Cataract intoduction

Cataract prevention – myth?

While there's no concrete proof on what could reduce the risk of cataract, there's no harm in practicing a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids along with some exercise and ample sleep. If not reducing the risk of cataract, there's a good chance that your quality of life will be greatly improved with these minor inclusions in your routine!

Cataract surgery costs - what to expect?

Cataract surgeries can cost you depending on the type of IOL you are opting for. Our counsellors will be able to help you with details pertaining to the benefits of each lens type and the one that will suit you best.
A cataract may develop slowly over years or rapidly within months. Often the other eye will also be affected. There are no medications, eye drops or dietary restrictions that can cure or prevent cataract formation. If the cataract interferes with your regular activities the only solution is surgery.

Planning for Surgery

It is not necessary for the cataract to mature fully or for the vision to become totally cloudy before scheduling surgery. You and your ophthalmologist should jointly decide on the time for surgery. Be sure to inform your doctor about any medications or herbal remedies that you may be using.
Prior to your surgery, you will need to undergo some routine medical and blood tests. An A-scan will help the doctor determine the power of the new lens to be implanted in your eye.
Though the success rate for cataract surgery is almost 98%, sometimes there may be unavoidable complications depending on the internal anatomical variations.. Most of these complications are minor and can be rectified. Your doctor will advise you about any specific issues related to your case.

The Surgery

Phacoemulsification: In the operating room, Sterile drapes will be placed around your head and face with only the eye exposed. Usually a local anesthetic in the form of topical drops or an injection is administered next to the eye.
The actual surgery lasts about 30 minutes.

In this method a tiny instrument is inserted through a very small incision. The instrument uses ultrasound vibrations to break the cataract into fine pieces; these are then gently suctioned out. The new lens is then inserted into the eye. Usually no stitches are required to close the incision. This minimal surgery allows faster and safer healing, hastening your return to normal activity.
Your doctor will select the method of surgery that is most suitable for your case.

Care After Surgery

After surgery a gauze pad will be placed over your eye overnight. You should wear protective glasses to avoid accidental injury for a week. You can bathe carefully from below your neck but do not wet the operated eye for 7 days. You may gently clean the eyelids with a piece of cotton boiled in water or a sterilized tissue.

With the Sovereign Phaco Micro Incision Cataract Surgery system, cataract can be removed through a very small incision of 2.4 mm. The visual recovery is faster. There is minimal trauma to the ocular tissue. The patient can return to his normal activities within 24-48 hrs of the surgery.

What Is Cataract?
The human crystalline lens, which is clear and transparent, is part of the focusing mechanism of the eye. With the age, the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, thereby hampering normal vision. This is called "CATARACT or "SAFED MOTIA"

What causes Cataract?
Ageing is the most common cause. Other causes include congenital anomalies, trauma, injury or inflammation of the eye, metabolic diseases like Diabetes, Hypothyroidism etc. In early cataract vision is blurred. When advanced, the cataract may cause blindness (reversible by surgery, if done in time)

Frequent changes in eye glasses prescription

What are the treatment options for Cataract?
Surgery is the only course of treatment for cataract. There are options available for cataract surgery:

What is the recommended treatment for Cataract?
With phacoemulsification and implantation of foldable intraocular lens (IOL), treatment of cataract has become very sophisticated yet simple. The procedure is safe, accurate and leads to rapid recovery. Thus, phacoemulsification with foldable lens implant is the most recommended treatment for cataract.

When to go for Cataract removal?
Cataract should be removed as soon as it begins to affect daily activities. With any of the mentioned symptoms setting in, it is the right time to go for cataract removal. DO NOT WAIT FOR THE CATARACT TO GET MATURE as unnecessary delay can lead to avoidable complications and a more difficult surgery. Cataract surgery can be undertaken successfully in any season. Summers or rainy season have absolutely no effect on the outcome of the cataract surgery.

Will I need glasses after phaco surgery? You may need to wear glasses only to fine – tune your vision, usually for near work.

Can a cataract grow back?
No. However, 10-50% of cases may develop a membranous opacity (posterior capsular opacification or after cataract) behind the lens causing a slow deterioration of vision. This can be easily removed by laser treatment as a simple outdoor procedure.

What is the life of the IOLs?
Once the IOL is implanted in your eye, it is the part of your body for whole life.

Which IOL one should opt for during cataract surgery?
Once the IOL is implanted in your eye, it is the part of your body for whole life. There are different types of lenses, depending on the manufacturer and the material of the IOL, the price of the surgery may vary.

A detailed discussion with your doctor will help you decide which lens best fits your needs..