Cataracts is a disorder that affects most of the elderly citizens in the world. And, while this is such a common disorder, there is no medication or eye drop that can treat the condition. The only guaranteed solution to cataracts is surgery, which involves the surgical removal of the cloudy natural lens of the eye; replacing it with an artificial transparent lens known as the intraocular lens, or IOL in short.
What is IOL lens?
The IOL lens is similar to the natural lens, performing the same functions, and may be made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic. There are a variety of IOL lenses available, and you must be able to choose the right one for your eyes if you want a successful surgery. You must thus consult a professional eye specialist who can diagnose your eyes, and identify the perfect IOL lens for you.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is generally performed on an out-patient basis, and takes less than an hour to be performed. It is performed under local anesthesia, which is why it hardly causes any pain. However, certain medications are prescribed both before and after the surgery, which must be taken as advised.
Just like IOLs, there are also various types of cataract surgeries that can be performed. The two most popular techniques are phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery.
- Phacoemulsification – This surgery involves making small incisions, and using ultrasound to break up the lens into small pieces.
- Extracapsular surgery – This surgery involves removing the lens as a single piece after opening the front part of the lens capsule.
Success and complications of cataract surgery
Cataract surgery has seen a very high success rate in India, nearly as much as 98%. The 2% of patients are those who might not see 100% results. But, that does not mean that the surgery is not a success. There are very rare complications involved, and little to zero discomfort experienced. While rare, you, as a patient, have the right to know about all the possible complications involved, so that you are ready for it. The rarest yet most common complications experienced by cataract surgery patients involve dryness, floaters, infection, and sensitivity to bright light. In case any of these occur, your doctor may prescribe you certain lifestyle changes and medications, so that you can overcome these at the earliest.
The outcomes of cataract surgery
The eyes start getting back to normal within a few hours of the surgery. Sensation starts returning in a matter of hours, while complete clear vision may take a few days. The average healing time taken is somewhere between 2 to 6 weeks. But, if it takes you a few months, you mustn’t be worried. Every eye and every individual is different, and thus, this time difference. How much ever time it may take for your eyes to get back to normal, but once your eyes have healed, you must have them tested again. After the test, you may be prescribed new glasses.
With the right techniques, treatments, and follow-ups, you will have a clear vision in no time! And, you will be back to reading, driving, and socializing just like you did before your cataracts! But for this, you need the right specialist. Arohi Eye Hospital is one such hospital who can offer you the best cataract surgery in Mumbai with the most specialized doctors taking care of every cataract patient with utmost care.
Dr. Shradha Goel
Dr. Shradha Goel, Chief Surgeon at Arohi Eye Hospital, is a renowned Phaco-LASIK surgeon with over 10,000 surgeries to her credit. She earned her MBBS from Grant Medical College, Mumbai, and a Master’s in Ophthalmology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. As a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Goel specialises in LASIK, refractive errors, and cataract treatments.