- the layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of the eye - to produce a sharp image of what we see.
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results in a yellowish or brownish discoloration of the human lens. Scattering of light occurs as it
passes through the hazy lens, which degrades the quality of the image formed on the retina.
- Natural process of aging
- Occurs earlier in patients with Diabetes
- Secondary to prolonged intake of steroid medications
- Due to chronic inflammation inside the eye
- Congenital or developmental etiology
- Secondary to trauma
- Blurred or hazy vision, double vision
- Poor night vision
- Glare or haloes while looking at bright lights or at car headlights at night
- Difficulty in reading small letters
- Frequent change of glass power to improve eyesight
- Eyestrain, headache etc
- Vision can be improved in the early stages by change of glasses
- Control of systemic disease such as Diabetes
- Surgical removal of the hazy lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens implant
disappear or prevent it from forming.
The cloudy lens can be surgically removed and replaced by a clear artificial lens implant called
the intraocular lens (IOL), to restore good unaided vision in the operated eye.
In this surgical technique, a large incision (9 - 10mm) is made, following
which the cataract is removed from the eye in one piece. An intraocular
lens in then implanted into the eye. As the surgical wound is quite large,
it needs to be closed at the end of surgery using 6 - 7 stitches. It usually
takes a few weeks to recover from this surgical procedure.
In this modern surgical technique, the cataract is broken down into small
fragments using ultrasonic energy. The probe is passed through a 2mm
incision and the emulsified cataract sucked out of the eye. A foldable
intraocular lens is then implanted into the eye. No stitches are
necessary to close the surgical wound as it is very small and self sealing.
Once you decide to undergo cataract surgery, your surgeon will discuss in detail regarding the surgical
procedure, risk benefits of the same, and answer all your doubts regarding the procedure.
Before surgery,your eye will be measured to determine the proper power of the intraocular lens that will
be placed in your eye. Ask your ophthalmologist if you should continue taking your usual medications
before surgery. You should have someone drive you home after surgery. Surgery is usually done on an
outpatient basis.
When you arrive for surgery,you will be given eyedrops in the eye to be operated. During surgery local
anesthetic will numb your eye. The surgical procedure usually lasts only 10 - 15 minutes. You will be
awake and comfortable during the entire procedure. After surgery is completed you will wait for a short
period in the recovery area. Then you are ready to return home.
- You will need to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon
- Use the prescribed eyedrops at the prescribed intervals
- Maintain good hygiene and clean the eye as instructed
- Do not rub or press the eye
- Wear the dark glasses or the eye shield as instructed
- Most of routine daily activity can be resumed
- Ask your doctor when you can resume driving
No, you cannot get a cataract again after the surgery. However in a very small percentage of cases, the
clear lens capsule (support on which the intraocular lens is placed), can become hazy months to years
following cataract surgery. This is called posterior capsular opacification or after-cataract. A small
painless laser procedure, called YAG laser capsulotomy, is required to create a clear opening and
restore normal vision in this condition.
The success rate of cataract surgery is excellent. Improved vision is achieved in the majority of patients
if other vision-limiting problems are not present. Sometimes the retina is not very healthy, as in diabetic
retinopathy, age related macular degeneration etc, or the nerve is affected by advanced glaucoma, in
this situation the visual improvement may be limited to a certain extent.
