Cataract

Cataract : FAQs
New Technology in Cataract Surgery: Multifocal Implants
Cataract is not a the problem as it once was. For most people with poor vision from cataract, the prospects of regaining good vision and resuming normal daily activities are excellent. Our facility is oriented towards providing low-stress patient-friendly care.
WHAT IS A CATARACT?
The term cataract is used to describe the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The vision dims because the cataract prevents light from passing beyond the lens and focusing on the retina.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CATARACT?
Common symptoms of a cataract:    Painless blurring of vision    Glare or light sensitivity    Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription    Poor night vision    Needing a brighter light to read    Double vision in one eye    Fading colours
Common misconceptions cleared:    Cataract is not a film over the surface of the eye    It is not caused by overusing the eyes    Not infectious [will not spread from one eye to the other, nor a cancer    Not a cause of irreversible blindness
WHAT CAUSES A CATARACT?
The most common type is related to aging and referred to as a senile cataract. Other common causes are:    Family history    Medical problems, such as diabetes    Long-term use of medications, such as steroids    Injury to the eye    Congenital    Previous eye surgery    Long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight
HOW IS A CATARACT DETECTED?
A thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist detects the presence and the extent of a cataract. Other conditions that could additionally compromise vision can also be detected, particularly problems involving the cornea, retina or the optic nerve.
HOW FAST DOES A CATARACT DEVELOP?
Cataract development varies among individuals and may even vary between the two eyes. Most cataracts associated with the aging process develop over years. Cataracts in younger patients and in those with diabetes may develop rapidly.
TREATMENT OF A CATARACT?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. No dietary supplements, medications, exercises or optical devices have been proven to prevent or cure cataract. However, if the symptoms of cataract are mild, a change of spectacle prescription is all that is needed.
WHEN SHOULD SURGERY BE DONE?
Surgery should be considered when the cataract causes visual disturbance enough to interfere with daily activities. Based on these needs and the examination findings, the patient and the ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate. Cataracts need not to be mature ('ripe') before removal. Today cataract surgery has the means to remove an immature cataract and a mature ('ripe') cataract.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery is a microscopic surgery usually performed under local anaesthesia. The cloudy lens is removed leaving its capsule behind, within which a permanent intraocular lens is implanted. The refractive power of the implanted lens is calculated so that there is a minimal need for post-operative spectacle prescription. However, glasses will be required for near work.
After cataract surgery, one may return almost immediately to all but the most strenuous activities. Medication must be administered as per the instructions of the surgeon. Your surgeon will tell you when you may return to work.
Conventional cataract surgery, which involves removal of the lens in one piece, results in an incision size of 10-12 mm and closure of this large incision with multiple stitches. This has been replaced with the modern technique of cataract removal [phacoemulsification].
WHAT IS LOW-STRESS CATARACT SURGERY AT OUR CENTRES?
The entire surgical experience at our centres has been designed to help patients and their families be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. This "patient first, family-friendly" approach is at the heart of the surgical experience. An important part of our centres' low-stress approach to cataract surgery is the maintenance of familiar routines i.e. meals or medications. The surgery is shown on a television screen in a lounge.
Phacoemulsification is a micro-incision technique of cataract surgery wherein an ultrasound probe breaks the cataract into tiny pieces and sucks them out. If a foldable implant is inserted the incision size is smaller (2.8 - 3.0 mm) as compared to an approximately 5 mm incision to accommodate a non-foldable lens. Both incisions are self-sealing and need no stitches. We will help you decide as to which lens should suit you best.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LOW-STRESS PHACOEMULSIFICATION SURGERY FOR CATARACT?
The wound is smaller [resulting in faster healing and visual rehabilitation], the surgical time is reduced, and no stitches are required. There is minimal or no post-operative discomfort and a quick return to your normal routine.
Multifocal Implants : New technology In Cataract treatment!
Vision Through a Monofocal	Vision Through a Tecnis Multifocal
This is also an option ideal for patients who are young, have no cataract, but have very high refractive errors or spectacle numbers which cannot be eliminated by laser eye surgery or LASIK. Feel young…see more…do more…without glasses! Millions suffer from age- related cataracts and chances are, as you age, you may too. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in eye care. Yet most patients still need reading glasses after the procedure. A new technological breakthrough gives good vision at distance and near without the dependence of glasses after Cataract Surgery. Here is your chance for ‘Youthful Vision’...with the NEW Tecnis Multifocal Intra-ocular lens implant for cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed, and an implant called the intra ocular lens [IOL] is inserted to take over the job of focusing. Reading glasses which typically are unavoidable for most people aged 45 and older also cannot be eliminated after cataract surgery. However, the new Tecnis Multifocal implant offers the possibility of seeing well for near and distance, without glasses or contact lenses. Tasks such as reading newspapers, telling time, seeing the mobile phone, cooking, stitching etc. are only a few of the addtitional activities you can now do independent of glasses after cataract surgery.
Advantages • The dream of independence from glasses – the ‘young feel’, is now a reality. • The lens is designed using wavefront technology which improves contrast sensitivity [the ability to differentiate objects from a similar background]. • This technology is particularly important in low or dim light where one can easily identify objects. Shroff Eye Hospital in Mumbai is a Joint Commission International, JCI (International Division of JCAHO, USA) accredited eye hospital that upholds the world’s highest standards of accuracy, safety, hygiene and technology. Careful evaluation, studies and outstanding results both at Shroff Eye and internationally have resulted in Shroff Eye accepting this tried and tested intraocular lens for use in suitable patients. Read FAQs related to Multifocal Implant