Cataract

CATARACT

 

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Even though vision loss due to cataract can be restored through a simple and minor procedure, it remains as one of the significant causes of preventable blindness. The most common cause of cataract is degenerative changes due to the ageing process. With age, proteins in the natural lens degenerate, resulting in a clouded lens called a cataract.

There might be other causes such as:

  • Health conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, smoking, eye injuries, infection, and inflammation inside the eye
  • Prolonged use of certain medications like steroids can also lead to cataract formation
  • Cataract may also occur in children due to genetic or metabolic defect or due to infection and trauma

Cataract surgery is advised when there is loss of vision and there is disturbing glare (difficulty in seeing in bright light) or haloes (seeing coloured rings around a light source).

Cataract surgery consists of two stages –Cataract removal and Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

The following pre-operative investigations are advised

  • Biometry – To determine the power of intraocular lens (IOL).
  • Syringing – To check the patency of the passage between the eye and nose.
  • OCT (optical coherence tomography) – To detect retina abnormalities in patients with suspected retinal problems.
  • USG B scan – To detect structural (not functional) condition of retina in patients with very advanced cataracts.
  • Blood pressure
  • ECG
  • Blood glucose (both fasting and post-prandial for diabetic patients).
  • Physician clearance – For patients with other health issues (heart disease, breathing trouble etc.)

Cataract removal is done by:

  • Phacoemulsification: Here, the cataract is removed, with the help of ultrasound energy through a 3.2 mm incision
  • Micro-incision Cataract Surgery (MICS): The incision made during micro-incision cataract surgery is less than 2.0 mm. The natural lens is replaced with a clear, artificial lens. The smaller incision size supports in quicker healing.
  • Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS): This is also a new technique where the cataract is removed manually through a slightly larger incision. This technique is used if cataract is excessively hard, making phacoemulsification difficult.

There are multiple options for IOL implantation:

1. Monofocal IOL – This corrects distance vision (for those without cylindrical errors). Spectacles are needed for near (reading) vision after surgery.

2. Toric IOL – For patients with cylindrical errors, toric IOLs are required to correct distance vision. Even with toric IOLs, spectacles will be needed for near (reading) vision.

3. Multifocal IOL – In addition to distance vision, this provides near (reading) and/or intermediate (computer/ mobile phone) vision. The types of mutifocal IOL, depending on the distance from the eye it provides vision, are –

(i) Bifocal – Corrects distance and near vision.

(ii) Trifocal – Corrects distance, intermediate and near vision.

(iii) Extended depth of focus – Corrects distance and intermediate vision

(iv) Multifocal + Toric IOL– For patients with cylindrical errors and desiring distance, as well as near and/or intermediate vision

 Our hospital comprises CENTURION VISION SYSTEM PHACO MACHINE, which is one of the most modern technologies in the field of cataract surgery. Our operation theatre is equipped with LAMINAR AIRFLOW SYSTEM; this ensures maximum patient safety.

Most people notice a significant improvement in their vision and can resume everyday activities within 24 hours after cataract surgery with precautions that have been informed after surgery.