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Cataract Surgery
What is Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye and leads to vision loss. This is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is also the main cause of blindness in the world. So it’s important to recognize the symptoms and get the right treatment for cataract.
Possible Causes of Cataract
When proteins accumulate in the lens of your eye, it makes your vision cloudy and blurred, a common occurrence in older people. While age is a major cause, there are other cataract causes too:
- Congenital: Some babies are born with cataracts due to infection, injury, or poor development in the womb.
- Secondary: Other medical conditions, like diabetes may be responsible for cataract.
- Other factors: Toxic substances, ultraviolet light, radiation, some medicines such as corticosteroids or diuretics may cause cataract.
- Trauma: An injury to the eye may result in cataract.
Risk Factors of Cataract
The following factors increase the risk of developing a cataract:
- Ageing.
- Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
- Habits of smoking and drinking excessive alcohol.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight.
- History of eye injury or surgery.
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.
Signs & Symptoms of Cataract
When your vision becomes fuzzy and you can’t bear the sunlight, it’s time to get yourself checked for cataract, especially if you’re getting on in age. Cataracts take their time in appearing and you may not notice them until they start blocking light.
Typical cataract symptoms are:
- Vision that’s cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy.
- You see double and sometimes objects appear to have a halo around them.
- Problems driving at night and with glare during the day.
- Colours look dull.
Cataract Diagnosis
The diagnostic tests begin with an eye test to gauge your vision, then our ophthalmologist will dilate your pupils with eye-drops to check your eye more carefully. You can have all the necessary diagnostics conveniently done at Medcare:
Visual acuity test using an eye chart to measure how well you can read a series of letters. Slit-lamp examination allows your doctor to view your cornea, iris, lens and the space between your iris and cornea minutely under the intense light of the slit-lamp to detect small anomalies, if any.
Your eye doctor can examine your lens for signs of a cataract. Retinal examination using an ophthalmoscope enables your eye doctor to examine your lens for signs of a cataract.
Cataract Surgery & Treatment Options
When your vision starts getting foggy, you’re unable to drive at night and you can’t read in spite of prescription glasses, you will have to check with your ophthalmologist to know what’s wrong.
Once the diagnosis is done, the eye specialist will explain the cataract treatment to you. Often, surgery is the only option. During cataract surgery, the Medcare eye specialist will remove your lens and replace it with an intraocular lens.
Cataract surgery is usually a safe procedure and the risk of infection or bleeding are low. There will be some discomfort, but complete healing happens within two weeks.
FAQs:
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Can cataract be prevented?
A: Since cataracts are common as you age, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly. If you have a family history of eye problems, you should be careful with your eyes. An annual eye check-up is recommended after the age of fifty years.
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Can my cataract symptoms be treated?
A: If you are young and have cataract, sometimes, a prescription for new glasses may improve vision. Your eye specialist may suggest that you use anti-glare sunglasses and use brighter indoor lighting when you’re working. These may help with your cataract symptoms.
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What happens during a cataract surgery?
A: During cataract surgery, your eye specialist uses local anaesthetic to numb the area around your eye. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens. It’s quite safe and there is no requirement of staying in the hospital. Book your appointment at Medcare to see our specialist in eye care.
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Can you get rid of cataracts without surgery?
A: Cataract surgery is the most common and quickest way to get rid of a cataract. The surgery removes the clouded lens from the eye and replaces it with a clear synthetic lens. The procedure is safe, and the patient sees a marked difference within just a few weeks of surgery.
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Can I cure cataract without surgery?
A: There are natural remedies to slow down the progression of cataract, such as changing your prescription glasses, but cataract surgery remains the only way to treat it completely. However, there is a lot of research being done worldwide to look for an alternative, such as eye drops that dissolve cataract.
Are you suffering from blurred vision? Visit a Medcare specialist today to get an accurate diagnosis.
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What will happen if a cataract is left untreated?
A: Most people get used to the blurred vision that comes with cataract, but partial vision is not the only problem that accompanies the condition. There are other effects of cataract that can lead to complications.
If left untreated, the cataract can become hyper mature, which could cause complications during surgery later, and may even lead to blindness. Other effects of an untreated cataract include blurriness, loss of colour definition, night vision issues, sensitivity to sunlight, double vision and haziness. While the progressive worsening of cataract is slow, it is recommended to get the catarct surgery done during the initial stages itself.
Delaying a cataract surgery can have severe complications and even lead to blindness. Visit a Medcare specialist today to get your cataract removed.
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How painful is cataract surgery?
A: While cataract surgery is considered to be a painless procedure, some patients do experience mild discomfort. Since people have a heightened sense of fear when it comes to eye procedures, they may even feel phantom pain.
The surgeon takes various steps, such as administering proparacaine to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the dilating eye drops which are used at the start of the procedure. Additionally, if there is any discomfort or pain during the process, your surgeon will take appropriate steps to reduce it. Some patients may also experience itching or mild discomfort a few days after the procedure. In such cases, it is ideal to consult your doctor about painkillers.
Don’t let the fear of pain keep you from getting a crystal clear vision. Visit a Medcare specialist today for a consultation.
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How long does cataract surgery last?
A: Typically, routine cataract surgery does not take more than twenty to thirty minutes. During the procedure, the clouded lens of your eye is replaced with a clear synthetic lens. While the procedure lasts only a few minutes, you may need to stay in the recovery room for about an hour until the effects of anaesthesia to wear off.
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What can I expect after the surgery?
A: You may feel tired and experience blurry vision for a few days after the cataract surgery. So, it is a good idea to get some rest and protect your eyes from bright environments and glare to ensure a quick and healthy recovery.
If you’re experiencing clouded vision, you could be developing a cataract. Visit a Medcare Specialist today for an accurate diagnosis.
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Is laser cataract surgery better?
A: Laser-assisted cataract surgery is perceived to be marginally better than traditional cataract surgery since it comes with a higher level of precision. It is also considered a better option for patients suffering from eye conditions, such as astigmatism.
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Is laser cataract surgery safe for me?
A: Possibly the most common concern patients have is the safety of the procedure. Laser treatment is safer when compared to traditional cataract surgery which uses a scalpel. Doctors performing laser surgery also have a better understanding of your condition due to mapping done before the procedure. However, it is vital to pick a doctor that has experience with the surgery.
Looking to get rid of your cataract? Visit a Medcare eye specialist today for a consultation.
