The formation of a cataract in the eye makes ordinary activities like reading, watching television or driving very difficult. Fortunately, vision can be restored quickly, allowing the patient to return home within hours. With new advancements in cataract surgery, vision improvement begins almost immediately.

 

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally, light passing through the lens is focused on the retina. However, as a result of the natural aging process, the lens becomes cloudy. The cataract blocks the passage of light through the eye and causes distorted or blurred vision.

 

Restoring Vision

Once a cataract has formed, the most effective way to restore vision is to remove it and replace it with a plastic or soft, foldable silicone/acrylic lens implant called an Intraocular Lens (IOL).

Recent advances in the procedure allow vision to be restored safer and faster. Cataract surgery now has a success rate greater than 98%. Patients may now resume normal activities within hours of the operation.

 

Topical or No-Needle Anaesthesia

Previously, cataract surgery was performed under general anaesthesia. This meant patients were made to stay back at the hospital for a long while. Later advances used local anaesthesia, wherein a puncture is made just behind the eyeball. This procedure is, however, not entirely free of risk. Today, topical anaesthesia is used. A patient is sedated using an intravenous drip (IV). The eye is then anaesthetised using eye drops.

 

Advantages of Topical Anaesthesia

• It is faster.
  
• The patient is more comfortable. It also eliminates any anxiety the patient may have about a needle being inserted into the eyeball.
  
• Visual recovery begins almost immediately, since the eye muscles aren't paralysed as in the case of local block anaesthesia.
  
• It eliminates potential complications such as perforation of the eye, haemorrhages or damage to the optic nerve.
  
• It removes the chance of a relatively dangerous anaesthesia-induced allergic reaction.
  
• It eliminates the potential for post-operative headaches caused by conventional blocks.
  
• It eliminates the need for an eye patch.
  

 

No-Stitch, Self-Sealing Incision Surgery

Ultrasound technology (phacoemulsification) is often used to remove a cataract. A probe is inserted through a 2.5 mm opening created with a specific self-sealing technique. This places the incision into the cornea. Most patients prefer this technique combined with the soft foldable lens implant.

Ultrasound is then used to gentlyemulsify (break up) the cloudylensinto tiny pieces, that can then be removed through the tip of the probe (or ‘phaco’) instead of through a wide incision. A special lens can then be implanted through the incision.

 

Advantages of this technique

• There is no placement or removal of sutures.
  
• It may be performed under local or topical anaesthesia.
  
• An eye patch is not required when performed under topical anaesthesia.
  
• The incision is bloodless.
  
• It reduces post-operative restrictions.
  
• It improves post-operative vision and minimises post-operative astigmatism.
  

 

After Surgery…

Most patients are pleasantly surprised to find that their vision begins to improve a few hours after the surgery. They may even find their vision better than ever. However, some will need to wear glasses for reading and other activities. During the initial healing period, there may be a few limitations to strenuous activities. However, most of our patients have returned to their normal lifestyles immediately.

 

Secondary Cataracts

During cataract surgery, a clear capsule is left surrounding the cataract to support the lens implant. In some cases, this capsule may turn cloudy months, or even years, after the surgery. In this case, a quick outpatient laser procedure will restore vision in a matter of minutes.

 

Am I A Candidate For the Latest Techniques?

Some patients may not be suitable for the newest techniques in cataract surgery because of their eye structure, health or other factors. In these cases, patients can undergo traditional techniques and expect to do well. We offer a wide variety of techniques to suit every budget and every patient.

 

Sight Loss Can Be Prevented

Loss of sight due to a cataract can be prevented. With modern technology, cataracts can be removed and good vision restored when a person feels the loss of vision is great enough to interfere with daily activities. Cataracts no longer need to be ripe for removal.