Our eyes are our natural cameras. They help us capture images that our brain processes further. There is a natural lens inside our eyes that bends the light and helps us visualize the objects. For our vision to be clear, the lens has to be very clear. Unfortunately, cataracts can cause clouding to the otherwise clear lens.
Cataracts hamper clear vision; it feels like looking through frosted glass. Cataracts mostly develop gradually without hampering your vision in the early stages. As time progresses, cataracts start to mature, eventually affecting your vision. You might find it difficult to perform activities like reading, writing, and driving.
In the initial stage, glasses or bright lights can help correct the vision to a certain extent. As the cataract progresses, you might encounter further vision problems, and cataract extraction becomes an absolute must.
Before looking at various options for cataract extraction surgeries, let us first understand the symptoms of cataract.
Cataract Symptoms
An untreated cataract may worsen over time and also cause permanent vision impairment or blindness. Hence, it is necessary to know the symptoms of cataract so that it can be diagnosed at an initial stage.
Some of the common symptoms of cataract are:
- Hazy or blurred vision
- Reduced night vision
- Colours appear faded or yellowish
- Halos around light
- Increased sensitivity towards bright light
If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, it is an indicator that the cataract is growing. As the cataract grows, the symptoms might worsen and lead to grave consequences. Therefore, it is best to visit your ophthalmologist at the onset of these symptoms.
The ophthalmologist may suggest cataract extraction surgery based on your condition. Cataract extraction surgery is very safe and helps you avoid unwanted vision impairments, and blindness caused due to cataracts.
Cataract Extraction Surgery
While performing the cataract extraction surgery, the eye surgeon extracts the natural lens, which becomes hazy and replaces it with an intraocular lens (or IOL). Before undergoing surgery, consult your doctor on various types of IOLs since there is a variety of IOLs to choose from.
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs or standard lens implants provide correct vision at one focal length. Monofocal IOL helps in distant vision correction. However, you would need to wear glasses while reading.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs have built-in multiple corrective zones like bifocal or trifocal eyeglasses. These IOLs help in correcting near as well as far vision.
Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs
Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs, also known as accommodating IOLs, have one extended corrective zone that allows intermediate and distant vision. The advantage of EDOF IOLs is that you might not even need reading glasses.
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are best suited for astigmatism. Using Toric IOLs also assures that you will not require glasses to correct astigmatism.
Once you decide on the IOL, you would have to zero in on the type of extraction surgery based on your condition.
Cataract Extraction Surgery Types
Once your doctor advises you to go for the surgery, there are a few options available for you to choose:
Phacoemulsification
Phacoemulsification (also called Phaco) is the most commonly used technique for cataract extraction. The complete procedure takes between 15 minutes to an hour.
In Phaco, a small surgical incision is made at the side of the cornea under local/ topical anaesthesia. A small ultrasonic probe is inserted through the incision to break the cloudy lens; then, the damaged lens is suctioned out with an attachment to the probe.
Once the natural lens is suctioned out, the IOL is inserted in its capsule through the incision
Femto assisted cataract surgery
This is a no blade procedure, also known as robotic cataract surgery. The precision and accuracy of the surgery is higher compared to the phacoemulsification. It can also correct some astigmatism. The healing time is shorter than the conventional procedures.
The doctor prescribes antibiotic drops before the surgery to prevent any infection. Proper post-operative care must be taken as per the advice of the doctor.
Conclusion
If you are witnessing any cataract symptoms, it is recommended to visit the eye doctor at the earliest. Cataract extraction surgery successfully restores vision in a vast majority of the people undergoing surgery.
You can visit Centre for Sight for the best cataract extraction surgery as it offers the most advanced cataract eye surgical treatment. Eye surgeons at Centre for Sight are well-equipped with the usage of Catalyst and LenSx Femto cataract platforms.
Planning for the removal of cataracts? Visit Centre for Sight today…
Article: Know Your Options of Cataract Extraction Surgery
Author: CFS Editorial Team | Apr 05 2021 | UPDATED 12:00 IST
*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.
