top of page

Cataract

Cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. Most cataracts develop and progress slowly. Cataracts generally develop in both eyes, but not evenly. The cataract in one eye may be more advanced than the other, causing a difference in vision between eyes. If impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, you will need cataract surgery to improve your vision which is generally a safe and effective procedure.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

​

  • Clouded, blurred or dim vision

  • Increasing difficulty with vision at night

  • Sensitivity to light and glare

  • Seeing "halos" around lights

  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

  • Fading or yellowing of colors

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:

​

  • Increasing age

  • Diabetes, Hypertension

  • Excessive exposure to sunlight

  • Smoking

  • Obesity

  • Previous eye injury or inflammation

  • Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications

  • Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Prevention

No studies have proved how to prevent cataracts or slow the progression of cataracts.

Treatment Options Available at Ace Vision Centre

In early stages of cataract, you may be able to improve your vision for a while using new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids.

​

You will require surgery when your cataract have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life.

Cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision.

During surgery, the surgeon will remove your clouded lens and replace it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). With the advancement in technology, it is now safer to get a surgery done to get your vision corrected with minimal risks involved.

If cataracts affect both eyes, each eye operation is scheduled and performed separately.

1. Microincision Cataract Surgery or Phacoemulsification

In conventional phacoemulsification and Microincision cataract surgery, a capsulotomy is performed manually using forceps or a bent needle. It is through this opening that the ultrasound emulsifies the natural lens of the eye and a new transparent intraocular lens is placed in the eye which enables good vision after surgery.

2. Robotic or Femtosecond Cataract Surgery

To circumvent the errors of microincision surgery, Femtosecond Laser cataract surgery was developed that uses a laser beam to create the capsulotomy and corneal incisions, eliminating the chances of human error and possible complications. The advantages of this include excellent visual outcome, 100 % Blade free, painless and stitch-less surgery, precise self-sealing corneal incisions.

3. Types of IOLs (Intraocular Lenses)

To circumvent the errors of microincision surgery, Femtosecond Laser cataract surgery was developed that uses a laser beam to create the capsulotomy and corneal incisions, eliminating the chances of human error and possible complications. The advantages of this include excellent visual outcome, 100 % Blade free, painless and stitch-less surgery, precise self-sealing corneal incisions.

i. Monofocal Lenses

Monofocal lenses, unlike the natural lens of the eye, can only restore vision for one distance, that is for distance, or for near. The power of the monofocal lenses is usually calculated so that the patient does not need glasses for distance vision. After having a monofocal lens implantation, you will need reading glasses or even bifocals which are glasses for both distance and near, depending on your preexisting refractive error (especially astigmatism). Below are the various types of monofocal lenses:

​

  • Acryfold

  • Biotech

  • Alcon

  • AMO

  • Bausch and Laumb

ii. Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal IOLs are lenses which offer an acceptable restoration of vision for both near and distance.  While choosing an IOL, it is important to remember that multifocal lenses provide you freedom from glasses for both near and distance, and can be customized to your active lifestyle. However, your doctor will discuss with you the apparent drawbacks of these lenses, namely glare, and a decrease in contrast sensitivity.

​

  • Acrydiff

  • Idiff

  • Technis Multifocal

  • Symphony

iii. Toric Lenses

Monofocal and Multifocal Lenses can only correct the spherical component of the eye leaving behind the cylinder power which has to be later corrected by additional prescription glasses. Toric Lenses can correct both spherical and cylinder components of the eye. Toric lenses are recommended if you have a high pre-existing cylinder or astigmatism in your eye. Below are the recommended Toric lenses:

​

  • Biotech

  • AMO

  • Alcon

4. Which is the best IOL for you?

The choice of IOL after cataract surgery depends on factors like,

​

  • Lifestyle and priorities

  •  Pre-existing diseases

  •  Cost

​

Your doctor will discuss with you the potential benefits of each of these lenses, and help you select the one best suited for your lifestyle and visual needs, as well as your expectations from the cataract surgery.

Post Surgery Care

  • After surgery patients are advised to use eye drops for around a month.

  • Follow up after surgery is typically the next day after surgery, after one week and then after one month of the surgery.

  • You will be advised not to wash your face for 2 weeks after surgery, bathing neck below is advisable, eye will be cleaned with a sterile cotton ball boiled in water or sterile eye wipes.

  • Avoid any strenuous physical activity like swimming, gymming for a month after surgery.

  • Avoid driving till your doctor tells you that you are fit to do so.

  • Avoid any makeup or salon activities for atleast 2-3 weeks after surgery.

© 2024 by Ace Vision Centre.

bottom of page