Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe procedure used to remove the cloudy lens of the eye (the cataract) and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract causes blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
Can Cataracts Be Cured Without Surgery?
As of now, surgery is the only reliable treatment for cataract. Unfortunately, there is no medications, or non-surgical treatment that can reverse or cure cataract. Cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy over time, typically due to aging, and this process cannot be stopped.
In the early stages of cataracts, some symptoms can be managed by Spectacles correction. For instance, stronger glasses or contact lenses may help improve clarity.
However, these measures are only temporary. They do not treat the cataract itself and will not prevent the cataract from worsening. Over time, the cataract will continue to cloud the lens of the eye, which can make everyday activities more difficult, such as reading, driving, or watching television. Once the cataract significantly affects quality of life and interferes with ability to perform daily tasks, cataract surgery becomes necessary to restore clear vision.
Cataract surgery is highly effective and safe. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens. This surgery typically offers long-lasting results, and most patients experience improved vision shortly after the procedure. In summary, while cataracts cannot be cured without surgery, early symptoms can be managed with corrective lenses and lifestyle changes. When the cataract affects vision, surgery is the best option to restore vision.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures performed today. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that uses modern techniques to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one. We perform phacoemulsification using advanced “No Blade, No Stitch, No Pain, No Injection” methods, making the procedure even more comfortable and efficient.
No Blade
The surgery is done using laser-assisted technology or ultrasonic devices, removing the need for a surgical blade and improving precision.
No Stitch
A multiplane small incision is constructed in such a way that stitches aren’t necessary.
No Pain
The procedure is painless, performed under topical anesthesia, so patients typically feel no discomfort during or after surgery.
No Injection
There’s no need for an injection around the eye, making the process more comfortable and less stressful.
No Bleeding
Because of the precision of modern techniques, there will be no bleeding during the procedure. The patients on blood thinner need not to stop the medications. Before surgery, we will assess your health and vision to determine if cataract surgery is appropriate for you. In general, the procedure is very safe and well tolerated by most people.
How Do I Know if I Need Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is typically recommended when the cataract interferes with your ability to carry out everyday activities, such as reading, driving, or watching television. Some signs that you may need cataract surgery include:
Blurry or Cloudy Vision:
Cataract causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurry vision.
Difficulty with Night Vision:
Cataracts often cause problems with seeing in low-light conditions, especially while driving at night.
Sensitivity to Light:
You may experience increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare, which can make it hard to see in certain lighting conditions.
Faded Colors:
Colors may seem less vibrant, and contrast may become poor.
Frequent change of spectacle power:
If your glasses or contact lens prescription keep on changing within short duration it could indicate that cataracts are progressing.
Double Vision:
You may see double images, even when looking with one eye.
What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
After cataract surgery, most people experience significant improvements in their vision. Here’s what you can typically expect during the recovery process:
1. Recovery Time
Immediate Post-Surgery
You will be able to go half an hour of surgery. The surgery is usually done under topical anesthesia, so you’ll be awake during the procedure but won’t feel pain. You might experience mild discomfort, such as scratchiness, dryness, or sensitivity to light for a few hours.
Vision Improvement:
Most patients begin to notice improved vision soon after operation.
2. Follow-Up Appointments
You’ll need to attend a follow-up appointment on the next day after surgery to ensure there are no complications.
Additional check-ups will be scheduled in the weeks following surgery to monitor your recovery and vision.
3. Post-Surgery Care
You will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation.
It’s important to avoid rubbing your eye and to wear an eye shield or protective glasses, especially while sleeping, to prevent accidental injury.
You may also need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and glare during recovery.
4. Potential Complications
➤ Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO)
You will be able to go half an hour of surgery. The surgery is usually done under topical anesthesia, so you’ll be awake during the procedure but won’t feel pain. You might experience mild discomfort, such as scratchiness, dryness, or sensitivity to light for a few hours.
➤ Infection
Infections are very rare now a-days because of advanced tubular Operation theater set up and one time disposable items used at the time of operation in highly specialized eye hospitals. Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, or discharge. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Which IOL is Best?
There are many types of IOLs; but all are not suitable for everybody.
Majority of people becomes happy with Monofocal lens which gives clear distant vision but needs reading glass for near vision only.
Trifocal lens gives clear distant, intermediate and near vision. He will enjoy spectacle free life. Around 10% of people have unequal corneal surface; for that they need Toric IOL, which corrects corneal astigmatism at the time of primary surgery. The people of uncorrected astigmatism will experience indistinct vision if not Toric IOL implanted in that eye.
Final Thought
Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure for improving vision affected by cataracts. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, or glare, it may be time to consult with an ophthalmologist to see if surgery is right for you. After surgery, most people enjoy significant improvement in vision, with a relatively quick recovery. If you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.