Cataracts

Every individual has a natural lens which is a clear transperent , which helps to focus the images on the retina . Cloudiness of this lens which obstructs visual path is called Cataract.

In most of cases cataract is due to degenerative(ageing) changes of normal clear lens . But in some cases it is seen due to trauma, side effects of certain drugs, diseases like diabetes and congenital deformities.

Commonly it is seen after age of 50 to 60 years, but is also noticed at early ages of 30 to 40 yrs in some cases.

Well, there are certain medications claimed to be used for same, but their results are questionable and lacking proven ness, so hardly any of such is prescribed by eye surgeons.

Yes, since there is no other way to remove opaque and diseased lens and improve vision - Surgery is necessary.

Whenever patient gets trouble in his routine day to day activities, he needs cataract surgery. That means a farmer can wait for long time and a office employee, driver, diamond worker, computer users need early surgery. However, the ultimate time for surgery is decided by your eye surgeon.

Now a days, cataract surgery is performed by stitchless technique with micro incisions, using Phaco Laser machines, and with implantation of newer generation foldable intraocular lenses.

Yes. Since in cataract surgery we are removing natural lens, unless we replace it, we don’t enjoy our natural vision. If not, then we need to use aphakic glasses(very thich glasses) which give lot of difficulties.

Main two types, rigid (rarely used now a days) and foldable (mostly used now a dyas). Foldable lenses may be monofocal, multifocal, toric, multifocal toric, accomodatives.

Most of the times, you need not to wear distant glasses, but for near you have to wear it, in monofocal lenses. But in multifocal lenses you need not to wear glasses , in most of the situations.

Normally no special care is necessary after surgery. One should take care of avoiding splashing of water and injury to eye for few days following surgery.

Well, depending upon your individual recovery you can resume these activities as early as 2 to 3 days following surgery.

No , it is not necessary in present day of surgery , but would be advisable in certain patients .

Normally eye drops are used for 4 to 6 weeks post operatively in tapering(gradually reducing) pattern.

Normally after a week one can be prescribed glasses, but it is better if it is deferred till a month or till the other eye is operated.

Normally after a weeks time it is safe to operate other eye, but some surgeons prefer to operate as early as next day, and some surgeons prefer to wait as long as for one month.

No, well one may experience some discomforts like watering,redness,pricking sensation for few days.

No, It is a day care surgery, and patients are discharged from hospital in 2 to 3 hours after surgery.

Yes, in most of the policies it is reimbursed but in few, there are some limitations which are pre explained to the insurer.

Once you have made the decision to get operated special tests will be done to determine the exact power of the IOL to be implanted. You will be prescribed eye drops to be put in the eye before the operation so that the eye becomes free of all infections. You will have to seek date and a list of pre-operative instructions. You will have to report to the hospital at the time given to you and a room will be provided to you when you come. Only two relatives will be allowed to be with you. No children will be allowed.

No real need of hospitalisation is there and the operation can be done on day care basis. Those who have their own conveyance and live locally can go home 2 hours after the operation

The operation is done under local anaesthesia only and the patient is fully conscious during the operation. The surgery takes approximately 25 to 40 minutes. There is no pain during the operation. Post-operative Care Immediately after the operation the patient should rest in bed for a few hours. Patient can walk to the bathroom if needed.
A set of post-operative instructions are given at the time of discharge. These are to be followed after reaching home.

You have to come back the next morning to get the eye examined and to get advice regarding the medicines etc. The patient is called for periodic follow-up and the dates are given at the time of discharge. Complete recovery will take 6-8 weeks for ECCE (with or without IOL) and 2-3 weeks for phaco-emulsification. At the end of this period final glasses will be prescribed.
It is very usual for the glass power to change 4-6 months after the operation especially in the ECCE group (not so with phako) so the patient may have to come back for re-testing of glasses.

Regardless of the care, expertise and sophisticated instrumentation, there exists the chance of complications in any surgical procedure. Luckily complications are rare and when they do occur they can usually be tackled in such a way as to not affect the final result. However, unexpected and serious complications like infection, haemorrhage and retinal-detachment can occur and cause permanent decrease in vision. It is necessary that you have knowledge of these possibilities.

On the day of admission you will be asked to sign a consent form indicating that you understand your diagnosis, the surgery that you are about to undergo and the possibility of complications. If you do not understand please ask the doctor to clear your doubts.