoid any vigorous activity.
- Do not lift heavy things.
- Do not bend or bring your head lower than your waist.
- Avoid driving till your vision improves.
- Avoid sleeping on the operated side.
- No sexual intercourse until permitted by the doctor.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Watch television for short periods only.
Please follow the advice of the doctor about medication and follow-up visits.
Be Alert About Problems:
If you have any of these symptoms that last more than 24 hours, inform the Institute or an ophthalmologist immediately:
- Any sudden change in vision or blurring of vision
- Increase in sensitivity to light
- Increase in redness
- Swelling of the eyelid or bleeding
- Nausea or vomiting
- White or cloudy cornea or pupil
- Persistent discomfort or pain.
Secondary Cataract
Blurred vision, months or years after cataract surgery leads to the mistaken assumption that the cataract has grown again. This is not a cataract but the clouding of the thin capsular bag membrane that helps keep the lens implant in place. To restore clear vision surgeons use a laser to open a visual path through the cloudy membrane. This is a simple procedure and is done on an outpatient basis. No stitches or surgery are needed. Your vision should improve soon after the laser treatment. If you have any concerns or questions ask the doctor when you come for an examination. If you feel you cannot wait, call or email us.
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