CATARACT

CATARACT

Cataract is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens. Over 50% of the population over the age 65 have some cataract development. Diagnosis and grading of all types of cataract is done using 5 steps AIA 15S slit lamp. The patient and the dear ones can also visualize the stage of cataract through the digital imaging unit. The saved images can be refereed at a later date to monitor the progress of the condition.

Cataract and Other Causes of Blindness

The leading cause of blindness worldwide remains cataract. In most cases, this opacity of the eye lens is an age-related issue, but it can also form after accidents or infections. Some children are born with cataract. The opaque lens can be removed surgically and changed for a clear artificial one, a process that takes about 15 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic. It is one of the most efficient medical interventions and carries little risk. Cataract is responsible for the loss of sight of 20 million people worldwide.
It accounts for 51% of global blindness, followed by glaucoma (8%) and macular degeneration (5%). Blindness and visual impairment in children can have various causes, such as vitamin A deficiency, congenital or traumatic cataract and uncorrected refractive errors.

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

Sai Netra Clinic has state of the art operation theatre with the latest equipment required for cataract extraction surgery. The OT houses the Pulsar 2 Minimal Stress Phacoemusification System which gives a wound of less than 2mm which heals within two days.
The visual results are enhanced with the Implementation of Technologically advanced intraocular foldable lenses (Aspheric / Hydrophobic / Multifocal etc.) measured accurately by Biomedix A scan ultrasound machine. Asperic lens provides clear vision even in dim lights. Hydrophobic lens reduce the occurrence of posterior capsular opacity also known as ‘after cataract’. The latest technological advances in lenses are the Bifocal and Trifocal Lenses, which are becoming very popular with the elite and the educated class. They provide spectacle free vision for distance and near, the trifocals taking care of computer vision as well.

Interview with Microsurgery Eye Specialist Dr. Darshana Gadgil

Interview with Microsurgery Eye Specialist Dr. Darshana Gadgil from Mumbai to bust out the myths around intraocular lens implants used in cataract surgery.

1. For how many years have you been operating cataracts?

I started operating in Sion Hospital in the year 2000. That was the advent of sutureless cataract surgeries and I was blessed to have great teachers who introduced me to phacoemulsification machine at a very early stage when the whole world was getting to know this new technology. It's been 23 years now, and the journey has been packed with constant advancement in technology.

2. Why do we need to put an artificial lens after removal of cataract?

Your natural lens helps your eyes to focus. Without a new lens in the eye, you could see shapes but they would be blurred and out of focus. Hence, an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) is needed.

3. What are the types of IOLs available?

The “foldable” implant is the best because it can be injected through a micro wound. There are a few different kinds of foldable IOLs.

Monofocal intraocular lenses as the name suggests, can help you see clearly at one particular distance. Usually, bifocal glasses are prescribed after surgery to correct minor problems such as astigmatism and for near-distance focussing.

Several new advancements in IOL design may eliminate the need for eyewear after surgery such as Multifocal, Trifocal or EDOF.

A Toric IOL corrects astigmatism in monofocal or multifocal variety. Astigmatism is when the curvature of the cornea (front surface of the eye) is irregular. This lens needs to be fitted at a particular axis to negate the steep axis and reduce the post-operative refractive error.

Tips to Follow Before Choosing an Intraocular Lens

1. Figure Out Your Budget

A monofocal lens is covered by insurance. But if your budget allows for it, a premium lens will provide you with excellent vision while allowing you to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

2. Think About Your Lifestyle

Premium IOLs are also sometimes called lifestyle lenses. Some patients are active and want a lens to help them see when playing tennis or hiking. Some work on a computer and need lenses that help them see their screens better. Figure out your visual needs by thinking about what you spend most of your time doing.

3. Factor In Your Refractive Errors

Be ready to wear reading glasses if you go for Monofocal lenses. Many retinal diseases like Diabetic retinopathy and ARMD are contraindications for Premium IOLs.

4. Determine Your Goals

If you want to see well enough and are okay with wearing glasses after surgery, standard monofocals may be your best option.

But to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses, you should consider a premium IOL.

5. Talk to Your Eye Doctor About Your Options

Once your ophthalmologist knows your needs and goals, they can tell you about your options and make recommendations according to the fitness of your eyes.