Other than the brain, the eyes are the most complex part of the human body. And while the complexity of the eye is necessary for its unique functionality, this same complexity means there are more possibilities for things to go wrong. It’s also why there are many different types of conditions and diseases that affect the eye. One of the most common eye conditions is cataracts. So, what is this condition and what can you do to protect your eyes?
WHAT IS CATARACT
Inside of our eyes, we have a natural lens that bends incoming light, allowing us to see. In normal, unaffected eyes, that natural lens is clear. However, cataracts refer to a clouding of that clear lens of the human eye. Over time, this clouding affects eyesight, causing people who have them to have blurry, dull or double vision. If left untreated, cataracts can continue to develop, adding to worse side effects that may range from a loss of night vision to eventually complete blindness. The short answer is YES. As each of us gets older, we become more susceptible to cataracts.
CAUSES OF CATARACT
Age is the primary risk factor for their development. This is due to a gradual and natural change that occurs within the protein content of the eyes’ natural lenses, which begin to break down naturally in most people around the age of 40.
Although aging is the primary factor to developing cataracts, some individuals may be at an increased risk. Smoking, diabetes, genetic – or family – history and extensive exposure to UV rays all increase your chances of cataracts, and while most age-related cataracts develop slowly over time, ones that occur as a result of a genetic predisposition or environmental risk factors have a higher chance of cataracts forming more rapidly and impacting vision more dramatically, although each patient’s individual circumstances will determine how that particular case will progress.
OUR APPROACH
Given that cataracts are characterized by a clouding of the natural lens, it is possible to be diagnosed through a simple visual examination if the cataract has progressed enough to be visible. Some cataracts, especially those in the early stages of development, are more difficult to catch and require a full eye examination to diagnose.
During a full eye exam, we use what is known as a Slit-lamp exam. In this test, we inspect the front areas of the eye, including the cornea, iris and lens. The slit-lamp instrument features a bright light that makes it easier to detect anything atypical in the eye, which may include cataracts or any symptoms of other eye damage or ocular disease.
The only way to fully treat cataracts is through surgery in which doctors remove the cloudy, natural lens of the eye and replace it with a clear, plastic artificial lens. This is known as an intraocular lens (IOL), and it is better able to refract light than the natural lens, restoring proper vision.
We ensure to provide you the best experience, therefore before surgery we analyse your overall health and condition of your eye using various examination in order to determine your eligibility for the surgery and proper power of the IOL to be implanted to enhance the vision.
SURGICAL METHODS
PHACOEMULSIFICATION
Phacoemulsification is an advanced method in the field of cataract surgery in which the eye‘s internal lens is emulsified with a handpiece that emits ultrasonic waves and the contents are aspirated from the eye. Aspirated fluids are replaced with irrigation of balanced salt solution to maintain integrity of the anterior chamber.
Types of IOLs
range of IOLs, including monofocal IOLs, multifocal IOLs, toric IOLs, and trifocal IOLs are available. These are all A designed to provide quality vision, thus enhancing your lifestyle and reduced dependence on glasses following the cataract surgery.
