Cataract Treatment

Cataract is the term used to describe a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Nearly everyone will develop cataracts at some point. Typically, a cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving or watching TV.
Removing the cataract and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant (IOL) will remove the cloudiness and help restore the focusing power the eye had before the cataract formed.

Cataract Removal And Lens Implantation
When cataract surgery is performed, most of the natural lens of the eye is removed but most of the capsule or membrane that surrounds the lens is left in place. This capsule helps to keep the fluids behind the lens undisturbed and also holds the intraocular lens (IOL).

Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification, or phaco. A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. It is a no stitch small incision cataract surgery. IOL (Intra Ocular Lens) is implanted and the surgery is completed without any stitch. The Incision is only 2.2mm - 2.8mm long.
After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, acrylic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.

Surgical Options

Intraocular Lens (IOL)
Although all intraocular lenses are used to restore clarity of vision, there are many intraocular lens choices available to patients today.

• Standard lens implants are monofocal, meaning they are designed to correct the vision at one focal length. If a patient chooses to have IOLs implanted that correct for distance vision in both eyes, they will most likely need glasses to read. Some patients opt for an IOL that corrects their vision for distance in one eye and an IOL that corrects their vision for near in the other eye.
  
• Premium IOLs include the presbyopia-correcting IOLs. The decision to use these lenses must be made on an individual basis.
• Toric intraocular lenses are used for those patients with astigmatism. Astigmatism refers to an irregularity in the curvature of the cornea. Toric IOLs are designed to correct distance vision and astigmatism.
• Extended depth of focus lenses are a new type of intraocular lens that use an entirely new design concept to allow for an extended range of good vision with a high probability of spectacle independence. This is accompanied by a less chances of photic phenomena, such as halos and glare.

Our State-Of-The-Art Equipment  for Cataract Treatment

• Oertli Faros Phacoemulsification System (Switzerland)
• Phacoemulsification - Alcon Centurion Silver Phaco System (USA)
• Leica 822 Operating Microscope (Germany)
• Optical Biometer (Tomey, Japan)
• Nd YAG laser for capsulotomy
• A-scan (France)
• Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy (Zeiss, Germany)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How would I know whether I Need Cataract Surgery?
You would require Cataract surgery if you develop one or more of the following symptoms:

• Blurry vision or double vision- having trouble seeing things clearly. Your cataracts make it difficult to see things in the background or the distance, making you   more likely to trip or have an accident.
• Difficulty in seeing or driving at night-  seeing more glare or halos surrounding lights.
• Less colourful view and/or Sensitivity to light- making it difficult to do everyday things.
• Various changes in prescription glasses.

Does Cataract develop only in older people?
No, cataracts can happen to people of any age, though older people are more likely to have them. Cataracts can be caused by many things, like Ageing, Injury to eye, family history, exposure to UV lights, and prolonged use of medicines such as steroids or having certain medical conditions such as Diabetes.

Can Cataract develop in children?
Unfortunately, Yes some children can develop Cataract. The condition is known as Congenital Cataract. If you see any white reflux in your child’s eye, schedule a visit with ophthalmologist for the complete investigations.

How much time does a cataract surgery usually take?
Standard Cataract surgery usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, but the exact time varies according to the case and the technique being used. A cataract surgery is a day care procedure and the patient can return home the same day. However, patients may spend some time at the Hospital for pre-operative preparation and postoperative monitoring.

What things can I safely do the next Day?
You can do most of the things you feel like doing, including walking, driving, light exercise and stretching. If you work at a desk in an office, you can return to work. For the first few weeks, avoid strenuous activities (running, lifting more than 10 pounds), deep bending, rubbing the eye, wearing eye makeup, and swimming. There are no restrictions in reading, watching TV, using your phone, tablet device, computer, etc. but your eyes may tire more easily during these activities

How well can I see the next day?
Expect your vision to be blurry at first. Also your vision may change from time to time during the day. Your vision will improve over the next few days as your eyes adjust to working together. Your rate of healing may be faster or slower than that of others.

Will I need to use medications?
You will be prescribed eye drops to help healing and prevent infection or inflammation. Follow the instructions carefully. Take help of a family member or friend to put the medicine in your eye. If you have pain that is not relieved by the medicine prescribed, call us.

Will I need glasses after Cataract Surgery?
Yes, with Monofocal IOL's you will need glasses for near and for distance maybe.
• With Toric IOL's you will need glasses for reading only.
• With Multifocal or Accommodative IOL's your dependency on glasses will be minimal.

Is cataract surgery covered under insurance & cashless schemes?
In most states of India including Punjab, several private health insurances cover cataract surgeries. Some government schemes also cover partial or complete cataract surgery costs depending on the Hospital’s location and the selection of an IOL lens.

Can I have a bath after my Cataract Surgery?
Most people are told to avoid getting water in their eyes for a few days after Cataract Surgery to reduce the risk of infection and other problems. So, it’s best to wait at least a few days after Surgery to take a head bath or shower or until your doctor tells you it’s okay to return to your regular routine. Your eye doctor will guide you with specific instructions on postoperative eye care, such as when it is safe to bathe or shower.

Is a patient awake during cataract surgery?
Usually, cataract surgery involves local anaesthesia, meaning the patient is awake but won’t feel any pain. During Surgery, eye drops or an injection of anaesthesia are used to numb the eye, and the patient may also be given a sedative to help them calm down. Even if the patient is awake during cataract surgery, their eye is usually covered with a sterile drape, so they can’t see what’s happening. But it’s possible they can see the light and movement. So with a microscope, the surgeon will look inside the eye and remove the cloudy lens.

Is there any Medicine/Drops to prevent or cure Cataract?
Although research is currently underway, no preventive measures are known for cataract that develops with age. No diet, drugs or medicine have been proven to delay or cure the cataract. The only treatment is surgical. Cataract surgery is a safe surgical procedure, with the appropriate lens implant; the surgery has restored sight for millions.
We at Sood Eye Care, have World Class Equipment and  highly Experienced Surgeons for the treatment and management of Cataract Procedures . To schedule an Appointment, Contact on +91 872 598 7940

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