Cataract is a change in the clarity of the natural lens inside the eye that gradually degrades visual quality. The natural lens sits behind the colored part of the eye (iris) in the area of the pupil, and cannot be directly seen with the naked eye unless it becomes extremely cloudy. The lens plays a crucial role in focusing unimpeded light on the retina at the back of the eye. The retina transforms light to a neurologic signal that the brain interprets as vision. Significant cataracts block and distort light passing through the lens, causing visual symptoms and complaints.
Do I have cataract? If you are above 40 and have blurred vision for distance and near despite glasses, you might have cataract. You might experience glare (specially from the headlights of oncoming vehicles while driving), faint appearance of bright colors, decreased vision in bright light and sunlight as compared to indoors and sometimes multiple images of bright objects like bulb, tube-light or the moon.
can cataract develop at early age? It can develop at any age ,right from birth till very old age. Development of cataract is related to many factors including, nutrition, exposure to sunlight and UV radiation, hereditary factors and smoking
What is Phaco Technique? Cataract surgery today is typically performed using a micro-incisional procedure called Phaco-emulsification. To the patient, this means minimal discomfort during or after surgery, a more speedy recovery of vision, and reduced risk of induced astigmatism. This means less dependence on glasses afterwards. It is typically done through an incision about 2.8 millimeters in size – just about one-eighth of an inch.It can now be done as small as 2.2 mm with latest phaco machine. Because of the careful construction of this incision, and its small size, the incision is generally self-sealing. This translates to a “no-stitch” type operation. Phaco needle is introduced through the opening and ultrasonic vibrations are used to break the cataract into smaller fragments which are sucked out through this needle. An artificial lens called a foldable Intra-Ocular lens is now injected through this small opening. Once inside the eye, it opens up and serves to replace the original lens.
How is this technique better than conventional technique? The main advantages of Phaco are that a person has a good vision the very next day and may resume routine activities also the very next day.It does not require longer post operative care and precautions. A person may now accomplish routine activities without spectacles, however a little spectacle correction may be required for fine focusing for distance and near.
Do I have to wait till my cataract becomes white (mature )? A: No You don’t have to wait till maturity of cataract.The timing for surgery varies from patient to patient. You should opt for the surgery the moment the existing vision hampers your quality of life.In fact, with the modern phaco machines and surgery, it is advisable not to wait for too long as the cataract then becomes hard in density and the surgery is more difficult as compared to soft cataracts.our centre is equipped with the latest and most updated,”Infinity” Phaco machine from Alcon Lab., USA with advanced ozil technique for tortional phaco and Operating microscope“Lumera I “ from Carl Zeiss, Germany, which aid in tracking the minutest of the changes while operating.
Do I still need glasses after surgery if I have an IOL (lens) implanted inside my eye? The commonly used monofocal IOLs can provide spectacle free vision for either distance or near. We usually aim to give spectacle free vision for distance and the patient then has to wear reading glasses like other people of that age group. Multi-focal IOLs are now available which because of their special design can provide spectacle free vision for both distance and near. However, even with these IOL sometimes glasses may be required for very fine work. At our center, we have the facilities and the accreditation to implant these multifocal IOLs.
What are the different type of IOLs available.? A: Basically IOLs are either foldable or non-foldable. The foldable IOls can be implanted through a very small incision as they unfold to their full size inside the eye. So, there is no need for any suture and the patient can see clearly immediately after the surgery. Non-foldable IOLs are implanted through a bigger incision and therefore may need sutures.The big difference being very low rate of after cataract (jhilli) with the use of foldable lenses. Among the foldable ones the hydrophobic acrylic materials score much better than others Some other differences like the ability to block blue light etc. are best discussed with your doctor. Also the difference between monofocal and multifocal IOLs is as discussed above.
Can the cataract recur after surgery? A: Cataract does not recur after surgery but the membrane on which the IOL is placed may thicken after surgery causing blurred vision. This can easily be cured by a laser procedure done in the OPD. Such after cataracts commonly develop between 1 and 5 years after surgery.