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Phaco-Emulsification Cataract Surgery​

WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

“Eyes are our windows to the world.”
If you live long enough, you’ll probably get cataracts, which are an inevitable consequence of getting older. It’s similar to greying of hair’ As frightening as cataracts might sound, modern cataract surgery usually can restore vision lost to cataracts — and often can reduce your dependence on eyeglasses as well.

Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. The human eye can be compared to a camera which gathers, focuses, and transmits light through a lens to create an image on the retina, a thin layer of light sensitive cells at the back of the eye. The lens of the eye bends, or refracts, light that enters the eye. The lens must be clear in order to focus light properly onto the retina. If the lens has become cloudy, this is called a cataract.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CATARACTS?

Early detection and treatment of cataracts is critical to preserving sight.

  • Advanced age
  • Diabetes
  • Extensive exposure to sunlight
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Previous trauma or eye injury
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Long-term use of steroid medication
  • Previous episode of recurrent inflammation (swelling) in the eye

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT?

  • Painless Cloudy, Blurry or Dim Vision
  • More Difficulty Seeing at Night or In Low Light
  • Sensitivity To Light and Glare
  • Seeing Halos Around Lights
  • The Need for Brighter Light for Reading and Other Activities
  • Frequent Changes in Eyeglass or Contact Lens Prescription
  • Double Vision Within One Eye
  • Faded Or Yellowed Colors

How to diagnose cataract?

The only way to know for certain if you have cataracts is to have a dilated eye exam (where your pupil is widened with eye drops). Your ophthalmologist can detect early signs of cataract development by looking at your eye’s lens. Get a baseline exam at age 40 when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. At the end of your examination, the doctor would indicate how often you should return for follow-up exams.  

At any point, if you have symptoms or risks for eye disease, see your doctor. Because your risk for cataracts and other eye diseases increases as you get older, starting at age 65 you should schedule an eye checkup. Every year. A complete eye examination will rule out any other condition that may be causing blurred vision or eye problems.

Corrected, you will be all set to take on the world – and see clearly again.

WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR CATARACT?

A cataract may not need to be removed right away if your lifestyle isn’t significantly affected. In some cases, simply changing your eyeglass prescription may help to improve your vision. Contrary to popular belief, a cataract does not have to be “ripe” to be removed. However, once you are diagnosed with a cataract, your ophthalmologist needs to monitor your vision regularly for any changes.

What is cataract surgery? 

Cataract extraction is the most commonly performed surgical procedure world-wide. Evolving considerably in the last 50 years with micro incision phacoemulsification surgery (MICS) the cataract removal by a surgeon has become more predictable and safer than ever before with rapid recovery when a cataract causes bothersome vision problems that interfere with your daily activities, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to remove the cataract. 

Pre-operative procedure: 

Your eye doctor would ask you to get some blood work up and ECG and other pre-operative investigations done following which you would need to schedule an appointment for your optical biometry, which is when you would be able to discuss different intra ocular lens options which would suit best for your working needs. You can discuss with your doctor, about the cataract surgery procedure, preparation for and recovery after surgery, benefits and possible complications of cataract surgery, cataract surgery costs and other important information. Together, you can decide which cataract surgical package is appropriate for you.

Micro incision cataract surgery – MICS advantages 

Over the years the size of corneal incision made during cataract surgery has considerably reduced leading to improved visual outcome & quicker post procedure recovery for the patient.

  • Requires a very small incision of about 2.2mm or lesser.
  • Walk-in, walk-out procedure.
  • Stitch-less, bloodless, painless surgery.
  • Quick healing and post-operative recovery
  • Cataract is emulsified into small pieces by phacoemulsification and a foldable IOL is implanted