The human crystalline lens, which is clear and transparent, is part of the focusing mechanism of the eye. With the age, the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, thereby hampering normal vision. Any opacity in the crystalline lens which leads to decreased vision, is called “CATARACT or “SAFED MOTIA”

What causes Cataract?

Ageing is the most common cause. With age, proteins of the eye lens get altered and opacified leading to cataract. Other causes include congenital and developmental anomalies, trauma, inflammation of the eye, metabolic diseases like Diabetes, Hypothyroidism etc. The early cataractous lens bends light irregularly, so the images formed are blurred and unclear. When totally opaque, the cataract cuts off light leading to reversible blindness.

What are the common symptoms of Cataract?
Cataract makes simple tasks difficult and in some cases impossible to perform. This happens on account of:

Cloudy or Blurred vision
Changes in one's perception of colours
Sensitivity to bright lamps or sunlight
Poor night vision
Frequent changes in eye glasses prescription

What are the treatment options for Cataract?
Surgery is the only course of treatment for cataract. There are options available for cataract surgery:

Conventional Cataract surgery or Extra Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
* Requires a incision of 10 - 12 mm
* The cloudy eye lens is removed in one piece
* A hard plastic lens is implanted
* Multiple Stitches are required
* Final glass prescription could take even upto 10 weeks
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)
* Requires a small incision 3 – 4 mm
* Cataract is removed manually and foldable IOL is implanted
* No stitches
* Heals fast
Microincision Cataract surgery (PHACOEMULSIFICATION)
* Requires a very small incision of about 2 mm
* Cataract Extraction with Phacoemulsification and foldable lens implant
* Walk – in Walk – out procedure
* Stitch less, bloodless, painless surgery

What is the recommended treatment for Cataract?
With Phacoemulsification and implantation of foldable intraocular lens (IOL), treatment of cataract has become very simple and sophisticated. The procedure is safe, accurate and leads to rapid recovery. Thus, Phacomulsification with foldable lens implant is the most recommended treatment for cataract.

When to go for Cataract removal?
Cataract should be removed as soon as it begins to affect daily activities. With any of the mentioned symptoms setting in, it is the right time to go for cataract removal. DO NOT WAIT FOR THE CATARACT TO GET MATURE as unnecessary delay can lead to avoidable complications and more difficult surgery. Cataract surgery can be undertaken successfully in any season. Summers or rainy season have absolutely no effect on the outcome of the cataract surgery.

What are the advantages of Phacoemlusification with foldable IOL over conventional cataract surgery?

Stitch less, painless, no bandage surgery.
Drops of local anesthesia agent used (for soft cataract) instead of an injection in the eye, thus leading to walk - in walk – out procedure.
Minimum curvatural changes occur in the eye following surgery
The wound is very secure after surgery.
Post Surgery, the wound is very secure.
Early visual rehabilition for the patient.
Final glasses can be prescribed within 2-3 weeks.

How soon after phaco surgery, will I be able to see?
In some cases , the patient is able to see almost immediately following the surgery, although most patients experience clear vision after one or two days.

Will I need glasses after phaco surgery?
You may need to wear glasses only to fine – tune your vision. These spectacles have normal lenses unlike thick lenses used in the past. If unifocal IOL is used, near vision glasses are almost always required.

Will activities have to be restricted after phaco surgery?
Normal activities including walking, reading, writing, watching television etc. may be resumed soon after the surgery. However, during the first week after the surgery, it is better to avoid strenuous activities. Driving can be resumed depending upon the visual recovery of the patient within a week.

Can a cataract grow back?
No, however, in about 10-50% of cases, some scarring can occur behind the lens causing a slow deterioration of vision. This can be easily removed by laser treatment as an out door procedure.

When one can plan for the other eye cataract surgery?
Usually both eye surgeries are not done together. If the recovery of first eye is good, the second eye can be operated even on the next day. It as per the convenience of the patient and the doctor.

What is the life of the IOLs?
Once the IOL is implanted in your eye, it is the part of your body for whole life. Even children with congenital cataracts are implanted the similar type of IOL.

Which IOL one should opt for during cataract surgery?
There are different types of lenses:

Monofocal IOL: With these IOL implants, the patient has good distant vision but will need reading glasses for near work. These can be with regular or aspheric surface. The aspheric design IOL gives better night contrast.

Multifocal IOL: These are the latest and are designed to give good distant, intermediate and near vision. They reduce the patient's dependence on glasses for routine activities.

Toric Lenses: These have cylindrical power incorporated in the lens. They correct the cylindrical power upto 4 diopters in glasses.

You can discuss with the doctor regarding which lens is the best for you.