Looking At The World Through Clearer Eyes

A cataract causes the lens to become cloudy and treatment is usually surgery to remove and replace the lens. 

A Cataract is a clouding of an eye lens that can cause blurred vision, dimmed or yellow vision, making it hard to see. A healthy lens will refract light coming into the eyes to make seeing possible, but in the case of a cataract, this lens gets cloudy/foggy. During a cataract surgery, the natural cloudy lens is removed and a clear plastic one, called an intraocular lens (IOL) is put in its place.

It is a very common procedure and is normally done as an outpatient surgery. It generally requires no hospital stay unless specified by the ophthalmologist doing the procedure.

Why is it done?

A cataract surgery is considered when the cloudy cataract begins to interfere in a person’s routine. This can include:

• The ability to drive and work
• The ability to read or watch TV
• The ability to complete chores in the house
• The level of independence

A cataract surgery is also considered when the cataract itself comes in the way of treatment of other ailments. This can happen when the the doctor in unable to examine the eye due to the cataract.

Based on a diagnosis and level of vision, and answers to questions about vision make it either necessary or not. If the cataract is small and does not interfere with the vision, a surgery is considered unnecessary

Risks and complications

Like with any other surgery, a cataract surgery too comes with risks that include but are not limited to:

• Eye infections
• Bleeding in the eye
• Swelling inside the eye
• Detached cornea
• Vision loss
• Dislocated IOL
• Damamge to other parts of the eye

Prepping for surgery

Preparing for a cataract surgery can include tests in the run up to the surgery from about before a week. These usually are painless tests to examine the eye, the shape, condition and the size and measure it for the IOL. This test also helps determine the kind of IOL that will be best suited for the person.

Most often than not, there will be restriction of the medicines before the surgery, though you may be specifically given eye drops or medication to help reduce the risk of infection before the surgery. Following the doctor’s orders, with respect to the diet and what is allowed before the surgery is mandatory.

What to expect post surgery

Once the cataract surgery is done, while vision gets progressively better, there is a chance it might be blurry for the first few weeks, which is because the eyes takes time to adjust to the new lens. It is also normal for the eye to feel itchy or dry for a few days after the surgery. It may be recommended for you to wear an eye patch for a few days as well, especially when you sleep.

Some of the other restrictions that may be placed immediately after the surgery can include lifting heavy weights and bending over to pick things off the floor during the recovery period.

Why Yashoda?

The Department of Opthalmology at Yashoda Hospitals has always provided the best of facilities to patients with ocular conditions. The specialists here treat patients with various conditions including Glaucoma, blindness, diseases of retina among others with facilities and care that is top notch and individualised to every patient.

Know about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, risk factors and treatments of glaucoma