Cataract is a form of
eye disease in which the eye lens becomes
cloudy, blocking the passage of light. As a
result, everything looks blurred and hazy.
Eventually, if left untreated, Cataract may cloud the eye lens
completely, leading to total loss of vision.
WHAT
ARE THESYMPTOMS OF CATARACT?
common symptoms of Cataract are:
Cloudy or blurred vision
Double
vision
Altered colour perception
Decreased contrast sensitivity
Problems with light such as headlights that
seem too bright at night, glare from lamps or
the sun, or haloes around lights
Frequent changes in spectacle power
WHO
CAN GET AFFECTED BY CATARACT
Though Cataract usually affects the vision of old people, it can
happen to anyone, irrespective of their age, it
can occur post trauma or along with other
diseases. In some instances, infants may be born
with Cataract (Congenital Cataract) and adolescents or
adults may develop it in early stages of their
life (Developmental Cataract).
IS
CATARACT TREATABLE?
Although no medical treatment is identified
for Cataract, it can be treated
with
surgery.
WHEN
DO I NEED CATARACT TREATMENT?
In the initial phases of Cataract, the vision can be
improved by changing the lens power, But when
you feel that the glasses are not enough or your
day-to-day activity cannot be performed with
accuracy, surgery may be required. Also, you
need not wait for Cataract to
mature; you can get the surgery done
anytime.
DOES
LONG DELAY IN SURGERY CAUSES ANY
PROBLEM?
Cataract grows if the
surgery is delayed for longer time. This
not
only makes the surgery difficult but can also
lead to some
complications like glaucoma,
inflammation
etc.
WHAT
ARE THE SURGICAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR
CATARACT?
Cataract can be treated
surgically in two ways:
■
Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) with
stitches
•
Phacoemulsification (without
stitches)
WHAT
IS PHACOEMULSIFICATION AND WHAT HAPPENS DURING
THE PROCEDURE?
Phacoemulsification or Phaco is one of
the most advanced techniques of Cataract extraction, in which a
small incision (2 - 3 mm) is made in the
affected eye. In this procedure. the ultrasound
vibrations are used to break the Cataract into smaller pieces
that are subsequently sucked out with vacuum.
Thereafter, a new intraocular lens (IOL) is
fixed into the eye. The procedure does not
involve any stitches, which means lesser post
operative care.
WHAT
IS AN INTRA- OCULAR LENS (IOL) ?
Phacoemulsification or Phaco is one of
the most advanced techniques of Cataract extraction, in which a
small incision (2 - 3 mm) is made in the
affected eye. In this procedure. the ultrasound
vibrations are used to break the Cataract into smaller pieces
that are subsequently sucked out with vacuum.
Thereafter, a new intraocular lens (IOL) is
fixed into the eye. The procedure does not
involve any stitches, which means lesser post
operative care.
WHAT
ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF lOLs?
At Artemis, we are providing the best lOLs
which i ncl ude: ■
Non-Foldable and Foldable
Aberration Free Aspheric IOL
Multifocal lOL's: Lenses with power for both
distance and near
Toric lOLs: To correct pre-existing
cylindrical number
IS
THIS PROCEDURE PAINLESS?
As
Phacoemulsification is a minimally invasive
procedure, it is painless as compared with other
procedures. You are given topical anaesthesia,
which is administered in the form of drops. It
does not involve any injection, except in some
special cases. After the procedure, you may feel
some discomfort in the eyes that is treated with
eye drops,
DOES
THIS PROCEDURE REQUIRE ANY POSTOPERATIVE
CARE
The post-operative care is minimal since
there are no stitches involved. This means, it
is not followed by bandages, green shades, dark
glasses etc. Further, there are no specific
instructions for bathing, eating and other
day-to-day activities. The doctor just
prescribes eye drops for 4 - 6 weeks after the
procedure.
WHAT
ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PHACOEMULSIFICATION
PROCEDURE?
Since Phacoemulsification is a
minimally invasive procedure, the pain and
discomfort are negligible. You can get back to
your normal day-to-day activities immediately
after the procedure
