Cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. This results in blurring of vision and if left untreated it can even cause blindness. Cataract surgery is the commonest surgery performed in the world. It is also the most safely performed operation with the highest success rate.
Cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The hitherto clear lens that allows light to pass through and focus a sharp image on to your retina, now becomes opacified, hindering the passage of light and hence debilitating your vision. Cataract surgery is removal of this opacified lens (cataract) and placement of an artificial lens, also known as intraocular lens (IOL) to restore your vision.
Post-operative care is critical after any surgery and this includes cataract surgery. Though microincision cataract surgery (MICS) with phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens (phaco + IOL) implantation has made the outcomes of cataract surgery quite predictable, certain post-operative precautions, especially in these times of lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic, may help improve comfort. As routine OPDs are not functional and may take some time, here are a few simple pointers:
Introduction to Cortical Cataracts
Ophthalmologists always advocate taking good care of your eyes via nutritious diets, healthy lifestyles, etc. Accordingly, you do so. However, advancing age, illness or trauma can bring changes in vision. If you become ultra-sensitive to light, do consult a medical practitioner. You could be suffering from cortical cataracts.
Introduction
Cataracts are ‘slow’ developers. Therefore, you may not even realize that you have them. You notice only when you have difficulty with driving at night, reading, etc. Naturally, you will have to go in for a medical consultation. During the examination, the ophthalmologist may find the cataract affecting the central part of the lens. The center is the nucleus. This indicates that you are suffering from nuclear cataracts.
Cataracts are thought to be synonymous with ageing process. There are different types of cataracts, and most do develop slowly. However, posterior subcapsular cataracts result in faster deterioration of vision in comparison to the other types. However, they are treatable, thanks to advancements in the field of ophthalmic surgery.
Children could be having cataracts right from birth. We refer to them as congenital cataracts. Fortunately, they are rare occurrences. Like many others, you may not even be aware that your child is having a cataract because children generally never complain of poor vision. It might be even more difficult when the child of suffering from poor vision due to cataracts in both eyes. Therefore, only the ophthalmologist, who puts the child through a complete eye examination, will be able to help you with the right assessment.
Evolution of Cataract Surgery: Types of Surgery and Advantages of Technological Advancements
Cataract surgery is known to humanity since ages. The first documented cataract surgical procedure dates back in the fifth century BC. Today, the advanced and sophisticated technologies used in cataract surgery have made it incredibly useful and virtually painless.
Cataract is a very common eye problem and affects millions of people worldwide. If your vision is hampered due to cataract, your eye specialist will ask you to undergo surgery. Although the term ‘cataract surgery’ may sound scary at first, with the help of advanced technology and a qualified and skilled surgeon, it can improve your vision instantly.
The natural lens of the eye helps to focus light on the retina for clear vision. However, our clear natural lens begins to become cloudy over a period of time and this is known as cataract formation. It is a degenerative condition that interferes with vision. This impairment of vision affects the quality of life. Generally, cataract formation is age-related, but very rarely this condition can occur at birth or in younger people as well. If left untreated,