As we age, it’s logical that our vision will deteriorate. Cataracts are a common side effect of becoming older. If you live long enough, you will most likely get this condition—a clouding of the typically clear eye lens—in one or both of your eyes. Fortunately, cataract surgery has advanced significantly over time. It is quite safe, and with improvements in the area, patients now have a variety of alternatives, including laser-assisted surgery and an expanding range of synthetic replacement lenses that help treat other eye issues.
Lens replacement surgery is the most performed and safest surgical procedure. The surgery includes replacing the hazy natural lens of the eye, known as a cataract, with a new artificial lens. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the operations for each are usually performed independently.
If cataracts are affecting your quality of life, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
Cataracts – Explained!
First, it’s important to understand what a cataract is and what produces it.
Cataracts are a cloudiness or thick area that develops in the eye lens. It might impair your normal eyesight and disrupt your routine. Your cataract will grow over time. Cataracts can develop in any of your eyes, even both at the same time, according to eye surgeons.
Cataract Surgery Causes:
Age is the most prevalent cause of cataracts. Ophthalmologists at Drishti Eye Hospital think that the underlying cause of cataracts is protein agglutination, which obstructs normal retinal image formation. It can occur at various ages. Some people will encounter it in their fifties. However, cataract surgery is most commonly performed on people in their 70s.
In addition to age, light and UV exposure can cause the lens to become cloudy. Other risk factors for cataracts can be trauma, certain medications, including steroids, certain diseases such as diabetes, and also, in rare conditions, you can be born with a cataract.
Cataract Symptoms:
Blurry vision and the need to change your glasses or contact prescription regularly are usually the first signs. Other symptoms may include perceiving halos, glare, and sensitivity to lights, particularly while driving at night.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgery typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the severity of the problem. You should also allow up to 30 minutes after surgery to recuperate from the effects of the sedative. Lens replacement surgery is conducted while you are awake, so you will be given a soothing medicine to gently sedate you, as well as a specific numbing gel and eye drops, to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment.
Pre-cataract surgery preparation is important for both patients and ophthalmologists. Knowing what to do to prepare (and what to avoid) before surgery helps ensure that you have the best possible experience. It is also crucial to understand the dos and don’ts of post-cataract surgery.
Types of Cataract Surgery Performed In India!
The ultimate objective of cataract eye surgery is to improve eyesight in all situations, although there are several approaches and types of cataract surgery to accommodate a wide range of demands. Let’s find out!
Phacoemulsification (Traditional eye surgery)
- The most common technique to remove cataracts.
- It takes less than 30 minutes to finish.
- Minimal sedation is utilized.
- Small incisions are created and an ultrasonic probe is employed.
- Sound waves split the lens into fragments.
- Broken fragments are removed and an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted.
- Requires corneal incision.
Intracapsular Cataract Surgery.
- It requires even larger incisions
- In this technique, the eye lens and the surrounding capsule are removed.
- IOLs are inserted in front of the iris.
Extracapsular Cataract Surgery.
- It is used for extremely complicated cataracts that cannot be cured with phacoemulsification.
- Larger incisions are created
- Cataract is removed in one piece, not in fragments.
- Sutures are needed to close the wound.
- The patient is prescribed an eye patch following surgery.
Laser cataract surgery:
- Refractive laser-assisted cataract surgery is the most advanced and modern technique to remove cataracts.
- It uses femtosecond laser technology and requires ocular incisions.
- An anterior capsulotomy is then performed.
- Laser is utilized to soften and shatter the lens.
- The IOL is then positioned correctly.
Trust Drishti Eye Hospital for Your Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective eye care option that may have a life-changing impact on patients who have lost visual acuity due to cataracts.
Drishti Eye Hospital now offers painless, bladeless surgery with no blood loss. Our professional eye doctors use advanced Laser Cataract surgery at our facilities. This provides outstanding visual effects. If you are ready to determine whether lens replacement surgery is the right treatment option, please contact us at Drishti Eye Hospital for a free consultation.
