Cataract Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Imagine a world where the everything looks blurry, colors appear muted, and lights seem to cause glare and halo. It can all be seen when a person has different stages of cataract; Cataract is a disease that gradually decreases the vision of a person and is frustrating at times to bear with cloudy vision. But there is no need to worry because it can be treated with Cataract surgery/ replacing the cataractous lens with an artificial one.

Understanding Cataracts

Cataract is a natural ageing process that affects the lens of the eye and gradually makes the otherwise transparent, crystalline lens cloudy. Cataracts can be very disabling to an otherwise active individual hampering their daily activities. People with cataract may often describe their vision as perpetually frosted or hazy, making it pretty challenging to carry their daily routine. This condition may cause trouble while reading, driving a car, or even understanding facial expressions…!!

Know More: Cataracts surgery types

The Progression of Cataracts

Cataracts tend to develop gradually and often remain inconspicuous in the initial stages. However, as they advance, symptoms may be noticeable, like:

Blurred Vision: One of the most common cataract symptoms is blurred vision. This blurriness can significantly hinder the ability to discern fine details.
Difficulty Seeing at Night: Night vision may be significantly impaired, with halos around lights, making it difficult to drive or navigate in low-light conditions.
Diminished Color Perception: Colours may appear faded or yellow to those with cataracts, impacting the vibrancy of the world around them.
Poor Depth Perception: The ability to judge distances accurately may be compromised, leading to issues with coordination and balance.
Difficulty Reading: Reading small print or fine text can become increasingly challenging due to the clouding of lenses.

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Cataract Treatment/Surgery

Cataract surgery is typically a daycare procedure that lasts for 15-20 minutes. Given below is the description of the procedure that helps clear the cataract and aids visual rehabilitation.

Anesthetic Eye Drops: the eye to be operated will be numbed using anesthetic eye drops before the Surgery to ensure that you experience no pain.
Tiny Incision: A small incision is made in the clear covering of the eye (the cornea). This incision is so small that stitches are not usually required.
Phacoemulsification: The cloudy lens is broken into small pieces using ultrasound waves and gently suctioned out.
Artificial Lens Implant: Now, the most important part will be an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that is implanted into the empty lens capsule/bag after the cataract has been removed. This is specific to each eye. It compensates for the power of the cataractous natural lens that is removed. It leads to visual rehabilitation.

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Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

When considering a cataract surgery, yourself and your surgeon will discuss the following types of IOLs:

Monofocal IOLs: These lenses are designed to provide clear vision for distance. Patients will still require glasses for near activities.
Multifocal IOLs: These lenses are designed to give clear vision at multiple distances, thus mostly eliminating the need for reading, driving, and computer glasses.
Toric IOLs: Toric IOLs are specifically designed for patients with corneal astigmatism. They can correct corneal astigmatism and cataract simultaneously.
Accommodating IOLs: These IOLs can shift focus from near to far, mimicking the natural focusing ability of the eye.

The ideal intraocular lens (IOL) for you will be determined by your surgeon after considering your lifestyle, visual needs, and eye health. A cataract surgery cost in Delhi depends on the intraocular lens used and the clinic or hospital, so consult your doctor for a precise estimate.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care=

Cataract surgery recovery is usually uneventful. In the first few days, your operated eye may feel gritty, itchy, or uncomfortable, but this should get better with time. You must follow your surgeon's recommendations, which usually include:

Using eye drops as directed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation/accelerate healing.
Avoid extreme physical exertion and lifting heavy things for a couple of weeks.
Wear protective eyewear while moving through dusty environment to prevent eye rubbing for few weeks.
Going for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your eye is healing properly.

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Natural Cure for Cataracts

Here are some natural ways to prevent/ slow down the progression of cataracts:

Antioxidant-rich diet may slow cataract progression.
Regular eye exercises can help maintain eye health.
Quit smoking to reduce risk of oxidative eye damage.
Protective sunglasses to shield against UV damage.
Manage diabetes to reduce the diabetic cataract risk.
Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Conclusion

It is indeed a wonderful advancement in ophthalmology, that cataract surgery gives millions of affected individuals clear vision. Due to its high success rate and relatively low risk, this surgery is one of the most common daycare surgeries worldwide. If cataracts are harming your quality of life, talk to best ophthalmologist in gurgaon about cataract surgery. A consultation can restore vision and enhance your health. Consider life-changing cataract surgery to for a high quality and healthy life.

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