Introduction – What is Cataract Surgery? Its Treatment Option
Are you struggling to perform everyday activities such as reading, driving due to a blurry, clouded vision? Do colours appear faded to you? Are you noticing regular changes in your contact lens or glasses prescription?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms frequently, maybe it’s time for you to go for a cataract surgery. This article will help you identify cataract, a condition defined by clouding of the lens of the eye, at an early stage and provide all the relevant information about the procedure of cataract surgery, its advantages and some side effects of cataract operation.
What is Cataract?
Cataract is a visual condition that impairs eyesight by causing the eye’s lens to fog. Using a clear lens in the eye, the retina absorbs light and sends information to the brain for visual identification. However, the formation of cataract resulting in clouding of the lens, causing-
- Vision Impairment
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Difficulty to see at night.
- Perception of halos around lights.
What causes Cataract?
Usually, cataract develops due to ageing but an injury to the eye, certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes can also trigger cataract formation. It must be noted that the development of cataract is a very gradual process which can affect one or both eyes depending on severity of symptoms. Initially, it could be very difficult for you to notice changes in your vision. However, the symptoms of cataract worsen with time, so it is important to identify and treat them as early as possible.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a type of cataract surgery which improves removal of a cataract, or hazy lens. Similar to a camera, your eye has a lens(made up of protein and water) that concentrates light. The proteins in the lens immediately begin to degrade as a cataract forms, turning the lens yellow and hazy
A surgeon, also referred to as an ophthalmologist, performs this procedure and works with you to choose the best intraocular lens for your situation. An intraocular lens is a tiny, artificial lens that is implanted during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s natural lens, which has become hazy due to cataract.
What is the procedure for cataract Operation?
Pre- Surgery Procedure-
-Your eye surgeon will do a comprehensive examination in order to analyze the general health of your eye as well as the size and shape of the cataract.
-Your eye surgeon will numb your eye with medicated eye drops in order to ensure that you experience little or no discomfort during the operation. To aid in your relaxation, a sedative might also be administered giving you a sleepy feeling.
Cataract Surgery Procedure-
Stage 1– In order to reach the hazy lens, a tiny opening is made in the eye. Two primary categories of incisions are employed-
- Phacoemulsification- During this procedure, the hazy lens is broken up into tiny pieces using ultrasonic equipment and then suctioned away.
- Extracapsular surgery: This procedure involves using a wider incision to remove the lens in its entirety.
Stage 2-The artificial intraocular lens is inserted into the eye after the cataract has been removed. The hazy lens inside the eye will be permanently replaced by this IOL.
Stage 3-During this stage, your surgeon will apply an eye patch or shield using tape to keep your eyes safe.
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Can Cataract be prevented?
The answer is yes. You can potentially reduce the risk of developing cataracts by taking certain preventive actions, even if some factors like age and heredity are beyond your control. These involve-
Wear Sunglasses- Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays when you go out to protect your eyes from UV radiation. This reduces the cumulative long-term damage that UV light might cause to the eyes.
Avoid Smoking: Research has connected smoking to a higher risk of cataract development. Giving up smoking can reduce this risk and enhance eye health in general.
Control Sugar levels– If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels because elevated blood sugar levels might hasten the formation of cataract.
Keep a Healthy Weight– Overweight and obesity are linked to a higher risk of cataract development. Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of obesity.
Frequent Eye Check-ups – Make an appointment with an eye care specialist for a routine, thorough eye exam. They enable prompt diagnosis, treatment, and management of cataracts and other eye disorders by spotting early warning indicators.
Risks associated with Cataract Surgery
Although cataract surgery is generally regarded as safe and successful, there are risks and potential adverse effects associated with this treatment like-
Temporary Blurred Vision: Following surgery, you may have temporary blurred vision which automatically gets better with time.
Pain: Following surgery, experiencing minimal irritation or discomfort is typical. This can be treated with the help of medicated eye drops recommended by your eye surgeon.
Sensitivity to Light: The eye may temporarily become more sensitive to light after surgery. Sunglasses are a useful tool for controlling this sensitivity.
Dry Eye: It might be uncomfortable for you to have their operated eye feel dry. This may be healed with the use of medicated eye drops that the doctor prescribes.
Why go For Cataract Surgery Procedure?
It must be noted that there are no medications or eye drops that have been shown to reverse the vision loss caused by cataract. The positive outcomes of opting for cataract surgery treatment include-
- Improved eyesight.
- Reduced sensitivity to glare when you’re looking at bright lights (such at night when driving).
- Better colour visibility.
- Less dependence on glasses.
How can mediEnd assist you?
mediEND Care provides you easy access to advanced cataract removal surgery with a treatment cost calculator which helps you to manage cataract surgery cost within your budget. They understand the importance of proper planning when you are thinking about surgery and provide you with-
- A consolidated list of hospitals and doctors near you.
- Multiple Payment Options – No Cost EMI, Health Insurance Covered
- Affordable Consultation with a dedicated team of medical experts.
Key Factors Affecting the Cataract Surgery Cost
Cataract Surgery cost might vary greatly based on a number of variables including –
Type of Procedure- The kind of intraocular lens that your surgeon recommends and the surgical technique used during the procedure.
Surgeon’s Fees: A surgeon’s charge may differ according to their area of specialisation, experience, and education. Surgeons with greater experience or those who work in expensive regions might bill more for their services.
Hospital or Surgical Facility: Depending on the hospital or surgical facility where the treatment is carried out, the price may change. Higher costs may be charged by facilities that offer advanced eye treatment units.
Conclusion
The mainstay of contemporary eye care is cataract surgery, which provides you with a reliable means of regaining vision that has been impaired by cataracts. The clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL), customized to your specific visual requirements, will be implanted in place of the clouded lens during this painstakingly planned process. When cataract starts affecting everyday functions like reading, driving, you must consider cataract surgery after consulting your eye surgeon. The procedure of this surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient that is mostly carried out under local anesthetic.
Following surgery, you will see a noticeable improvement in your vision right away, although full recovery usually takes a few weeks. Some surgical complications including bleeding, infection, or retinal detachment will be closely monitored by your surgeon. The majority of patients who undergo cataract surgery report greatly better vision and a decreased need for corrective lenses as a result of the procedure. You will also see a significant improvement in their quality of life, which will enable you to regain your independence and engage in everyday activities.
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