What You Need to Know about Cataracts

Most of us know at least one, if not more, family member or loved one who has been diagnosed with cataracts. To explain more, HEALTH meets with Dr. Nandini Sankaranarayanan, Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon and Specialist Ophthalmologist to understand exactly what cataracts are and how it is treated.

What it means

Cataract in layman terminology, tells Dr. Sankaranarayanan, can be described as a clouding of the natural crystalline lens of the eyes. “Some symptoms of cataracts include cloudy /blurred vision, glare, and/or increased sensitivity to light and double vision,” she says.

Age-related or genetic

While the majority of cataracts are age related, also referred to as senile cataract, Dr. Sankaranarayanan reveals that it can also be seen in infants as well. She advises that it is extremely important to remove this cataract as early as possible to make sure that the vision development is normal.

Latest treatment for cataracts

The only way to treat cataracts is by surgically removing the cataractous lens and replacing it with an artificial Intra Ocular Lens(IOL) implant, she says. “This is done by a procedure called as phacoemulsification that uses high frequency ultrasound vibration energy to disintegrate the cataractous lens,” she says, which is a suture less procedure. Recent advances in the phacoemulsification technique is the use of a femtosecond laser. “Also, many premium IOLs are now available which can provide a glasses-free reading experience.”

The importance of treatment

Apart from this, sometimes not removing the cataract may cause it to rupture or liquefy within the eyes, which can trigger high eye pressure or inflammation and lead to a painful eye.

Tips for a person who has undergone cataract surgery

It is imperative to follow the instructions of the surgeon during the immediate postoperative period; which is usually in the form of applying the appropriate eye drops. Other general instructions include to avoid touching the eye and avoid upper body bathing for a few days.

Since cataract is a day care procedure, the patient can resume all the normal activities after surgery.

If both eyes have cataracts, it is important to treat this eye, also. as per the surgeon’s advice to experience the benefit of clear vision in both eyes.

Once the cataract is removed, it does not recur, however, in some patients, there may be a development of after-cataract which is opacification of the capsule on which the artificial lens in placed. This may cause the patient to experience a blurring of the vision again. This is very easily treated by a laser procedure in the doctor’s office itself and vision becomes clear immediately. In conclusion, there is no restriction in activities advised after cataract surgery. In fact; the patient can enjoy routine activities even more due to the clear vision the surgery helps achieve. H