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Lens, is a structure in the eye, which is responsible for focusing the light on the retina. Opacity occurring in the lens is called cataract.
Cataract formation is a natural part of the aging process. It may occur due to injury or may be present at birth, but the most common cause is related to age (Senile Cataract) and is the leading cause of reversible blindness in India.
Modern day cataract surgery, includes not just removal of cataract but also correction of refractive error with the option of freedom from spectacles after surgery. The state-of-the-art facilities available at H.V Desai Eye Hospital include High end Biometry & Operative Planning modules;
Phacoemulsification systems & Operating Microscopes which enable us to perform Phacoemulsification (Micro incision suture less surgery) and Small Incision Cataract surgery
The lens inside the eye works much like a camera lens, which focuses light onto the retina for clear vision. It also adjusts the eye’s focus, letting us see things clearly, both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it. However, as we age, some of the protein is likely to clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, which makes it difficult for us to see properly. No one knows for sure why the lens of the eye changes as we age, thereby forming cataracts. Researchers across the world have identified factors that are likely to cause cataracts or are associated with the development of the same. Besides advancing age, the risk factors associated with cataract include:
One popular theory about cataract formation is, that many cataracts are caused by oxidative changes in the human lens. This theory is supported by nutrition studies, which indicate that the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are said to be high in antioxidants, is likely to help prevent certain types of cataracts.
When symptoms begin to appear, one is likely to be able to improve one’s vision for a while by using new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, having appropriate lighting and other visual aids. With the modern surgical techniques available today, one does not need to wait for the cataract to mature fully. One can go in for surgery when the cataract has progressed enough to impair ones vision and has started affecting one’s daily life. Many people consider poor vision as an inevitable process of aging, however, cataract surgery is a simple and relatively painless procedure.
Cataract surgery, is now a short and painless procedure, during which the surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) that has the appropriate power. Cataract surgery is not just the removal of the cataract, but also the correction of the refractive error for distant and near vision. It also provides the option of freedom from spectacles after surgery. New IOLs are being developed constantly to enable the surgery to be less complicated for surgeons, and for the lenses to be more useful for patients. Presbyopia-correcting (Multifocal) IOLs potentially enable patients to see at varying distances, and not just one distance. Another new type of IOL blocks ultraviolet as well as blue light rays, which, according to research, are likely to cause damage to the retina.
Cataract surgery can be done under anaesthetic drops (no injection). However, some patients may require anaesthetic injection near the eye. The patient does not experience discomfort and is advised to lie still for the entire duration of the eye surgery. The cataract is removed through a very small incision using a phacoemulsification instrument that breaks up the cataract using ultrasonic waves. The cataract is then sucked out of the eye. The cataractous lens is then replaced by a suitable artificial, foldable lens that is injected through a small incision. The surgery is performed in a sterile operating theatre using complete aseptic precautions. The surgery can be performed within 20-30 minutes.
We have state of the art Modular Operation Theatre with Laminar Flow.
Zeiss YAG laser for the treatment of posterior capsular calcification that occurs after cataract surgery.
The premium IOL options available at the hospital include Aspheric IOLs, Aspheric Hydrophobic IOLs, Toric IOLs and Multifocal IOLs from the leading IOL manufacturing companies, in the world such as Alcon, Rayner, Technis etc. All types of cataract surgeries, which include refractive cataract surgeries (Toric & Multifocal IOLs) and complex cataract surgeries, are performed by competent and experienced surgeons. Almost all the cataract surgeries are performed using the phacoemulsification technique. Surgical options are also available for complicated cataract patients, which include Iris claw IOLs, Scleral fixated IOLs and Glued IOLs. Facilities for cataract surgery, combined with other surgeries such as corneal transplantation surgery, glaucoma surgery and vitreoretinal surgeries in the same sitting, are also available.
