A cataract is a cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. It is caused when proteins in the eye form clusters over the lens resulting in cloudy vision. Cataracts can affect both eyes and eventually impact the quality of vision. Moreover, it is commonly found in older people. Initially, strong lighting and eyeglasses can help treat cataracts, but if impaired vision affects your usual activities, then you might require cataract surgery which is a safe and effective procedure.
Most often cataracts form due to age or injury to the eye lens. Some develop cataracts due to family history. In simple terms, cataracts can form due to other eye conditions, previous history of diabetes, or eye surgery. Here are some causes of cataracts you must know.
- Aging
- Injury to the lens tissue
- Family history
- Congenital cataracts (babies born with cataracts)
- Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight
- Eye diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, uveitis, and retinitis pigmentosa.
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Intake of high amounts of steroid medicines
- Frequent X-ray radiation to the head
The different signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light
- High glare vision
- Cloudy/foggy/ blurry vision
- More often require bright light for reading
- Seeing halos around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Double vision in each eye
- Colors appear yellow or faded
In most cases, a regular eye check-up can diagnose cataracts. Initially, an Ophthalmologist will record your medical history, take note of your symptoms and conduct a series of evaluations to rule out other eye conditions. Here is a list of tests that your eye doctor may recommend to confirm that you have cataracts.
- Visual Acuity Test: The patient is asked to read a series of letters that decrease in size. This is done for each eye at a time while an eye specialist keeps your other eye covered. This test determines if the patient has a 20/20 vision or if there are signs of impairment.
- Slit-Lamp Technique: In this test, a microscope casts an intense ray of light that illuminates the cornea, iris, and lens, including the space between the cornea and iris. This test allows the doctor to magnify and look at the front eye structures.
- Retinal Exam: A doctor will apply eye drops that widen (dilate) the pupils. Dilation of the pupil will facilitate a clear view of the retina of the eye. Then the doctor examines your retina using a slit lamp to observe signs of cataracts.
Not everyone with a cataract need cataract surgery. Surgery for cataracts is usually recommended only when a person's vision loss affects his/her everyday activities. Here are the different types of cataract surgeries offered by Medfin. Choose from our wide range of eye specialists in Hoshiarpur and get rid of cataracts with advanced surgery and affordable prices.
Types of Cataract Surgery
1. Phacoemulsification (PHACO)
In this type of cataract, the doctor makes a tiny incision and inserts a tiny probe called a Phaco needle into the eye. The device emits an ultrasonic sound that breaks the cataract and is then suctioned out. An appropriate lens is inserted to restore vision.
2. Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS)
This is a modern innovative procedure where a tiny incision (1.8mm) is made on the lens to remove the cataract. This minimally invasive procedure suits any grade or severity of cataracts and provides better surgical control, compatible with premium IOLs and long-lasting results.
3. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Surgery (FLACS)
This surgery uses computer-controlled robotic instruments to achieve greater precision to remove cataracts. The software begins a detailed mapping of the eye followed by a femtosecond laser that creates a tiny incision and removes the cataract. The laser softens the cataract and breaks it down into tiny pieces, thus making it easy for it to be removed.
+ Benefits of FLACS:
- Does not require surgical blade
- Increased accuracy and precision laser cutting
- Reduced time and energy in the eye
Get treated by some of the best yet most experienced doctors in the country! Our team of Ophthalmologists is 15+ years certified and trained surgeons who have extensively treated various glaucoma-related problems for more than a decade. Our surgeons suggest the most advanced surgical procedures that are painless, scarless, and ensure a speedy recovery. Think Surgery!! Think Medfin !!