CATARACTS AND FOLDABLE LENS IMPLANTS

INTRODUCTION

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which results in vision impairment. This is a common condition in adults over the age of 55.Cataract develops slowly and if ignored, this condition can cause hindrance in your everyday life. They interfere with simple tasks such as reading and driving. But today’s advancements in medical science offer a safe and an effective option for treating cataracts. With the introduction of small incision surgery and foldable lenses, patients can recover and enjoy a clearer vision.

Normally, light rays that travel into our eyes are focused through the lens onto the retina in the back of the eye, to produce a clear image. A cataract is a condition in which this lens becomes cloudy. This results in blurry, cloudy or a dim vision, as the cataract blocks light from reaching the retina.

SYMPTOMS

As cataract forms slowly, it is common for the problems to be unnoticeable at first. Common symptoms of cataract include the following:
  Blurry vision
  Trouble seeing at night
  Seeing colors as faded
  Increased sensitivity to glare
  Halos surrounding lights
  Double vision in the affected eye
  A need for frequent changes in prescription glasses

CAUSES

Cataract is usually formed due the buildup of protein in your eye’s lens, making it cloudy. Sometimes, cataract is also due to the changes in the structure of the lens over time. However, it is still not clear what causes age-related cataracts.

There are several underlying causes of cataracts. These include:
   Family history of cataracts
   Diabetes
   Other eye conditions, such as long-term uveitis
   Eye surgery or an eye injury
   Smoking
   Poor diet
   Excessive alcohol

TREATMENT

Surgery is the most effective way of treating cataract. Cataract removal surgery is safe, successful and can be carried out at any stage. Cataract surgery is usually outpatient, quick and it uses local anesthesia. During this surgical process the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear, plastic intraocular lens (IOL) implant. The artificial lens focuses light just like the patient’s natural lens.

The advanced surgery technique used today is most often performed with ultrasound technology (phacoemulsification) through a very small incision. This technique shortens recovery time and restores patients’ vision faster as compared to other techniques.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURGERIES

Phacoemulsification: Phacoemulsification or “phaco�is a modern cataract surgical technique in which the cataract is dissolved using an ultrasonic handpiece. In this surgery, ultrasound waves are focused on the cataract through an incision. This gently breaks the cataract into tiny pieces, which are then removed through the tip of a probe. This small self-sealing incision technique is better than the traditional surgery, as it can be performed through an opening less than 1/6 of an inch wide.

The Procedure: The phaco procedure is quick and performed on an outpatient basis using a Topical anesthesia to numb the eyes. Sometimes, the patient is also given a sedative that will keep them comfortable during the procedure. In this procedure, a tiny opening is made in the sclera or cornea to dissolve the cataract using phaco. The folded lens is then inserted through the same small incision. Once inside the eye, the lens reopens and slides into its place.

Foldable Lens Implants: The artificial lens placed into the eyes during the cataract surgery is called a foldable lens. These new lenses are made of a flexible material which allows them to be folded. This folded lens implant can fit through the tiny phaco incision because of its small size. This does not require any stitches as the natural pressure inside the eye holds the incision closed which the eye heals.

FAQ ON CATARACT SURGERY

What are the advantages of small incision surgery with foldable lens implants?

Small incision surgery with foldable lenses offers many advantages. It speeds up the healing, which helps in easy and faster recuperation, and reduces the risk of possible complications. Unlike the standard surgery where the patient might be at the risk of astigmatism or distorted vision, there is risk of rupture or distorted vision involved with the small incision.

Good Vision without Glasses?

With the small incision cataract surgery, most patients can hope for a good vision. The incision for a foldable lens is smaller than an incision for a traditional lens, which helps in fastening the healing process and can take as little as one or two days. Often, this surgery enables clearer vision without the use of glasses. Lens implant surgery can also correct some refractive errors, like astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia. However, some patients will need to wear glasses for reading and other activities following the procedure. It is important have a healthy discussion with your doctor prior to the surgery. This will help in determining the potential benefits and possible risks of the surgery. “Secondary� cataracts may develop following cataract surgery. If this occurs, an outpatient laser procedure can quickly restore good vision.

Is small incision cataract surgery for everyone?

Small incision techniques use foldable lens implants, which typically do not require stitches. This helps in speeding up the healing process. However, this technique may not be for every patient and is influenced by various factors. Depending on the patients’ eye structure and other health conditions, the method of surgery is chosen.

Can sight loss can be prevented?

Although there are no scientifically proven means of preventing cataract, you can still reduce your risk of losing eyesight from the disease. It is necessary to take immediate action on noticing any symptom of cataract or other vision problems. Visit your doctor immediately for a full eye check-up to diagnose the cataract, treat it and restore a good vision.