What is a Cataract and how is it treated?
Surgery is the sole treatment, replacing the cloudy lens with a plastic lens (implant) inside the eye. Its purpose is to restore clear vision. Cataracts make the eye’s lens cloudy and hard, affecting focus. They can occur due to aging, eye injuries, or certain medications like steroids. Symptoms include blurred/dull vision, light sensitivity, glare, and ghosting. If cataracts significantly disrupt daily life, removal may be necessary. Choosing not to remove them leads to worsening vision.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
An eye care professional, typically an ophthalmologist or doctor specializing in ophthalmology, will conduct a series of eye tests, including a visual acuity exam to evaluate your vision. If the test results indicate the presence of cataracts, the eye care professional may refer you to a hospital-based ophthalmologist for further assessments and treatment.
What symptoms do cataracts cause?
Cataracts typically develop slowly over several years, leading to a gradual loss of sharp vision. Eventually, glasses cannot correct the blurriness. In some cases, vision deterioration can occur rapidly. The presence of cataracts can also result in glare, challenges with nighttime driving, and the perception of multiple images in one eye, affecting visual quality.
Is it possible for cataracts to develop simultaneously in both eyes?
It is not uncommon for cataracts to develop concurrently in both eyes or in rapid succession, occurring one after the other.
Can diabetes increase the risk of developing cataracts?
Yes, there is a link between diabetes and cataracts. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing cataracts, a condition characterized by clouding of the lens of the eye. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to changes in the lens, causing it to become opaque or cloudy, thus leading to cataract formation. Additionally, diabetes can also accelerate the progression of cataracts and make them develop at a younger age. It is important for individuals with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels and have regular eye check-ups to detect and treat any eye-related complications, including cataracts, at an early stage.
What are the potential risks and complications associated with cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is generally considered a highly safe procedure. However, like any surgical intervention, there are potential risks and complications involved. It’s important to note that these occurrences are relatively infrequent, and the majority of them can be effectively addressed through a follow-up procedure or appropriate treatment.
Do various types of cataracts exist?
Indeed, cataracts primarily occur as a result of ageing. However, there are other types of cataracts as well, including congenital cataracts that are present from birth, cataracts caused by medication usage like steroids, and cataracts that develop following eye trauma.
Which activities should be avoided after undergoing cataract surgery?
To facilitate healing, it is advisable to refrain from rubbing or applying pressure to the eye, exposing it to water, engaging in strenuous activities, driving, wearing eye makeup, and touching the eye after cataract surgery.
What are the typical issues experienced following cataract surgery?
Common post-cataract surgery complications encompass inflammation, infection, swelling, dislocation or misplacement of the intraocular lens, secondary cataracts, and glaucoma.
What is the latest technology used for cataract removal and how does it work?
Phacoemulsification, the contemporary approach, is the cutting-edge technology utilized for cataract removal. In this technique, ultrasound energy is employed to emulsify and extract the cataract through a small incision measuring only 1.8 mm. The cataract is fragmented into smaller pieces, which are subsequently suctioned out. Following this, a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted.
Is cataract surgery typically a painful procedure, or is it generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort?
Cataract surgery is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. During the procedure, anaesthesia is used to ensure that you don’t feel any pain. After the surgery, you may experience mild discomfort or soreness, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Overall, most people find cataract surgery to be a relatively painless and successful procedure in restoring vision. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Most people can resume normal activities within a few days after cataract surgery, but it may take several weeks to achieve full recovery, with the majority of the healing taking place within the first month.
Can cataract surgery be performed on both eyes in one go?
While it is possible to perform cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time, most eye doctors prefer to do one eye at a time, with a few weeks to months in between surgeries, to reduce the risk of complications and allow for adequate healing time.
Do cataracts grow back?
The artificial lens (IOL) cannot cloud over in the same way, so cataracts do not grow back after surgery. However, the capsule behind the IOL can become slightly cloudy (this is called posterior capsular opacification). This is common (affecting up to one in ten people) and can happen at any point after cataract surgery. It can be treated with a minor procedure (called a YAG capsulotomy) in the outpatient department. The IOL itself may become cloudy and need replacing.
Ready to regain your clear vision? Contact Dr. Sonia Maheshwari Kothari at Clearsight Eyecare & Laser Centre in Ghatkopar for expert cataract surgery. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards seeing clearly again!