What Is A Cataract And What Causes It?
Inside the eye, behind the iris, lies a normally transparent lens. However, when this lens becomes cloudy, it is known as a cataract and can lead to blurred vision. Cataracts may affect one or both eyes.
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Besides age, cataracts can be triggered by multiple factors, including diseases like diabetes, excessive sunlight exposure, certain lifestyle habits such as smoking, ocular trauma, and the use of specific medications, including steroids.
When should I consider Cataract Surgery?
Your choices:
• Undergo cataract surgery.
• Wait until the cataract causes significant vision impairment that bothers you.
Key points to keep in mind:
• Not all cataracts require removal; the decision depends on how much they affect your daily life. Many people manage well without surgery.
• Cataract-related poor eyesight develops gradually, so there's usually no rush to undergo surgery.
• The majority of people who have cataract surgery experience improved vision afterward. Serious complications from the procedure are uncommon.
• During surgery, the natural lens in your eye is removed and replaced with an artificial one.
• Even after surgery, you may still need to wear glasses or contacts to achieve clear vision.
Can I have Cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time?
Usually, both eyes are not operated on simultaneously, with some exceptions for special circumstances. When both eyes are operated together, patients lose the option to change the lens design or power of the implant independently for each eye.
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Patients often opt to proceed with surgery on their second eye because they are pleased with the results of their first surgery and desire improved vision in both eyes. In certain cases, if there is a significant difference between the operated eye and the non-operated eye, it can impact depth perception, causing confusion as the brain struggles to fuse the visual input. To achieve a balanced vision for distance, many patients choose to have one eye optimized for distance and wear reading glasses.
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How long does Cataract surgery take?
Typically, cataract surgery lasts for less than 20 minutes. However, the patient's stay in the hospital is usually between 3 and 4 hours.
Is Cataract Surgery Safe? What Are The Complications?
Cataract surgery is generally considered a safe and effective procedure and the likelihood of complications is low. However, since it is an invasive surgery, it carries the risk of partial to total vision loss if it is not successful or if complications arise. Some complications can be treated effectively, leading to a reversal of vision loss, while others may not be reversible. Potential complications associated with cataract surgery include:
1. Torn lens covering (posterior capsule rupture).
2. Eye infection (endophthalmitis).
3. Swelling and fluid accumulation in the central nerve layer (cystoid macular edema).
4. Swelling of the transparent eye covering (corneal edema).
5. Bleeding in the front of the eye (hyphema).
6. Detachment of the nerve layer at the back of the eye (retinal detachment).
Additionally, complications that might occur after some time following surgery include:
1. Glare-related issues.
2. Clouding of the back portion of the lens covering (capsule) that remains after surgery. (This can be easily treated using a laser by your doctor).
3. Glaucoma.
4. Retinal detachment.
5. Astigmatism or strabismus.
6. Sagging of the upper eyelid (ptosis).