Inside the eye is a lens, much like the lens of a camera. The lens focuses incoming light rays through the pupil onto the retina at the back of the eye. The image formed on the retina is then perceived or “seen”.
The lens must remain clear for the light to pass through and reach the retina. When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, light is unable to pass through the lens and vision dims or blurs. A lens that has become cloudy is called a cataract. Cloudiness of the lens usually occurs with age.

CAUSES OF CATARACT

By far, the most common cause of cataract is the deterioration of the normal structure of the lens of the eye with age.

Other possible causes are injury to the eye or diseases such as diabetes,prolonged use of steroids,eye inflammation, eye tumors etc.

WHEN TO HAVE SURGERY

The need to have surgery is best determined by consulting your ophthalmologist.

The best time for operation for cataract depends on how the impairment of vision affects the person’s life style. If person’s work needs greater use of eyes, he may need to have cataract removed much earlier than someone with less need for sharp vision.

CATARACT SURGERY

It is a simple operation which is generally done under local or topical anesthesia. The patient remains fully conscious during surgery. He does not experience any pain. During the surgery, the opaque lens is removed and an artificial lens is implanted to substitute the function of focussing light rays on to the retina.

PHACOEMULSIFICATION AND STITCHLESS CATARACT SURGERY

The most exciting innovation in cataract surgery of this century is the technique of phaco-emulsification. In this method, a tiny Ultrasonic instrument is inserted through a very small incision made on or just outside the cornea. This instrument uses Ultrasonic vibrations to break the cataract into fine pieces which are gently suctioned out of the eye. Since Phacoemulsification permits the removal of cataract through a small incision, it eliminates many of the complications of would healing process related to large incision cataract surgery. The incision of phacoemulsification is closed with out stitches. Phacoemulsification can be performed even without giving any anesthetic injections before the operation and can be done under the effect of just topical anesthesia delivered with eye drops. No patch or bandage is required after surgery.

ADVANTAGES OF PHACOEMULSIFICATION

1. Shorter overall surgery.
2. Small incision (as small as 1.5 to 2mm).
3. Faster healing.
4. No stitches required.
5. Less induced Astigmatism.
6. Few post operative medicines and fewer precautions to be observed post operatively.
7. Faster recuperation.
8. More comfortable and satisfied patient.

HAPPY SEEING YOU!

With the current high success rate, you may expect to reach the level of work, leisure and activity you wish soon after surgery.So welcome back to an active, sight filled life.