Phaco Surgery – Cataract

More than half the population over the age of 65 will have some cataract. It is likely to be said that everyone will develop a cataract if he/she live long enough.

Cataract usually develops with advancing age. About half of the population has a cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over 75 has some cataract. Sometimes, it may be present at birth or may develop in childhood.

Yes and no. If you live long enough, you will almost certainly develop cataract, because this is part of the normal aging process.

• Age-related cataract: Most cataracts are related to aging.
• Congenital cataract: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may not affect vision. If they do, they may need to be removed.
• Secondary cataract: Cataracts are more likely to develop in people who have certain other health problems, such as diabetes. Also, cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.
• Traumatic cataract: Cataracts can develop soon after an eye injury, or years later.

Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, there is only one way to achieve clear vision again, and that is to physically remove the cataract from the eye.

It depends on quality of your vision. If the decrease in vision is interfering with your day to day social, personal or professional services, you should not wait. With good results it is not worth just managing with compromised vision.

Yes. Surgery is the only option. Medicines can not cure. I am a diabetic. Can I go for lens implantation? Yes. IOLs are specially recommended for diabetic patients. However your diabetes should be adequately controlled.

A small incision is made into the eye. Ultrasonic energy is used to emulsify lens and suck it out through a tiny needle. An Intraocular Lens or IOL is inserted to replace the removed lens. Is cataract surgery effective? Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the world today. It is also one of the safest and most effective. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.

As with any surgery, pain, infection, swelling and bleeding are possible, but very few patients have serious problems or complications. Your surgeon may prescribe medications for these effects. Retinal detachment also occurs in a few people. Be on the lookout for excessive pain, vision loss, or nausea, and report these symptoms to your eye surgeon immediately.

You can go to farm within a week. The lens is implanted / fitted inside the eye and is not affected by dusty environment.

Your cataract can progress and reach a stage where glaucoma may develop or may progress to a stage where suture-less surgery is not possible.

No. Early surgery gives you best vision, quick recovery and least complications. You get to enjoy best vision much earlier.

Although it’s unlikely but an implanted IOL can be replaced with a different one if necessary. It is called IOL exchange. Talk to your surgeon to learn how he would handle this situation.

You can fly the next day. Do discuss your travel plans with the doctor.

There is really no treatment except surgery.

Once a cataract has been removed, it cannot develop again. However, over time, patients may notice that their vision has once again become hazy. This condition, which can occur with any type of IOL, is known as secondary cataract, or posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Secondary cataracts can be easily treated with a simple laser procedure performed in OPD.

Your doctor will do some tests to measure the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. Also, doctors may ask you not to eat or drink anything after midnight or in the morning of your surgery.

The lens stays with you for the rest of life. There is no need to clean, maintain or replace the lens after it has been implanted.

Avoid surgery of both eyes on the same day. Give some gap between surgery of both the eyes. When can I get the second eye operated? It will depend on the vision of the second eye. Second eye surgery can be planned within next 3-5 days.

You total stay at GEI will be for about three hours.

We recommend you not to eat.

Yes you should if you are diabetic. Light refreshments are available at our canteen.

We recommend you not to eat.

Please do not bring more than two attendants with you.

Thanks to numbing drops and medications to help you relax, the surgical procedure involves minimal discomfort.

You do not experience any pain during surgery.

The surgery takes about eight to ten minutes. You stay inside the operation room for 30 to 40 minutes.

Yes. You must keep taking any medicines you have been prescribed for any other disease.

You will be given eye drops to dilate your pupil before surgery. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed. The operation usually lasts less than ten minutes and is painless. After the operation, a patch will be placed over your eye and you will rest for a while. Since you will not be able to drive, make sure you accompany someone.

You can go for a walk next day. Depending on your comfort and confidence, you can drive, exercise and even go to your office.

It is recommended to avoid these for fifteen days. Light exercise can be started within a few days.

Avoid washing your face for two days. You can shave, shower or have head bath after that.

You should not touch your eyes for one day. There is no need for dark glasses. No additional protection is required at night. Do not miss the medicines prescribed to you.

You need two visits. The first visit is one day after surgery and the second is two weeks after surgery.

No. You can resume your normal diet after the surgery. The diabetics should strictly adhere to their recommended diet.

It is better to avoid hair dye and makeup for two weeks.

Oral tablets are required for a total of 5 days and eye drops need to be instilled for four to five weeks.

No. The lenses we use have built in UV filters.

It depends on your comfort levels. There is no restriction on watching TV.

Yes. Spectacles are prescribed for two weeks. You will get good functional vision after cataract surgery without glasses. Glasses may be required for distance in some cases. Reading or near-work glasses will be required by all cases. You do not need thick glasses. Even cases with Multifocal IOL may have little near vision number and may need glasses after surgery.

You can start as soon as you feel comfortable. Please remember that the operated eye will get prescription for glasses after two weeks.

Yes. Only after all the eye drops have been stopped.

Any time after two days.

Please avoid touching your eyes for a week.

Yes. Avoid swimming for first two weeks after surgery.

Yes, after fifteen days with eyes closed.

You should be able to tee off after one week.

Every patient and his eyes behaves differently, but most patients typically see well enough to drive within a day after surgery. Ask your doctor how quickly he or she expects you to recover.

Most patients can resume basic activities like reading and watching TV the day after surgery, and can usually return to work within two to seven days. Doctors typically advise against any strenuous activity for two or more weeks. Results vary by patients; therefore ask your doctor what’s best for you.

Your ability to drive at night should be significantly improved once your cataract is removed. Patients with Multifocal IOLs may notice a ring of light around headlights and other light sources. These halos are typically mild, rarely bothersome and tend to diminish with time.

Every patient is different, so be sure to ask your doctor for advice on caring for your eyes after the procedure. Oftens though, your doctor will simply ask you to refrain from rubbing your eye or engaging in any strenuous activity for a few weeks after surgery.

Consult your doctor immediately if you have any issues particularly if you experience decreased vision or pain.

If you feel any pain or decrease in vision, contact our 24 hour helpline 098153 91339.

Usually patients feel some sensation which settles down within a few days after surgery. Rarely, some patients may experience foreign body sensation for 2-3 weeks. The surgeon usually prescribes lubricant eye drops which take care of the temporary sensation.

No. You can continue these drugs before surgery.

The surgery remains the same for any eye. But, many patients may feel some difference due to multiple factors.

It’s normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a while. Some fluid discharge is also common, and your eye may be sensitive to light and touch.