All about Cataract surgery FAQ
- dinesh madduri
- Sep 11, 2023
- 4 min read
1.What is a cataract, and how do I know if I have one?
In our eye we have natural lens like this .
With aging this natural lens becomes opaque like below image which leads to decreased vision or blurry vision, cloudy vision, difficulty in reading .
If u have any of these complaints then you should consult an ophthalmologist or eye doctor immediately
2.Do I need cataract surgery, or can my cataracts be managed with other treatments?
Yes cataract progression can be reduced by 33% by consuming vitamin c rich foods like lemon, amla, oranges, kiwi, guava, black currant, pine apple, yellow bell peppers etc.,
It is confirmed by the studies conducted by American academy of ophthalmology. Here is the link below
Why vit c reduces risk of cataract progression means it contains anti oxidants which prevents oxidation of natural lens by free radicals . Oxidation of natural lens clouds the lens which ultimately becomes opaque
Once the natural lens becomes opaque which blurs the vision surgery is inevitable.
3.How long should I wait to have cataract surgery after a diagnosis?
This is most commonly asked FAQ about cataract surgery . Cataract usually has 5 stages till it becomes completely opaque.
Stage 1 - 10- 20% opacified - surgery is not advised
Stage 2 - 20- 35% opacified - surgery is advised
Stage 3 - 35 - 50% opacified - surgery is advised
Stage 4 - 50 - 75% opacified - surgery is compulsory
Stage 5 - 75- 100% opacified - surgery is compulsory
It is best if we do surgery in stage 2 -3 as complication rate is very less almost negligible.
Cataract Surgery can be done in stage 4 - 5 but complication rate is very high
4.What are the benefits of cataract surgery?
People can have almost 90% of their youthful vision after cataract surgery with IOL implantation.
5.What are the risks and complications associated with cataract surgery?
No surgery goes without complications. But complication rate is very much negligible in cataract surgery.
The common risks like infection, bleeding in the eye , swelling of eye may occur.
6.What type of IOL is right for me?
It depends upon the needs of the patient and his/her economic status. First thing we should keep in mind is that natural lens has accommodation capacity due to which we can see clearly for both distant and near .
After removing natural lens we implant an artificial lens so that the patient can see clearly.
So the artificial lens implanted can be
monofocal lens - provides only clear distant vision
bifocal lens - provides both clear distant vision and clear near vision
trifocal lens - provides clear distant vision, clear intermediate vision and clear near vision
EDOF lens - means extended depth of focus
It is of 2 types
EDOF bifocal
EDOF trifocal
If the patient needs only clear distant vision he can opt monofocal lens but has to use glasses for near vision.
If the patient needs clear distant vision and clear near vision he can opt bifocal
If the patient has more intermediate work like software professional, driver who needs to see dashboard more he can opt for trifocal lens
Normal bifocal & trifocal lens have glare and haloes as side effect whereas it is eliminated in EDOF bifocal & trifocal lens.
How long does the cataract surgery procedure take?
IT depends upon the stage of cataract. As cataract is soft till stage 3, removed easily whereas in stage 4 & 5 it becomes hard which is difficult to remove. Soft cataract surgery takes around 10 - 15 minutes whereas hard cataract surgery takes around 15 - 30 minutes.
Is cataract surgery painful?
With adequate anesthesia it is painless surgery
How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during the healing process?
Patients are advised to take eye drops for 6 weeks . As it is a daycare procedure patient is discharged within 1 hour after surgery . Patient is advised not to bend down and not to lift weights after surgery . If any redness and blurring of vision occurs patients are advised to consult doctors immediately.
Will I need glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery?
It depends upon the type of IOL implanted in your eye. If monofocal lens implanted then glasses are needed for near vision. If bifocal or trifocal IOL implanted then you may not need glasses.
How much does cataract surgery cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Cataract surgery cost depends upon
the type of Intraocular lens you select
Doctor charges
Assistant charges
sterilisation charges
equipment charges
medicines used during anesthesia and during surgery
anaesthesia charges
It may vary from 5000 INR to 3 lakhs INR .
Can I have cataract surgery in both eyes on the same day?
Yes you may undergo both eyes at same day with some risk involved . There is a rare 0.01% chance of infection to eye cataract surgery . So most doctors try to avoid intraocular surgery to both eyes at same time .
What preparations should I make before the surgery?
General preparations include
clean shave for gents
head bath on or before the day of surgery
oral antibiotics are prescribed
in indian scenario no kumkum on forehead
What should I do if I experience unusual symptoms or complications after cataract surgery?
Immediately contact your doctor as he may advise intra vitreal injections if needed.
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