Who gets cataracts?

Anybody who lives long enough develops cataracts, as they are considered a normal part of the aging process, similar to graying hair and aging skin. There are no known medicines to stop or reverse this change. Certain factors can speed up cataract formation; such has diabetes, steroid use, trauma, smoking, alcohol, and excessive sunlight or radiation exposure. In rare cases, cataracts are present at birth or develop in childhood.

When is the best time to have cataracts removed?

People often believe that a cataract must be in a highly advanced stage to be removed, but this isn’t true. When your ophthalmologist sees signs of a cataract and you start to experience visual symptoms which affect your daily activities, you should ask your surgeon for options. The presence of a cataract ideally, should not infringe on your lifestyle, alter the quality of vision, disturb day to day activities or endanger sight.

What happens if a cataract is not removed?

If left untreated, the cloudiness in your lens will continue to increase. The rate at which cataracts develop from an immature to a mature one varies from person to person, but eventually your entire lens can become clouded and opaque, causing blindness.

What is an Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL)?

An IOL is an artificial lens that is placed inside the eye when a cataract is removed. It is made from materials like, acrylic, plastic or silicone. IOLs are available in different powers, just like contact lenses. The power is chosen specifically for each eye based on measurements by your doctor. IOL’s are made of safe, durable materials and you can expect that the implant will last your lifetime without need for replacement or maintenance.

How do I know which replacement lens is right for me?

When the cataract is surgically removed it must be replaced with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). These replacement lenses, known as intraocular lenses (IOLs), that one receives during cataract surgery can be monofocal lenses, multifocal lenses, trifocal or toric lenses. Your surgeon will make a recommendation based on your ocular measurements, lifestyle and visual needs.

Will I be awake during the surgery?

Yes. Your surgeon will offer you medication to help you relax and take steps to make sure you don’t feel any pain.

Do I need general anaesthesia?

No. Adults coming in for cataract surgery to our clinic almost always do very well with just topical anesthesia (only drops/ no injection) or in a few situations local anaesthesia.

How long does cataract surgery last?

The surgical procedure typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, though it may be three to five hours from when you check in until you leave the hospital.

What are the Dos and Don’ts after cataract surgery?

DOS

• DO follow all the instructions as specified by your surgeon
• DO use all medications for the period as prescribed
• DO wash/sanitize your hands before applying eye drops
• DO cleanse your eyes with moist sterile wipes or cotton balls at least twice daily
• DO have a healthy diet for quick healing of your eyes
• DO give adequate rest to heal your eyes which are the most delicate and most overworked organs of your body!

DO’NTS

• In general, there are a few recommendations that one must follow during the post-operative period:
• Keep water, soap and shampoo out of your eyes for at least 1 week.
• Avoid a shower/head bath and face wash for 1 week.
• Avoid eye make- up for at least 2 weeks.
• Do not to press or rub your eyes for at least 1 month.
• Avoid swimming and dusty environments for at least 1 month after surgery.
• Avoid playing contact sports, vigorus physical exertion and crowded places for a month following surgery as there’s a risk that you may get an unwanted injury or infection.