Cataract removal and lens replacement
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a medical condition that affects the eye's lens, which is normally clear and transparent. A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision and potentially leading to visual impairment if left untreated.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of cataracts can vary and may include:
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Blurred or cloudy vision.
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Difficulty seeing at night or in low light conditions.
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Sensitivity to glare from lights.
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Colours appearing faded or yellowed.
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Double vision in one eye.
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Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions that don't seem to improve vision.
How are cataracts treated?
Cataracts are typically treated by surgery. This involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide and is generally safe and effective. Here's an overview of the cataract surgery process:
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Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, Mr Panthagani will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to assess the extent of the cataract and determine the appropriate IOL power for your vision needs.
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Anaesthesia: Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, which means you'll be awake but the area around your eye will be numbed. In some cases, general anesthesia might be used, particularly if you have specific medical conditions or preferences.
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Lens Removal: During the surgery, a small incision is made in the eye's cornea. Various techniques can be used to remove the clouded lens, such as phacoemulsification. In this technique, an ultrasonic probe is used to break up the cloudy lens into tiny fragments that are then gently suctioned out.
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Intraocular Lens Implantation: Once the natural lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the same lens capsule where the natural lens was located. There are different types of IOLs available, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric IOLs. The choice of IOL depends on your visual needs and preferences.
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Closing the Incision: The incision made in the cornea is very small and often requires no stitches. It will usually heal on its own.
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Recovery: Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can usually go home on the same day. You'll be given eye drops to prevent infection and manage inflammation. You might experience some mild discomfort, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision initially, but these usually improve within a few days.
What are the risks?
Cataract surgery is generally considered safe, but like any surgery, it does carry some risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, inflammation, retinal detachment, and issues with the artificial lens. Mr Panthagani will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you before the surgery.