Cataract is not a problem as it once was. For most people with poor vision from cataract, the prospects of regaining good vision and resuming normal daily activities are excellent.

What is Cataract?

The term cataract is used to describe the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The vision dims because the cataract prevents light from passing beyond the lens and focusing on the retina.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Common symptoms of a cataract:

• Painless blurring of vision
• Glare or light sensitivity
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription.
• Poor night vision
• Double vision in one eye
• Fading colours

Common misconceptions cleared:

• Cataract is not a film over the surface of the eye
• It is not caused by overusing the eyes
• Not infectious, will not spread from one eye to the other, nor a cancer
• Not a cause of irreversible blindness

What causes Cataract?

The most common type is related to aging and referred to as a senile cataract. Other common causes are:

• Family history
• Medical problems such as diabetes
• Long-term use of medications such as steroids
• Congenital injury to the eye
• Previous eye surgerye
• Long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight

How is Cataract detected?

A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist detects the presence and the extent of a cataract. Other conditions that could additionally compromise vision can also be detected, particularly problems involving the cornea, retina or the optic nerve.

How fast does a Cataract develop?

Cataract development varies among individuals and may even vary between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with the aging process develop over years. Cataracts in younger patients and in those with diabetes may develop rapidly.

What is the treatment of Cataract?

Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. No dietary supplements, medications, exercises or optical devices have been proven to prevent or cure cataract. However, if the symptoms of cataract are mild, a change of spectacle prescription is all that is needed.

When should surgery be done?

Surgery should be considered when the cataract causes visual disturbance enough to interfere with daily activities. Based on these needs and the examination findings, the patient and the ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate. Cataracts need not to be mature ('ripe') before removal. Today cataract surgery has the means to remove an immature cataract and a mature ('ripe') cataract.

What should I expect from a Cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a microscopic surgery usually performed under local anaesthesia. The cloudy lens is removed leaving its capsule behind, within which a permanent intraocular lens is implanted. The refractive power of the implanted lens is calculated so that there is a minimal need for post-operative spectacle prescription. However, glasses will be required for near work.

After cataract surgery, one may return almost immediately to all but the most strenuous activities. Medication must be administered as per the instructions of the surgeon. Your surgeon will tell you when you may return to work. Conventional cataract surgery, which involves removal of the lens in one piece, results in an incision size of 10-12 mm and closure of this large incision with multiple stitches. This has been replaced with the modern technique of cataract removal [phacoemulsification

What is Phacoemulsification?

Phacoemulsification is a micro-incision technique of cataract surgery wherein an ultrasound probe breaks the cataract into tiny pieces and sucks them out. If a foldable implant is inserted the incision size is smaller (2.8 - 3.0 mm) as compared to an approximately 5 mm incision to accommodate a non-foldable lens. Both incisions are self-sealing and need no stitches. We will help you decide as to which lens should suit you best.

What are benefits of Phacoemulsification?

The wound is smaller [resulting in faster healing and visual rehabilitation], the surgical time is reduced, and no stitches are required. There is minimal or no post-operative discomfort and a quick return to your normal routine.

Can Cataract be treated with Medicines? Is there any Laser Treatment for Cataract?

Cataract is an age related problem. Just like we cannot stop our bodies from ageing, we cannot stop the effects that it has on our eyes, one of them being cataract, which is a cloudy change in the lens matter itself. Since this occurs in the lens of the eye, no medication stops the progress of the cataract.

There is no medical or laser treatment other than replacing this lens. The cataract is dissolved using waves from an equipment called 'phaco', usually called "laser cataract surgery" although there is no actual use of the laser. This is so because there are no stitches put today. But it does involve entering the eye, and involves, replacing diseased lens with a new artificial lens.

Today, this procedure is done very simply, pain free, no injections required, no IV lines, no stitches and also no anaesthesia which is injected in the eye. The anaesthesia is in the form of eye drops as this process does not take more than 15 mins.