Cataract

We at Eye Trust have been pioneers in the field of cataract surgery offering cutting edge technology and a high standard of care to a large population of various socio-economic status.

How does Cataract Form?

The natural crystalline lens of our eye is clear which allows light to enter and get focused clearly on the retina. With ageing, this lens loses its transparency and gradually becomes clouded,preventing entry or scattering of light and thereby impairing vision.

What are the Causes?

Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:

Congenital Cataract: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop during their childhood, which can be in one or both eyes. When these cataracts, in new-born or in a child is causing a visual disturbance, it has to be removed to prevent retinal immaturity or amblyopia.

Secondary Cataract: Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma or for retinal problems. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as uncontrolled diabetes and those patients on steroid therapy.

Traumatic Cataract: Cataracts can develop either immediately or even years later following an eye injury.

Radiation Cataract: Cataracts can develop even after exposure to some types of radiation given in patients with cancer.

Who is at Risk for Cataract?

• The risk of cataract increases with age and increased exposure to sunlight.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Steroid intake
• Personal behaviour such as smoking.

What are the Symptoms Associated with Cataract?

Cataract is characterized by a gradual, progressive loss of vision. Apart from decreasing vision, patients with cataract might have symptoms like glaring, difficulty in reading etc.

How is a Cataract Detected?

Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye examination

Visual Acuity Test: The eye chart measures the vision for both distance and near vision. It quantifies the visual loss experienced by the patient.

Eye Examination: Drops are instilled in the eyes to widen or dilate the pupils. This allows detection and grading of the cataract. Moreover, the retina or the nerve of the eye is also examined for signs of damage or other eye problems. The effect of the dilating drops lasts for a couple of hours, during which time the patient may experience blurring of vision.

When Does your Cataract Require Treatment?

We generally give patients four choices of cataract management, the choices of available treatment ranges from (i) to observe until visual symptoms worsens, (ii) to undergo cataract surgery if you have visual disturbances already, (iii) better to undergo as current status of cataract is significant enough and (iv) to undergo cataract immediately as its either hard or mature enough to cause further complications if not operated.

What are the Treatment Options for Cataract?

Surgery is the only and definitive treatment modality for cataract.
The various options available are as follows:

• Conventional Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)- obsolete almost.
• Small incision cataract surgery (SICS).
• Micro incision cataract surgery using ultrasonic probe.
• Laser Cataract Surgery with Femto-assisted cataract surgery