A cataract is a condition where the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy and hard and are usually a part of normal aging process. If the blurred vision due to cataract is disturbing your daily lifestyle, the cataract may need to be removed.

The latest technique of cataract removal is Femto-Second Laser Assisted Blade-Less Cataract Surgery also popularly known as Robotic Cataract Surgery. The laser is accurate to the level of 5 microns thereby enhancing its precision, safety and visual outcomes over regular phaco surgery

What is Cataract?

The lens is a transparent structure which transmits light, which in turn is focused on the retina, similar to a camera. The picture so formed on the retina is then sent to the brain via a nerve to complete the process of seeing. When this lens starts becoming opaque or white, the problem is labelled as cataract. The condition happens when certain proteins in the lens form into abnormal clumps. These clumps gradually enlarge and interfere with vision by distorting or blocking the passage of light through the lens.

So when the lens is partially opaque, it is called an immature cataract and some light can pass through to help perform some routine functions. However, when the opacity increases to engulf the entire lens, vision is totally cut off and the cataract is called mature.

What are the symptoms of cataract?

There is a painless gradual decrease in vision. Early cataract is associated with difficulty in reading in normal light conditions, and extra illumination is required. Excessive glare and reduced sharpness can make night driving difficult. Some experience a rapid changes in the number / power of glasses. In advanced cases there is complete loss of sight and lens becomes pearly white in colour.

If you experience any of the following issues, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Fading of colours
• Seeing halos around lights
• An increased sensitivity to glare
• A distortion of vision that makes objects appear as if you’re looking at them through a veil.

At Gandhi Eye Centre, we offer the best and most advanced treatment options for cataract with best cataract surgeon and facilities in Gurgaon.

Who all are affected by cataract?

Cataract is an aging process, developing around the age of 40 and intensifies by the time an individual attains the age of 50 to 60. It is also caused by eye-trauma, long-term diabetes, corticosteroid medications or radiation treatments.

Sometimes newborn babies can also have cataract, which is caused as a result of infections during pregnancy. If left untreated, cataracts might also lead to blindness.

What is the treatment for cataract?

There are no eye drops for treating cataract but surgery is the only effective treatment of the it. With the advancement in technology, it is now safer than ever to get your vision corrected with minimal risks to your vision. The cataractous lens is removed and is replaced with an artificial lens. The decision to have surgery depends on the degree to which your vision in impaired. Although some persons with cataracts find that their vision improves by using eyeglasses, magnifying lenses or stronger lighting, the only real way to cure cataracts is by surgery. If cataracts affect both eyes, each eye operation is scheduled and performed separately.

The common surgical procedures are:

• Phacoemulsification surgery with lens implantation
• Bladeless robotic Cataract surgery (FLACS)
• Conventional cataract surgery

At Gandhi Eye Centre, we offer the best and most advanced treatment options for cataract surgery. We have the entire range of surgical procedures, the most advanced bladeless or the robotic cataract surgery in Gurgaon with best cataract surgeon and facilities in Gurgaon.

How long is the recovery post cataract surgery?

Modern phacoemulsification cataract procedure, is a daycare procedure, and takes just a few minutes, the recovery period is also minimal. In the first week after surgery, it generally is recommended that the patient puts regular drops, protects the eye from water and dust or any kind of trauma. A few weeks after the surgery, the patient may be prescribed glasses for near work. The artificial lenses last a lifetime and complications due to the lens are rare and are easily corrected.

Types of Intra Ocular Lenses (IOL'S)

There are three types of lens options is each category of Cataract Surgery i.e Regular Phaco, Micro Phaco, Laser Cataract Surgery
Monofocal Lenses Provides good vision for distance
Multifocal Lenses Provides good vision at varying distances
Toric Lenses Corrects cylinder or astigmatism in addition to spherical number
Lenses used in Laser Cataract Surgery are premium and highly advanced lenses which require outmost surgical precision to lie in exactly in the optical center of eye. Such kind of accuracy and precision can only be obtained in Laser Cataract surgery.

What do you expect after cataract surgery?

There is usually no visible scarring but at times the white of the eye can have any degree of redness

You may go home with an eye pad and shield, or just a shield. The pad can be removed after the first hour. The shield should be worn at night for the first week. The eye may feel gritty and sometimes you may experience some mild headache. These symptoms are common. The discomfort should rapidly improve over the next 24 hours. There should be no worsening of your symptoms. If your discomfort or headache should deteriorate, contact your doctor immediately.

Your vision will normally be much better by Day 2. Sometimes there can be some blurring or misting in the eye, but this should improve over the course of the day. If you feel your vision is becoming more blurred, contact your hospital immediately.

If you take part in a sport that risks a poke in the eye, you should discuss returning to these activities with your surgeon before the operation. You should not go swimming for the first 2 to 4 weeks to minimize the risk of infection. When cycling in the first few weeks following surgery, keep your sunglasses on to reduce the impact of dust.

When can one resume work?

Every person recovers differently and has different needs. Cataract surgery normally has a very quick recovery and the majority of individuals can normally get back to work in almost a weeks time.

Jobs that are more physically demanding and involve exposure to liquids or dust might require a more graduated return to full activities, but are best discussed with your surgeon.

Will I need glasses after Cataract Surgery?

The lens which is placed in the eye is of a fixed power. The power of the lens for a particular eye is calculated with the help of an eye ultrasound. After surgery, routine distance activities can be carried out without glasses. For reading, glasses would be required. You may opt to chose formultifocal lenses which provide you vision for distance and near. in such cases dependency on glasses are reduced

Do I wait it the cataract becomes mature?

It is easier and safer to operate on an immature cataract. As the cataract matures, it tends to become harder requiring more energy to do the same job. Beyond a certain limit, excess energy may cause harm to the eye.