Overview
A cataract is an eye disorder in which the normally clear lens of the eyes becomes cloudy. For people with a cataractous lens, seeing things feels like they are looking through a frosted or fogged-up window. Clouded vision can make reading and driving very difficult. It can be corrected by performing cataract surgery.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat the condition of cataract. In this surgery, the cloudy lens of the eye is removed with an advanced ultrasonic laser and replaced with a foldable artificial lens.
How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?
- It is done as a day care procedure. It takes about 20 – 30 minutes to complete this surgery.
- An eye drop is administered to your eye to dilate the pupil.
- Topical anaesthesiai.e simple anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye
- In rare cases, Local Anaesthesia may be used
- General Anaesthesia is not required
- An ultrasound probe is used to clean up and aspirate the cloudiness of the lens
- Then the clouded lens is aspirated, and a new clear artificial lens is placed into the eyes.
- This is a safe and painless procedure,
Surgical methods used to remove the cataract surgery are:-
- Making a small incision in the eye and removing the cataractouslens in one piece: This is a less commonly used method. It requires a slightly larger ( 5.5mm ) incision. The lens is removed as a whole part through this incision. Only the outer capsule is removed, but the inner capsule is left in place. This inner capsule act as a support for the artificial lens to rest.
- Using ultrasound energy for removing cataract: In this procedure, a micro (very tiny) opening is made into the eye. Aultrasound probe is inserted through this. Then, the cataract is broken using ultrasound, and then aspirated using the suction.
This being a microincision procedure, it requires no stitches or no injection.
What Are The Causes Of Cataract?
There are several reasons for the cause of cataracts:-
- Age factor: People whose age is above 60 years are at a higher risk of getting cataracts.
- Harmful UV rays: Vision can also be affected by overexposure to ultraviolet rays.
- Blood sugar level: Cataract is more likely to affect the person with high or fluctuating sugar levels.
- Eye injury: An eye injury is a serious problem. It can also trigger a cataract or even lead to vision loss.
- Prolonged use of drugs: Cataracts may also be caused by prolonged prescription of some drugs and steroids.
When To See A Doctor For A Cataract?
You must see an eye doctor soon if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:-
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Impaired night vision
- If you are experiencing halo around the light source
- If you require to change your eyeglasses more frequently
- If the colours seem to appear faded
Tips To Keep In Mind During The Recovery Phase
- Always follow up as advised with your doctor after the surgery.
- There is no requirement for eye patch after the surgery.
- Protective glasses are advised to protect eyes from water and dust.
- Your doctor will prescribe you some eye drops and some medicines to prevent the chances of infection after the surgery. These are mainly antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eyedrops.
- Do not miss any follow-up appointments with the doctor. It is the most crucial part of taking care after surgery.
- Avoid touching the eye.
- You might feel a little bit of discomfort after surgery, do not worry.
How Can I Prevent Cataracts?
No studies to date have been proved to slow down the progression and prevent the cataract, but according to doctors, the following methods will be helpful in slowing down the onset of the cataract.
- Quit smoking: Ask your doctor about how to quit smoking. Various medicines and counselling are available for it.
- Have regular eye checkups: You should never skip an appointment for an eye checkup. A routine yearly eye examination is important as it can figure out the various eye problems initially.
- Reduce the intake of alcohol: Excessive intake of alcohol can also trigger cataracts. Hence, reduce the intake of alcohol with immediate effect.
- Wear sunglasses: Ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun can also trigger the cataract condition. Therefore, wearing sunglasses is beneficial in preventing cataracts.