When the lens in the eye becomes clouded, the result is cataract. Cataract caused by old age (most commonly) or other reasons affects the clarity and the visual acuity. The lens starts losing its transparency and becomes opaque. Cataract is the most common cause of vision impairment and blindness in the world.
Senile cataract is by far the most common type of cataract. Senile cataract can be compared to getting wrinkles and turning grey. Due to an ageing population, this type of cataract is on the increase.
Time for cataract surgery depends on many factors including your quality of life, your occupational needs, personal health, grading of cataract, associated complications (if any), etc. With treatment, chances are good that you will recover quickly and experience a much better quality of life. Patients with cataract should ask their doctors about it sooner rather than later. If your eye doctor recommends that you wait, ask him his reasons for suggesting this. He may have a legitimate concern about your health that you need to address.
Your doctor can help you decide the best time to have surgery if you develop cataracts. For some people, despite their age, cataracts remain a minor problem. If cataracts do impair the quality of your life you need to address the problem.
Cataract is treated by surgery. An eye surgeon will remove your cloudy lens and in most cases, replace it with a clear, man-made focusing lens (intraocular lens implant, or IOL). The replacement lens implant remains permanently inside your eye and does not degrade.
Cataract surgery is usually a day case procedure, which means that you will go home on the day of your operation. However, you may wish to arrange for someone to stay overnight with you at home on the day of surgery.
Apart from conventional surgical methods, the most advanced technology PHACOEMULSIFICATION is the most preferred mode of treatment. It is highly safe, easy, efficient and restores good vision as compared to conventional methods.
YES. 99.9 % cases are performed under local or topical anesthesia. Rare cases may require general anesthesia.
The potential risks associated with cataract surgery are very rare. However, they include blindness, hemorrhage, infection, glaucoma, retinal detachment, capsule tear and vitreous displacement, wound dehiscence and iris prolapse, cystoid macular oedema, deterioration in diabetic retinopathy and intraocular lens implant dislocation. Some patients may require further surgery following cataract surgery.
NO. At present only surgical correction is the measure to treat cataract.
Most patients see clearly within a day or two after cataract surgery. A few patients may have blurred vision in the initial 1-2 weeks due to slower healing responses which improves over a period of a few weeks.
YES. Jharkhand Eye Bank Hospital & Research Centre is recognized and listed in the panel of various insurance companies, corporates and government offices. You can avail insurance from them.
A variety of IOLs are available. The selection of IOL depends on the status of the cataract, patients needs, doctors recommendation and insurance packages. Counsellors provide the patient with complete information prior to cataract surgery.
Yes. A few medications will be started following your cataract surgery which will speed up healing and recovery. It is very essential that you instill these medications as per the doctor’s advice.
Avoid touching or rubbing the operated eye.
>> Avoid lifting heavy loads like buckets etc.
>> Do not wash your face or hair for at least 15 days.
>> Avoid going out into the sunlight without dark glasses
>> Avoid smoke, dust and injury.
>> Do not sleep on the operated side for a week.
Normally, people do not need glasses except for close work like reading or needle work. After about 6 weeks of surgery, you will be provided with glasses (if required).
