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Cataract Treatment at IMG Healthcare
About Cataract
A cataract is an eye condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or reduced vision. It usually develops slowly and is most commonly seen with aging, but it can also occur due to injury, diabetes, long-term use of certain medications, or other eye conditions.
When a cataract forms, it prevents light from properly passing through the lens, making vision dull or hazy. Over time, it can interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
Cataracts are treatable through a safe and effective surgical procedure in which the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens, restoring clear vision.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are very common as you get older and seems like a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. You can get cataracts due to eye injury or eye problem like glaucoma post-surgery.
Initially, the symptoms may seem a common hindrance but over time, cataracts will make your vision less colourful, blurry or hazy and you may encounter difficulty to read or perform the everyday activity.
Cataract surgery, also known as lens replacement surgery is a method of removing the clouded natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens (also known as an intraocular lens). It is performed when the natural eye lens becomes opaque and causes vision loss.
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How Do Cataracts Form?
Cataracts form when the natural lens of the eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy over time. This happens due to the breakdown and clumping of proteins in the lens, which reduces transparency and affects the passage of light to the retina.
The most common cause of cataracts is aging, as the proteins in the lens naturally deteriorate with time. However, cataracts can also develop due to factors such as diabetes, eye injury, long-term exposure to sunlight, smoking, certain medications, or previous eye surgeries.
As the cataract develops, vision gradually becomes blurred, dim, or less colorful, making daily activities more difficult.
Types of Cataract:
Nuclear Cataracts
Cortical Cataracts
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
Causes of Cataract
Symptoms of Cataract
The lens of your eye is made up of water and proteins. Over time, these proteins may break down and clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy. As a result, vision becomes blurred and seeing clearly becomes difficult.
Several factors can speed up the formation of cataracts, including:
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Diabetes
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Medicines used in treating arthritis or lupus
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Tranquilizing drugs used in treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
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Past injuries or surgeries of the eyes
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Upper body radiation treatment
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Direct exposure to UV rays
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Family history
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Foggy or blurry vision
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Sunlight, glare or headlight sensitivity
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Abrupt nearsightedness or glass replacement as per prescription
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Diplopia (Double vision)
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Need for brighter light to read
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Struggle to see at night
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Errors in perceiving colour
DIAGNOSIS
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The doctor will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms to determine whether you may have a cataract.
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A comprehensive eye examination will be performed to assess the overall health of your eyes.
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A visual acuity test using an eye chart helps measure how clearly you can read letters at various distances.
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A slit-lamp examination allows the specialist to examine the cornea, iris, lens, and the space between them for any abnormalities.
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The doctor may use eye drops to dilate your pupils, providing a better view of the internal structures of the eye.
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By evaluating how much your vision is affected, the doctor can determine the severity of the cataract and identify any other underlying eye conditions.
Risks & Complications during the surgery:
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Although cataract surgery is generally safe and complications are uncommon, the surgeon remains vigilant for potential risks, including:
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Inflammation: Mild swelling or inflammation may occur as the cornea or sclera is incised during the procedure.
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Infection: There is a small risk of infection, which requires prompt medical treatment.
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Bleeding: In rare cases, bleeding may occur during or after surgery.
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Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis): Some patients may experience temporary or, rarely, persistent drooping of the eyelid.
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Dislocation of the Artificial Lens: The implanted intraocular lens (IOL) may shift from its intended position.
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Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye may develop and require treatment.
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Secondary Cataract: Clouding of the lens capsule behind the artificial lens may occur months or years after surgery and can usually be treated with a simple laser procedure.
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Loss of Vision: Although extremely rare, severe complications can lead to partial or complete vision loss.
Risks & Complications If Cataracts Are Left Untreated
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If cataracts are not treated in time, they can lead to several complications, including:
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Progressive Vision Loss: Vision may become increasingly blurry, making everyday activities difficult.
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Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks: Reading, driving, recognizing faces, and using digital devices may become challenging.
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Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries: Poor vision can lead to accidents, especially in older adults.
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Greater Sensitivity to Light and Glare: Bright lights and nighttime driving may become more troublesome.
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Changes in Color Perception: Colors may appear faded or yellowed over time.
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Double Vision in One Eye: Some individuals may experience monocular double vision due to the cataract.
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Reduced Independence and Quality of Life: Severe vision impairment can affect work, mobility, and overall well-being.
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Potential for Blindness: If left untreated for a prolonged period, advanced cataracts can cause severe vision impairment and, in some cases, blindness.
How to prevent it?
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Have regular eye examinations as they will allow you to detect cataracts as well as other eye problems at the earliest stage possible.
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Quit smoking as soon as possible. Take medications, counseling, or use other strategies while you are trying to quit.
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Manage other health conditions you have that can increase your risk of developing cataracts, especially diabetes.
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Eat a healthy diet that consists of plenty of fruits and vegetables with antioxidants and is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
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Wear sunglasses and avoid ultraviolet light exposure as much as possible as it can increase the risk of cataracts.
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Avoid drinking alcohol as it can also increase the risk of cataracts.
OUR CATARACT SPECIALISTS DOCTORS
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery can be performed through various techniques, such as:
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Phacoemulsification
An ultrasound probe is used to break up the cloudy lens for removal through a procedure called phacoemulsification. Tiny incisions are made at the front of the cornea, and the probe is inserted into the affected lens. It emits ultrasound waves to emulsify the cataract, allowing the fragments to be gently suctioned out without damaging surrounding eye structures. The back portion of the lens capsule is preserved to support the placement of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Once the new lens is implanted, the incision may be left to heal naturally or closed with stitches if necessary.
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Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS)
Microincision Cataract Surgery (MICS) is an advanced cataract removal technique performed through an extremely small incision. A self-sealing scleral tunnel is created to access and remove the cataract-affected lens with high precision. The smaller incision promotes faster healing, reduces surgical trauma, and often eliminates the need for stitches.
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Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) is a conventional cataract surgery technique in which the cloudy lens is removed while preserving the posterior lens capsule. This remaining capsule serves as support for the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is performed through a larger incision, typically 10–12 mm, made in the cornea or sclera to facilitate lens removal.
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Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE)
Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE) is a cataract surgery technique in which both the natural lens and its surrounding capsule are removed completely through a large incision. After removal, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in the anterior chamber or secured in the appropriate position. Due to the larger incision and higher risk of complications, ICCE is now rarely performed and has largely been replaced by more advanced and minimally invasive techniques.
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Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) is an advanced technique that uses a precision laser to create corneal incisions and assist in the removal of the cloudy lens. The laser enhances accuracy during the procedure, making it one of the safest and most effective methods for cataract treatment. It can also improve surgical precision and support faster recovery in suitable patients.