What Is A Cataract SURGERY?
Cataract is defined as the clouding of the eye’s natural clear lens. The lens focuses light rays on the retina to produce a sharp image.
When the lens becomes cloudy, light rays cannot pass through it easily, and vision is blurred.
Common Symptoms of Cataract
- Cloudy vision without causing any eye pain.
- Sensitive to light or particularly bright lights.
- Difficulty seeing or driving at night.
- Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
- Difficulty while reading, need brighter light to see clearly.
- Objects or colors may appear faded or yellowish.
No medications, eye drops, exercises, or glasses can cause cataracts to disappear or can prevent their formation; surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. When you are no longer able to see well enough to do your routine day-to-day work, cataract surgery should be considered. In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye through a surgical incision. The natural lens is replaced with a permanent IOL implant. No medication, dietary supplements, or exercise has been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
BEFORE SURGERY
To determine if your cataract should be removed, your ophthalmologist (eye M.D.) will perform a thorough eye examination. Before surgery, your eye will be measured to determine the appropriate power of the IOL that should be placed in your eye. Ask your ophthalmologist if you should continue taking your usual medications before surgery. Additionally, make arrangements to have someone drive you home after surgery.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis either in a hospital or at an ambulatory surgery center.When you arrive for surgery, you will be administered eye drops and perhaps, a mild sedative to help make you comfortable. A local anesthetic will numb your eye. The skin around the eye will then be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your head. You may be able to see light and movement, but not the surgery while it is happening.Under an operating microscope, a small incision is made in the eye. In most cataract surgeries, tiny surgical instruments are used to break apart and remove the cloudy lens from the eye. The back membrane of the lens (called the posterior capsule) is usually left in place.A plastic, acrylic, or silicone IOL is then implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens.After the surgery is completed, your doctor may place a shield over your eye. After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be allowed to go home.
There are various kind of lenses/IOLs available for your choosing.
- Monofocal lenses
- Bifocal lenses
- Trifocal and Multifocal Lenses
- Extended Depth of Focus lenses (EDOF)
- Toric Lenses for Monofocal, Trifocal and Extended depth of focus lenses.
Various considerations have to be given when choosing the Lens for yourself. Cataract surgery is a one time surgery and the lenses which you choose are an Investment. The lenses which are implanted in your eyes today shall remain with you for the remainder of your life. Hence consider the following things before you embark on your visual rehabilitation journey.
Monofocal lenses are the ones which focus onto one distance only. Which means that if you have a monofocal IOL implanted in your eye, you shall be see either the distant vision or near vision. You will require glasses for focusing onto the other distance. These are time tested lenses which have been used from the very first time lenses were implanted in the eye. Good quality monofocal lenses can really give you superior quality vision and contrast.
Multifocal/Trifocal lenses are based on newer technology and have the ability to provide clear vision at all distances (Near, Intermediate & Far) without the need or assistance of glasses. They are usually preferred in people who don’t drive or have office based work. Patients who wish to go for long distance driving or have out door activity should usually refrain from choosing such lenses. These lenses may give glares and haloes sometimes or reduced contrast in such patients who are involved in outdoor activities. Other factors such as the shape of the eye, pupil size and other ocular parameters have to be kept under consideration to check your eligibility for suitability to these lenses.
Extended depth of focus lenses are the newer generation of lenses which were developed to overcome the shortcomings of the trifocal and multifocal lenses. These lenses have lesser incidence of glares and haloes and give reasonably good vision for Distance and Intermediate. Near vision shall not be optimum but usually is enough for the patient to get by his day to day activities.
Choosing the right IOL/Lens is of utmost importance. Ensure that you take your own time in deciding and then moving ahead with the surgery.
Let us help you to understand your eyes and it’s needs. Our chief eye surgeon shall help you in understanding the details and help you in choosing the right Lens.
Call us on +91 9833976577 to know more.
Disclaimer: The services mentioned and Photographs used are for representational and education purpose. The actual procedure & Result may vary from patient to patient. For more details on the topics and treatment plan, please consult with our experts at Bhalanetra Superspeciality Eye Hospital to know more.