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Cataract Surgery
Diagnosis, Procedure, and Recovery of Cataract Surgery
A cataract surgery is an important and beneficial procedure for people with cataracts. If left untreated, cataracts can cause vision impairment and a decline in quality of life. Invest in safe and effective cataract surgery in India with Krescent Healthcare. Book your consultation today.
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Cataract Surgery: What Is It?
A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy, resulting in blurry or distorted vision. If a cataract interferes with your everyday activities, your doctor may suggest cataract surgery.
An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) performs cataract surgery as an outpatient procedure, so you don't have to stay in the hospital after the surgery.
As part of cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It usually takes less than an hour for the surgery to be completed and has a high success rate. There are several types of intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery, including monofocal lenses, multifocal lenses, toric lenses, and monovision lenses.
Cataract Surgery Types: What Are They?
There are different types of cataract surgery techniques, each with a different mechanism for removing the cloudy lens and placing the intraocular lens. The main types of cataract surgery include:
Known as femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery creates corneal incisions, opens the lens capsule, and breaks the cataract with the help of a femtosecond laser. With this technique, a blade is not required for many steps during cataract surgery.
Phacoemulsification, also known as phaco cataract surgery, is a method used to remove cataracts by emulsifying the internal lens of the eye with an ultrasonic handpiece and removing it. An artificial IOL is then inserted into the same location where the natural lens was located. This technique reduces incision size and potential risks, such as astigmatism, resulting in a shorter recovery time. It is most suitable for soft cataracts that require moderate levels of ultrasonic energy and allow for the insertion of foldable prosthetic lenses.
A laser is used to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery (LACS). Lasers are used to make precise incisions in the cornea, open the lens capsule, and fragment the cataract. The method can be more precise and reduce the need for specific instruments during surgery.
ECCE, or Extracapsular Cataract Extraction, is an older approach that is now less frequently utilized, but may still be deemed appropriate in certain circumstances. This technique involves creating a bigger incision in either the cornea or sclera (the white part of the eye), and extracting the cloudy lens in one piece rather than utilizing phacoemulsification to break it up. Following this removal, an IOL is implanted through the same incision and positioned within the lens capsule. ECCE is typically employed when phacoemulsification may not be feasible, such as in advanced cataract cases or when additional procedures, like implanting a specialized lens type, are necessary. Additionally, because of the larger incision used in ECCE, stitches may be required to close the wound.
A small-incision cataract surgery is a modern procedure for removing a cataract. It is an advanced version of the traditional extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) procedure, and it is considered a safe and effective way to remove a cataract.
MICS, or Microincision Cataract Surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure for removing cataracts. Unlike traditional surgery which involves a larger incision, MICS utilizes a tiny incision, usually smaller than 1.8 mm. This allows for quicker completion time, often in under 10 minutes. Individuals with smaller or more dense cataracts may benefit from this approach. Additionally, MICS can potentially eliminate the need for open-incision surgery in many cataract patients due to its reduced trauma and scarring resulting in a shorter recovery period compared to the traditional method.
The choice of cataract surgery technique depends on several factors, including the severity and characteristics of the cataract, the surgeon's expertise, and the patient's eye health. Your doctor will analyze your specific case and recommend the most appropriate technique.
Cataract Surgery: Who Is A Good Candidate?
An ophthalmologist typically decides whether to perform cataract surgery based on the patient's symptoms, visual impairment, and the impact of cataracts on their quality of life and daily activities. There are certain criteria that help determine whether a person is a good candidate for cataract surgery. These criteria include:
People progress at different rates with cataracts. If they progress rapidly and significantly impair vision, surgery may be advised earlier. It is possible, however, to delay cataract surgery until they cause more prominent vision impairment if they develop slowly and have less impact on vision.
When a person's vision is significantly impacted by clouding of the lens, resulting in problems with reading and driving, cataract surgery may be considered appropriate. If cataracts cause significant vision impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, surgery may be suggested.
To determine if cataract surgery is the right intervention, the eye's overall health is also taken into account. When considering surgical intervention, it is important to consider other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, as well as cataracts.
When cataracts affect an individual's ability to drive, read, or work, cataract surgery may be considered to improve their quality of life and independence.
Cataract Surgery: What Are The Benefits?
People with cataracts can benefit from cataract surgery in a number of ways. A few of the main benefits of cataract surgery include:
Depending on the type of cataract surgery and artificial lens placement, you may be able to see better than you've seen in a long time. Advanced intraocular lens implants can be used to correct your vision completely, so you no longer need glasses or contacts.
The cataract surgery lens helps to restore clear vision by focusing light properly onto the retina. Many people experience significant improvements in their vision after the surgery.
Cataract surgery can enhance an individual's independence, quality of life, and ability to participate in hobbies and social activities.
The advantages of improved vision typically persist for years after cataract surgery. After the cataract is removed and an IOL is placed, it does not regrow.
Reduced Visual Symptoms: Cataracts can result in blurred vision, difficulty reading, glare or sensitivity to light, reduced night vision, color distortion, etc. Cataract surgery can alleviate these symptoms.
By removing the cloudy lens and implanting an artificial IOL, cataract eye surgery can restore the ability to perceive colors accurately.
How Do I Recover From Cataract Surgery?
It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks for people to fully recover from cataract surgery. However, the vision may improve within a few days. However, there may be little pain or discomfort during recovery. Following certain postoperative tips is essential to minimizing pain and discomfort, promoting healing, minimizing complications, and optimizing your visual outcome after cataract surgery. Here are some essential tips to follow:
Allow yourself adequate time to heal and adapt to the new IOL by resting and avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and activities that may strain your eyes.
You should wear a protective eye shield provided by your ophthalmologist while sleeping to prevent pressure on the operated eye. In the early days of recovery, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and dust.
After cataract surgery, it is best not to shower and wash your head. You should avoid swimming or visiting a sauna or spa for a few weeks after the surgery. After a cataract operation, there is a small cut in the eye, so it should not become contaminated.
If possible, avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eyes during the recovery period. Rubbing your eyes can increase the risk of infection, dislocate the IOL, or impede healing.
In order to prevent infection, relieve inflammation, and facilitate healing, follow your ophthalmologist's instructions regarding eye drops.
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or applying eye drops to maintain good hygiene.
Whenever you experience severe pain, sudden vision changes, increased redness, persistent discharge, or any other concerning symptoms, please consult your ophthalmologist. Identifying and addressing potential complications requires timely communication with your doctor.
To ensure a successful and complication-free recovery after cataract surgery, these precautions are crucial. Do not hesitate to contact your eye care professional for guidance and support during your recovery. Following these precautions will help you achieve a smooth and successful recovery after cataract surgery.
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