CATARACT Myths & Facts
The purpose of natural eye lens is to bend and focus light rays that come into the eye to help you see. Dr Parul Sony, Director Complete Eye Care, Gurgaon, says, normally the natural lens is clear, but when a cataract develops it is gets cloudy. Nearly everyone will develop cataracts at some point. Cataract may present as
● Blurry vision
● Double vision
● Altered colour perception
● Rapid change of glasses, sometimes patients can see better without Glasses (this is called second sight)
The only way to remove a cataract is with surgery. Typically, a cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities,
such as driving or watching TV, Dr Sony explains.
During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. That lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL). Depending upon the patient’s daily routine, the lifestyle and other coexisting
eye diseases, a suitable IOL is chosen. Many different types of premium lens are available, like Monofocal /Trifocal/ EDOF lens/Toric Lenses which could be either made in India or Imported. An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no
care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Dr Sony, clarifies that based on detailed discussion and extensive eye testing the most appropriate lens could be chosen for you. And yes, if everything if fine in examination, following
cataract surgery you many NOT NEED ANY GLASSES.
Dr Sony, describes modern day cataract surgery is called Phacoemulsification, or phaco (MICS), where-in small incision is made and a tiny probe is inserted into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that
soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Dr Parul says, that the phaco-surgery has NO STITCHES.
The Femtosecond laser is another option available during cataract surgery.This device can aid the surgeon in the performance of some of the steps involved in the removal of a cataract, following which the cataract is removed
with phacoemulsification. It can also be used in procedures performed to correct astigmatism.
Before surgery, one needs to get some blood tests done and start putting antibiotic drops. The Surgery is a day care one, does not require 24 hours hospitalisation. It is a painless, quick surgery that take 10-20 minutes & is done
under numbing drops. The patients are sent home after 30-60 mins of surgery. After the surgery the patients need to put eye drops for almost a month be sure to follow your doctor’s directions for using these drops. The main
instructions after cataract surgery are:
● The plastic shield should be worn while sleeping for one weeks after surgery to protect the eye.
● Avoid getting soap or water directly in the eye for a week.
● Do not rub or press on your eye.
● While outside during the day, sunglasses should be worn to protect the eye from the sun and wind.
● For the first few weeks, avoid strenuous activities (running, lifting weights), deep bending, wearing eye makeup, and swimming.
There are no restrictions in reading, watching TV, using your phone, tablet device, computer, etc, but your eyes may tire more easily during these activities. Dr Sony adds, as it’s a stitch-less surgery, all weathers, through out
the year are good for someone to plan the surgery.
Cataract surgery costs are generally covered by private & government medical insurance companies, Special types of IOLs will cost more. You can discuss with your doctor and learn more about costs of cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries performed surgery. Most patients recover quickly. For more details visit Complete Eye Care, Gurgaon.
