subject: Surgery Of A Cataract? [print this page] 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 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.
SURGERY FOR CATARACT?
The wound is smaller [resulting in faster healing and visual rehabilitation], the surgical time is reduced, and no stitches.
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].
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.
