Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a medical procedure to remove a cataract, a cloudy area in the natural lens of the eye that effect vision. When a cataract forms, the lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurry or distorted vision. your doctor may recommend cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) on daycare, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital after the surgery. Cataract eye surgery is very common and is typically a safe procedure.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is extracted and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Some of the best lenses used in cataract surgery include monofocal IOL, multifocal IOL, toric IOL & advance quality (EDOF IOL). The surgery usually takes less than an hour to complete and has a high success rate.

Causes of Cataract

Age

Lifestyle Choices

Genetics

Medical Conditions

Eye health issues

Sun Exposure

Different types of IOL

What Are The Types Of Cataract Surgery?

• Phacoemulsification (phaco cataract surgery): Phacoemulsification is a most common cataract surgery method ,uses ultrasound waves to break up the cataract. After removing the cataract, an artificial IOL is inserted and positioned in the lens capsule, where the natural lens is located. This procedure minimizes the incision size and reduces the recovery time and risk of surgery-induced astigmatism. Phacoemulsification is best suited to soft cataracts, where the ultrasonic energy needed is moderate, and insertion of foldable intraocular prosthetic lenses is possible.
• Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE): It involves making a larger incision in the cornea or sclera (the white part of the eye) to remove the cloudy lens in one piece rather than breaking it up like in phacoemulsification. The IOL is then implanted through the incision and placed in the lens capsule. ECCE is commonly used when phacoemulsification may not be suitable.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Eye Surgery (LACS): Laser-assisted cataract surgery involves using a laser to perform the surgery. The laser is used to make precise incisions in the cornea, to open the lens capsule, and to fragment the cataract. This method can offer increased precision and reduce the need for specific instruments during surgery.
• Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS): MICS is a type of cataract-removal surgery that uses a tiny incision, usually less than 1.8 mm. It is often used to treat patients with very small or dense cataracts. Many people who require cataract surgery can avoid traditional, open-incision surgery with MICS.
• Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS): SICS cataract surgery is a modern surgical technique used to remove a cataract. It is an advanced version of the traditional extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) procedure, and it is considered a safe and effective method for cataract removal
• Note: The choice of cataract surgery technique depends on the characteristics of the cataract, Your doctor will evaluate your specific case and recommend the most suitable technique for you.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to a progressive decline in vision. Cataracts typically develop as a result of aging but can also occur due to injury, medication side effects, or other health conditions. They cause blurred vision, glare, difficulty seeing at night, and a reduction in color vibrancy. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to significant vision impairment.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Patients may experience a variety of symptoms that indicate the development of cataracts:

• Blurry or foggy vision: Vision appears as though looking through a foggy window.
• Sensitivity to light: Bright lights may cause discomfort or glare.
• Difficulty driving at night: Halos and glare from headlights can make night driving challenging.
• Fading or yellowing of colors: Colors appear less vibrant or have a yellowish tint.
• Frequent changes in prescription: The need to update glasses or contact lens prescriptions more often than usual.

Why choose Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is the only effective way to remove cataracts and restore clear vision. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes less than an hour. With advances in technology, patients now benefit from improved surgical techniques that provide faster recovery times, fewer complications, and enhanced visual outcomes. Whether you have difficulty with daily activities due to blurry vision or are looking to regain your independence, cataract surgery offers a permanent solution.

The Cataract Surgery Procedure

Our cataract surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure that involves:

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, a comprehensive eye exam will be conducted to determine the health of your eyes and the severity of the cataract.
• Surgical Process: During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the eye to remove the clouded natural lens. This is done either through traditional techniques or advanced laser-assisted surgery, which allows for even more precision. Once the cloudy lens is removed, it is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that restores clear vision.
• Types of IOLs: Patients can choose from a range of IOLs based on their vision needs, including monofocal lenses (which correct vision at one distance) or premium multifocal lenses (which can correct both near and distant vision).

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

Most patients experience an improvement in vision within a few days after surgery. However, the full recovery process typically takes a few weeks. Post-operative care includes:

• Use of prescribed eye drops: These help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
• Follow-up appointments: Your surgeon will schedule regular check-ups to monitor healing and ensure optimal recovery.
• Avoiding strenuous activities: Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and physical strain for at least a week after surgery.
• Vision clarity: While many patients experience clear vision within days, it may take up to a month for your vision to stabilize completely.

Results and Long-term Benefits:

Cataract surgery offers lasting results, with most patients achieving significantly improved vision. Many patients no longer need glasses or contact lenses for distance vision, although reading glasses may still be required for close work. With modern surgical techniques and advanced IOLs, cataract surgery can provide a level of visual clarity that allows patients to return to their normal activities, including reading, driving, and enjoying the beauty of vibrant colors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is cataract surgery painful? No, cataract surgery is typically painless. You will be given anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye during the procedure.
• How long does the procedure take? The procedure usually takes around 30-45 minutes, and patients can go home the same day.
• Will I still need glasses after surgery? Depending on the type of IOL chosen, you may not need glasses for distance vision. However, reading glasses may still be required.
• When can I resume normal activities? Most patients can resume light activities the day after surgery, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice on avoiding strenuous tasks during recovery.