Cataract

Cataract is a problem of the eye, associated with aging. Surgery is the only way to correct this condition. With advanced surgical techniques, cataract surgery has become very safe and is able to restore good vision. Learn more about cataract and the benefits of surgery.

What is cataract?

Cataract is a disorder of the eye. In a healthy person the lens of the eye is transparent and is responsible for refraction of light to the inner eye. This permits sharp vision. In a patient with cataract, the lens becomes opaque, causing blurred and progressively decreasing vision.

When does a person have to report to the eye specialist?

If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, then a visit to the eye specialist is a must: Blurred, cloudy or filmy vision Headlights of the cars seem to be too bright Sunlight or light from lamps causes a glare There appears to be a halo effect while looking at a source of light Frequent need to change eye glass prescriptions Double vision Decrease in sharpness of vision

What are the causes of cataract?

Cataract develops because of a change in the proteins inside the lens of the eye. It is part of the natural aging process. Apart from this, excessive exposure to Ultraviolet rays (Type-B), X-ray radiation, lack of vitamins, trauma to the eye, alcohol, diabetes, glaucoma and environmental pollution are also known to accelerate the development of cataract.

How will the doctor find out if a person has cataract?

A simple eye exam is enough for the eye specialist to know whether a person has developed cataract. The doctor may put a few eye drops to enlarge the pupils, so that the inside of the eye can be visualized better. A bright light may be used to examine the condition of the lens. In a few cases, the following tests may also be done: Glare test, Contrast sensitivity test, Potential vision test and Specular photographic microscopy.

What is the treatment of cataract?

Today, much advancement has taken place in cataract surgery and this seems to be the treatment of choice. However, there are many methods used and the exact procedure adopted will depend upon the cost of the surgery, the benefits and the long-term effects. The surgical procedures are: Intracapsular surgery: The entire lens is removed, including the capsule. (This method is rarely used). Extracapsular surgery: The lens is removed, leaving behind the posterior half of the capsule (the outer covering of the lens). Phacoemulsification: In this type of extracapsular surgery, the surgeon softens the lens with sound waves and removes it with a needle, through a small 3-5 mm incision. A foldable intraocular lens may then be implanted.

Is cataract surgery an emergency operation?

No, as an eye surgeon will advise the patient, cataract surgery can be performed after confirming the benefits that the surgery will give that person. Other problems like diabetes may have to be brought under control. If vision is poor in both eyes, the doctor may advise, that the surgery be performed on one eye at first and to wait till the person's vision in that eye is better, before performing a surgery on the other eye.

Is cataract surgery safe?

With the advancement in surgical techniques, the success rate for cataract surgery is more than 95%. But as with all surgeries there may be complications. In rare cases there may even be a loss of vision.

What are the benefits of cataract surgery?

The main benefit of cataract surgery is the improvement in the quality of life. One is able to read and work better. A person can watch television or walk around the house without bumping into things. Everyday activities become safer and more enjoyable than before surgery. Social activities improve and hobbies can be pursued. A person gains independence and self confidence with better vision.

What are the risks involved in cataract surgery?

As has been said, with improved surgical techniques, complications are rare. The complications that could happen are, infection of the eye following surgery, collection of blood in the eye, damage of the artificial lens, retinal detachment and in very rare cases, even loss of sight.