ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CATARACT

What is Cataract?

Cataracts are a condition in which the eye's lens darkens or becomes cloudy, affecting vision. The retina, which sends visual signals to the brain is focused on by the lens, a clear, crystalline structure that is typically translucent and enables light to pass through.

However, when the lens becomes cloudy due to protein buildup, it can scatter or block light, making it difficult to see. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and usually develop slowly over time. Although they are often age-related, they can also be caused by other factors such as eye injuries, certain medications, and underlying medical disorders such as diabetes.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

There are several symptoms of eye cataracts:

1. Blurred or cloudy vision that interferes with daily activities
2. Difficulty seeing at night or in poor light conditions.
3. Problems with contrast sensitivity like Difficulty distinguishing colors or recognizing objects against similar backgrounds.
4. Frequent changes to eyeglass prescriptions that do not improve vision.
5. Reflectors or halos around lights that make driving or reading difficult.
6. Double vision or ghost images.
7. Reduced depth perception.

What are the causes of cataracts?

Cataracts are typically caused by age-related changes in the lens of the eye. However, other factors can also contribute to the development of cataracts, including:

1. Aging: As we growing older, the proteins in the lens of our eyes can clump together, causing cloudiness and visual impairment.
2. Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing cataracts.
3. Injury or trauma to the eye: A significant eye injury or trauma can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
4. Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and prolonged use of steroid medications can increase the likelihood of cataract formation.
5. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation: Prolonged exposure to UV rays from sunlight or other sources can accelerate the development of cataracts.
6. Smoking and alcohol consumption: These lifestyle factors have been associated with an increased risk of cataract development.
7. Overusage of certain medications can increase the risk of cataracts.

Different Types of Cataracts?

1. Cortical Cataract
2. Intumescent Cataract
3. Nuclear Cataract
4. Posterior Subcapsular Cataract
5. Rosette Cataract
6. Traumatic Cataract
7. Subcapsular Cataract

What are the risk factors of Cataracts?

Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:

1. Increasing age
2. Genetic/Family history of cataracts
3. Diabetes
4. High Blood Pressure
5. Obesity
6. Smoking
7. Previous eye injury or surgery
8. Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
9. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
10. Excessive amount of alcohol consumption

How to Prevent Eye Cataracts?

Cataracts can be prevented if we take the proper care. Like:

1. Regular eye check-ups.
2. Wear sunglasses and protect your eyes from UV rays.
3. Follow a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Quit smoking.
6. Manage other health-related problems.

What are the treatments for Cataract?

The main treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens of the eye and replaces it with a transparent artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The artificial lens is placed in the same place as the natural lens and becomes a permanent part of the eye.

What is a Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a procedure in which a doctor removes the cloudy lens from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL).

What are the types of Cataract Surgery?

There are different types of cataract surgery available, but only your doctor can describe the differences and help determine which surgery is best for you.

1. Phacoemulsification
2. Laser cataract surgery
3. Micro incision Cataract surgery
4. Manual small incision cataract surgery
5. Extracapsular surgery
6. Extracapsular cataract extraction

How is cataract surgery performed?

Cataract surgeries are usually performed by the best cataract surgeon in Hyderabad under local anesthesia. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the eye and the cloudy lens is broken and removed using ultrasound or laser technology. An artificial lens is then implanted to replace the natural lens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is cataract surgery necessary?

Cataract surgery is usually recommended when a cloudy lens causes severe vision problems that make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing people. The decision to have cataract surgery depends on the patient's symptoms, vision needs, and overall health. When treating cataracts, the clouded lens is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial implant. It's best to take advice from your nearest Cataract surgeon in Hyderabad.

Is Cataract Surgery Painful?

As the eye is locally anesthetized, the procedure is not painful. However, patients may experience discomfort and tenderness during the healing process, which can take several days to a week.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

The recovery time from cataract surgery can vary from person to person, but most people find improvements in their vision within a few days of the procedure and other patients expect blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and discomfort for several days to a week after surgery. Generally, full recovery from cataract surgery takes about four weeks.

How much rest is required after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, it is advisable to rest for a period of time and avoid certain activities like driving, heavy lifting, bending and strenuous activity to promote proper healing.

It is important to note that specific instructions for rest and recovery may vary depending on the individual case and the surgeon's recommendations. Therefore, it is important to follow the guidance of your ophthalmologist or eye surgeon for personalized post-operative care.

What is post-operative care for cataract surgery?

Post-operative care for cataract surgery involves following specific guidelines to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

1. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting, driving, swimming and exercise for a few weeks after cataract surgery.
2. Protect your eyes from irritants such as dust or dirt.
3. Wear sunglasses and a protective eyewear or eye patch while sleeping.
4. Use eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
5. Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your eye surgeons or ophthalmologist.
6. Avoid alcohol.

Don't forget to consult your ophthalmologist or eye surgeon for specific post-operative care instructions tailored to your individual needs.

Can I watch TV after cataract surgery?

While you can safely resume watching TV within two or three days of cataract surgery, but it's important to avoid watching TV more than necessary for proper healing and getting well as soon as possible. For any other concern, you can take advice from your doctors.

Can I use a mobile after cataract surgery?

Although you can use mobile phones after cataract surgery, but it is best to avoid screen time on your mobile, computer, TV or other devices for three days because light from these devices strains the eye and may be the cause of proper healing. It may, also be required to wear glasses for reading and screens after your eyes heal.

What is the success rate of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a safe and routine procedure. Most people recover very well from cataract surgery. The success rate of cataract surgery is about 99 percent. Complications from cataract surgery are rare but may include inflammation of the cornea or swelling in the eye. Your risk of complications may be higher if you are facing certain eye diseases or medical conditions.

Who is a good candidate for cataract surgery?

Good candidates for cataract surgery are people who have lost or worsened their vision due to cataracts and have no other eye diseases that prevent them from having surgery. A comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an experienced eye surgeon can help determine whether cataract surgery is the best option for your individual vision needs.

When should you see an ophthalmologist?

Call your ophthalmologist right away if you determine that you have cataracts and feel the changes in your vision. However, before deciding whether to undergo cataract surgery, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist or eye doctor who can assess the person's eye health and make individual treatment recommendations. Cataract eye surgery in Hyderabad is very effective at improving vision and quality of life and is generally a safe and effective surgical procedure.

How much does a Cataract surgery cost in Hyderabad, India?

The cost of cataract surgery in Hyderabad, India can depend on various factors such as the type of procedure, hospital, health insurance coverage plan, specific services and lens options, etc.

For more detailed and personalized information on the cost of the best cataract surgery in Hyderabad, it's highly recommended you contact us via email or phone to book your appointment as soon as possible.