Best Cataract Surgery that clears the cloudy vision.

What is cataract surgery ? How do doctors rectify it ? 

Cataract seems to be a horrifying term but doctors usually recommend it when a person is unable to see clearly. It is categorized as an age-related disorder of the eye. An eye specialist recommends cataract surgery when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and a person’s vision becomes blurry. The eye lens is situated behind the iris & pupil. It functions to help you focus on the objects of varying distances away from the affected person.

The white cloudiness on the lens happens because of the clumping of proteins. It forms a white opaque film on the eye lens and prevents the light from passing through and reaching the retina. it is impossible that this blurry vision can be corrected through medication or eyeglasses. Don’t get frightened as science has done such an advancement that is the easiest surgery that takes around 10-15 minutes to complete and the process is also not painful.

During cataract eye surgery, the team of cataract eye specialist doctors replaces the damaged eye lens with an artificial lens or intraocular lens to successfully restore clear vision. 

Why does a cataract develop ?

There are several reasons for the development of cataracts: 

• Age factor: people who are older than 60 years of age are likely to be at risk.

• Harmful UV rays: overexposure to the UV rays can also affect the vision and develops into a cataract.

• Drugs effectuated: prolonged usage of steroids or prescription drugs may lead to cataract.

• Blood sugar level/ diabetes: People who have diabetes are more likely to develop a cataract.

• Eye injury: an eye injury can also cause cataracts or complete vision loss.

Don’t delay and go for the cataract surgery treatment if you experience the following signs:

• Blurry vision.

• Impaired night vision.

• Double vision.

• The colors seem to be faded.

• Easily affected to glare & bright lights.

• Halation around lights.

• Rapid need to change eyeglasses.

Cataract usually develops as a person gets older and they may get worse gradually if you avoid the treatment. A cataract is recommended when it noticeably affects the vision. It causes trouble while doing daily errands like reading, driving, seeing anything in bright light.

Things to remember after cataract surgery :

After surgery, a person will be happy to see that vision has started to improve than before within a matter of a few days. But if you initially feel that vision is still somewhat blurry or wavy, don’t panic. It is normal, as sometimes the eyes take time to heal and adjust to the new vision. A brownish or yellow-tinted cataract makes the vision fade and the colors muted. The colors will appear to be brighter when the person sees through the new lens after the surgery.

Points to be noted at the recovery stage :

 

• Stay in touch with your doctor. Follow-up is of utmost importance. After a day or two after the surgery, the doctor calls for follow-up, visits them as per schedule.

• Doubtful about surgery, if your eyes feel itchy after surgery? Oh, don’t be! It is normal to feel a few mild discomforts.

• Avoid touching the eye.

• This will be a topical eye surgery with no injection, No stitches and No pain.

• No eye patch is required after the surgery.

• Doctors usually prescribe eye drops and some medications to prevent infection, reduce inflammation & control eye pressure. Take them on time.

• Scratchiness, sensations, dry eyes, or itchiness will go away. In the majority of cases, the healing process gets completed within one weeks. In case you feel any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

1. Vision loss.

2. Continuous pain.

3. Increased redness in the eye.

4. Light flashes.

5. Multiple floaters in the line of vision.

• Doctors suggest the person wear post-operative sunglasses for some time. It protects your eyes from sunlight & other bright lights till the time the eye recovers. The doctor will also let you know when to stop wearing glasses after a proper eye examination.

• Do not attempt to drive until and unless you have visited your doctor and he or she confirms that you are safe to drive.

• Avoid heavy lifting and back-breaking activities.

• Don’t involve in any kind of activity that might cause stress to the eye during the healing process.

• Keep your eyes closed while taking shower.

• Avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.

• Stay away from any activity that will expose your eye to dust, grime, or any other infectious contaminants. 

Want to know the cost of surgery? The average cost of cataract surgery in India is usually between Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 1,25,000. However, the prices may vary depending upon the lens opted.

 

Dr. Shilpi Gang
MBBS (Gold Medalist), MD (AIIMS, NEW DELHI), Fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow, U.K.
PHACO, CORNEA, FEMTO, GLAUCOMA & REFRACTIVE (Q-LASIK, ICL & BIOPTICS)

 

Dr. Shilpi Gang is the co-founder and CEO of ASG EYE HOSPITALS. ASG Eye Hospital has a network of 44 eye Hospitals across 33 cities of India.