Cataract
Cataract
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Even though vision lost due to cataract can be restored through a simple and minor procedure, it remains as one of the significant causes of preventable blindness. The Cataract and IOL Department at Rotary eye Institute is equipped to treat all kinds of cataracts. Expert doctors, well trained support staff and state-of-the-art diagnostics ensure the best possible care to patients.
Lens, is a structure in the eye, which is responsible for focusing the light on the retina. Opacity occurring in the lens is called cataract.
Cataract formation is a natural part of the aging process. It may occur due to injury or may be present at birth, but the most common cause is related to age (Senile Cataract) and is the leading cause of reversible blindness in India.
Modern day cataract surgery, includes not just removal of cataract but also correction of refractive error with the option of freedom from spectacles after surgery. The state-of-the-art facilities available at H.V Desai Eye Hospital include High end Biometry & Operative Planning modules;
Phacoemulsification systems & Operating Microscopes which enable us to perform Phacoemulsification (Micro incision suture less surgery) and Small Incision Cataract surgery
Types of Cataract
- A sub-capsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens. People with diabetes or those taking high doses of steroid medications have a greater risk of developing a sub-capsular cataract.
- A nuclear cataract forms deep in the central zone (nucleus) of the lens. Nuclear cataracts usually are associated with aging.
- A cortical cataract is characterized by white, wedge-like opacity that starts in the periphery of the lens and works their way to the centre in a spoke-like fashion. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the central nucleus
Signs and Symptoms
A cataract starts out small, and at first, has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision has blurred a little, as if you are looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting.
What Causes Cataracts?
The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, which focuses light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye’s focus, letting us see things clearly, both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it. However, as we age, some of the protein is likely to clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, which makes it difficult for us to see properly. No one knows for sure why the lens of the eye changes as we age, thereby forming cataracts. Researchers across the world have identified factors that are likely to cause cataracts or are associated with the development of the same. Besides advancing age, the risk factors associated with cataract include:
- Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
- Previous eye injury or inflammation
- Previous eye surgery
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Significant alcohol consumption
- High myopia
- Family history
Cataract Treatment
All types of cataract surgeries –Phacoemulsification, Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery, Refractive cataract surgery, Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery and surgery on complicated cataracts – are performed by competent surgeons. The state-of-the-art facilities include:
- High end phacoemulsification system (Centurion) which enables phacoemulsification (Micro incision sutureless surgery) under topical anesthesia
- Microscopes (Lumera eye) which enable excellent visibility and enhance margin of safety.
- Use of high quality IOLs (manufactured in-house and outsourced from multinational companies) aids to improve postoperative vision and treat refractive conditions like high myopia, presbyopia and astigmatism.
- Advanced surgical instruments which aid in precision during surgery
- Toric planners (Verion) for precise implantation of Toric IOLs
- Latest generation optical biometers to accurately calculate intra ocular lens powers in normal eyes and in eyes with pre-existing conditions such as high myopia
- Specular microscope and pachymeter which allows to select the correct surgical options for patients
- Digital slit lamp photography unit
- Contrast sensitivity testing equipment
We have state of the art Modular Operation Theatre with Laminar Flow
The premium IOL options available at the hospital include Aspheric IOLs, Aspheric Hydrophobic IOLs, Toric IOLs and Multifocal IOLs from the leading IOL manufacturing companies, in the world such as Alcon, Rayner, Technis etc. All types of cataract surgeries, which include refractive cataract surgeries (Toric & Multifocal IOLs) and complex cataract surgeries, are performed by competent and experienced surgeons. Almost all the cataract surgeries are performed using the phacoemulsification technique. Surgical options are also available for complicated cataract patients, which include Iris claw IOLs, Scleral fixated IOLs and Glued IOLs. Facilities for cataract surgery, combined with other surgeries such as corneal transplantation surgery, glaucoma surgery and vitreoretinal surgeries in the same sitting, are also available.
- Premium pain-free experience, dedicated & focused services with personal care.
- Topical anaesthesia – No injection no patch surgery.
- General anaesthesia facility also available for surgeries.
- On-going research projects for the further improvement of surgical outcomes and enhanced patient experience.
- Cataract surgery for one & all.
When symptoms begin to appear, one is likely to be able to improve one’s vision for a while by using new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, having appropriate lighting and other visual aids. With the modern surgical techniques available today, one does not need to wait for the cataract to mature fully. One can go in for surgery when the cataract has progressed enough to impair ones vision and has started affecting one’s daily life. Many people consider poor vision as an inevitable process of aging, however, cataract surgery is a simple and relatively painless procedure.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery, is now a short and painless procedure, during which the surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) that has the appropriate power. Cataract surgery is not just the removal of the cataract, but also the correction of the refractive error for distant and near vision. It also provides the option of freedom from spectacles after surgery. New IOLs are being developed constantly to enable the surgery to be less complicated for surgeons, and for the lenses to be more useful for patients. Presbyopia-correcting (Multifocal) IOLs potentially enable patients to see at varying distances, and not just one distance. Another new type of IOL blocks ultraviolet as well as blue light rays, which, according to research, are likely to cause damage to the retina.
Surgical Procedure
Cataract surgery can be done under anaesthetic drops (no injection). However, some patients may require anaesthetic injection near the eye. The patient does not experience discomfort and is advised to lie still for the entire duration of the eye surgery. The cataract is removed through a very small incision using a phacoemulsification instrument that breaks up the cataract using ultrasonic waves. The cataract is then sucked out of the eye. The cataractous lens is then replaced by a suitable artificial, foldable lens that is injected through a small incision. The surgery is performed in a sterile operating theatre using complete aseptic precautions. The surgery can be performed within 20-30 minutes.