Are Cataracts Found Only in Older People?

Cataracts are a part of aging. They are generally considered to be associated with advancing age and the most commonly known type of cataract is the age related cataract or senile cataracts. Age related cataracts are seen in some as early in their 40’s and 50’s although normally seen in people in their 60’s and 70’s. In reality this is not the only type of cataract. Cataract can occur at any age even as early as birth. The deterioration of vision may be gradual and progressive. Many times it is quite unnoticeable in the initial stages.

Some of the most common types of non age- related cataracts are:

  • Congenital cataracts:

As the name suggests congenital cataract occur at birth. The exact causes are not known. It could be hereditary or genetic.

  • Traumatic cataracts:

These mainly occur due to damage in the eye caused by trauma or accidents leading to corneal abrasions. The development of traumatic cataract is normally accelerated faster after the accident. Eye trauma could be caused by chemical burns, radiation etc. It is advisable to use protective eye wear while working in hazardous environment.

  • Metabolic cataracts:

Studies show patients with diabetes and Galactosaemia could cause progression of cataract at a faster rate and could occur at an earlier age.

  • Secondary cataracts:

These are caused due to other factors like eye surgeries. Certain eye surgeries could cause cataracts before aging. Use of certain medications can trigger an early onset of cataract particularly the excessive use of steroids.

Other factors that accelerate the growth of non age related cataracts:

  • Ocular inflammation. e.g. Uveitis.
  • Excessive Smoking & Alcohol.
  • Environmental factors like effect of ultra violet rays, radiation. Use of UV protected sun glasses help to safeguard while going out in sunlight.
  • Uncontrolled Blood sugar and Blood Pressure: These could trigger an early onset of cataract hence it is advisable to keep them under control through diet and exercise.
  • Radiation and work conditions as in welding and glass blowing could cause cataracts at an earlier age.

Treating non age related cataracts: In case of congenital cataract, early treatment for babies at birth is most effective in such cases and a delayed treatment could result in permanent vision loss. Often any retinal scarring from macular degeneration, floaters and other eye disease unrelated to cataract needs to be diagnosed to rule out other causes for decreased vision other than cataract. Timely check up and complete eye examination can detect cataracts early and hence facilitate a quick surgical correction and treatment. Treatment varies depending on the eye condition and best suitability after through eye examination and assessment. The outcome of an early treatment is more beneficial irrespective of the type of non age related cataracts.

A focus on the factors that are controllable and preventable could reduce the risks of cataracts to some extent. Latest advancement in technology and techniques has resulted in better visual outcome with advanced lens as suitable to one’s needs.

Do get in touch with us for appointment and for more details.

Cataract Treatment

The evolution of cataract treatment from couching to Intra Capsular Cataract Extraction without IOL, further to Micro incision cataract surgery has revolutionized cataract treatment tremendously. Earlier cataracts were awaited to mature for surgery. With technological advancement, one need not wait for cataracts to mature for cataract surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology had reported a study on how people with cataract related vision loss who undergo cataract surgery tend to live longer compared to others who have visual impairment and do not undergo surgery (40% lower long-term mortality risk in those who have undergone the surgery).

The main purpose of cataract surgical treatment is to restore vision. Presently, cataract surgery is the most effective treatment for cataract removal. Other alternative treatments which do not require surgery are been widely researched like activating protective proteins to keep lens in the eye clear from clouding etc.

In cataract surgery, the diseased natural lens is replaced with artificial intraocular lenses. If IOL replacement is ruled out then other options like contact lens or glasses could be recommended. Symptoms of cataract could be resolved temporarily by increasing the prescription in glasses. Pre-operative consultation and thorough eye examination is performed at first. The most suitable procedure, preparation, benefits, risks and complications are discussed during the consultation ensuring you are the right candidate for the procedure. The treatment plan is chalked out based on the type of cataract, degree of loss of vision, severity of the condition, presence of other illnesses, age etc.

Phacoemulsification: During Phacoemulsification an ultrasonic probe is used to emulsify the cataract by breaking it into small pieces and further aspirated using the same probe.

It is a widely accepted procedure using small incisions, and does not require overnight hospitalization. Topical anesthetic (eye drops) are administered and procedure is completed within few minutes. In Shroff Eye, your family has an option to view this cataract surgery live, which is performed with the latest technology and best expertise.

Uses of lens in cataract surgery: Prior to surgery the most suitable lenses are opted for, depending not only on measurements in terms of the shape, size and power of the eye, but also the lifestyle of the person. Today availability of a varied array of lenses, the selection of the right choice of lens is vital. We, at Shroff Eye, assist in choosing the best suitable lens for your eyes after your examination and discussion with our surgeon.

Benefits of Cataract Treatment:                                                                                                                  

  • Prevents blindness.
  • Prevents accidents due to decreased vision.
  • Enhances vision.

·         Cataract removal is essential as a part of treatment for other eye conditions such as diabetic-retinopathy or Age – Related Macular Degeneration.

Cataract Treatment in children: Early treatment is beneficial in case of congenital cataract as development of the brain needs correct visual stimulation, hence learning disabilities are avoided. The earlier it is done, also the results are better. Delays could result in some visual impairment. Moreover it prevents irreversible amblyopia [lazy eye]. Just like symptoms of cataract vary among individuals, the response to treatment also may vary.

A detailed eye examination ensures an appropriate line of treatment.

The pre-operative counseling helps you to have clarity on the process and understand the protocol to be followed.

The follow up and post-operative medication and care helps expedite recovery.

Early diagnosis and cataract treatment restores vision.

Do get in touch with us to help you achieve your vision goals.

History of Cataract Surgery

The evolution of cataract surgery has brought changes in various aspects in terms of treatment and surgical procedures. This has created faster recoveries and better experience of enhanced vision.

Cataract Surgery in Antiquity:                        

  • 6th century BC- The Sanskrit manuscripts had the earliest evidence about an Indian surgeon Sushruta. He used the couching technique where the lens had become completely opaque and supporting zonules got fragile, the lens was stuck with a blunt object forcing the lens to dislocate into the vitreous cavity. This was later modified into a sharp fine instrument. This is the first recorded form of cataract surgery. Absence of any corrective lenses had resulted in unclear vision even after the surgery.
  • 29 AD– Needling Technique was performed wherein absorption of the cataract after breaking it into multiple pieces. The patient’s cornea was pricked with a needle to remove the cataract. No anesthesia was used and it had resulted in infections.

           Cataract surgery in the Modern Era:

  • 8th April 1747– The first cataract extraction from normal position behind the iris was conducted by Jacques Daviel.
  • 1798(Paris) – During the Modern Era the first surgical removal of cataract was initiated. In the early days cataract surgery was mainly performed in advanced stage when the opaque lens was completely mature so that the lens could be taken out from the cornea in one piece to avoid any fragmentation. Initially sutures did not exist at time and patient was kept immobilized using sandbags around their head. After five years, the first whole lens removal was done.
  • 1884: First cataract surgery under anesthesia with cocaine was performed.

Cataract Surgery in 20th and 21st Century Era: The lens extraction was the standard    procedure during this period. Twentieth century marked the introduction of ophthalmic sutures and new anesthesia techniques.

  • 29th Nov 1949 (England) – Evolution of intraocular lenses- A major milestone was when Howard Ridley performed the first intraocular lens surgery. His pioneer work created the first artificial lens. Development further progressed on lens that restore good visual outcome for near and distance vision.
  • 1967– Phacoemulsification was first performed by Dr. Charles Kelman. He was a pioneer in this technique. The idea was conceived when he had been to the dental surgeon who used ultrasound for his dental plaque removal. Dr. Kelman used an ultrasonic probe in order to break the lens into fragments .This was further aspirated using the same probe through a small incision (3mm to 1 mm size). Initially after a cataract surgery, “Coke bottle” – thick hyperopic glasses were used which gradually reduced after the introduction of intraocular lenses.
  • 1980- Danielle Aron-Rosa introduced the (Nd-YAG) laser for performing posterior capsulotomy. The complications in Intracapsular cataract extraction lead to the extracapsular cataract extraction in the 80’s.

Today modern cataract surgery is the product of persistent research and innovation throughout ages. We are in an era with better surgical outcome complemented with the latest innovations in design and material used in lens and techniques in cataract surgery.

 

How Smoking Affects the Eye

How often our eyes catch the random statutory warning “Smoking is injurious to health” and yet many times unbaffled by the parlance, we smoke. What cigarette smoke can do to your eyes is even more harmful than what we assume. Along with the lungs and other organs, your eyes too bear the blunt. Knowingly or unknowingly we share responsibility of ruining ourselves just for momentary delight. Eye being the most vital sense organ and your window to the world, let not smoke lead your sight to blindness!

Why is smoking harmful for your eyes?

  • Age-related Macular Degeneration: Smoking is major risk factor for AMD. Smoking can cause types of Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and the progression is accelerated due to smoking. It ultimately blurs the central part of your field of vision and can cause vision loss making it difficult to see minute details. AMD can occur with or without smoking, even then when one smokes the chances increase two to three fold than non smokers.
  • Cataracts: As you already know Cataracts are a part of aging and most commonly found with advancing age. Smoking gives cataracts an invite prematurely thereby letting the turmoil of vision issues to encounter early unnecessarily.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Smoking damages the blood vessels in the eye and makes you insulin resistant causing diabetic retinopathy, a damage to the eye’s retina.
  • Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Smoking damages the optic nerve as the blood flow gets decreased experiencing a sudden vision loss in most cases.

Researchers have linked how smoking could cause Dry Eyes (insufficient tear production), Tobacco Amblyopia (lazy eye), Glaucoma, Thyroid Eye Disease, Graves disease, Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye). Tobacco smoking decreases the circulation and oxygen flow to the eye resulting in impairing vision in many ways. Eye disorders caused due to smoking if left untreated could cause permanent blindness. Smokers experience the defect of the colour fields. Smoking lets thousands of toxic chemicals enter the blood stream impairs not your vision but creates a disastrous body and mind damage.

Smoking and children:

  • Smoking during pregnancy could cause serious harm to the fetus as toxins are passed on through the placenta to the fetus. An increased risk to strabismus (cross eyes) in children and premature birth could occur.
  • Children are usually innocent victims of second hand smoke as they may be too young to really understand the actual harm it can cause. Are we sparing our innocent little’s ones from the devastating second hand smoke? How passive smokers are exposed to the risk like the actual smokers becoming a victim has no bounds. Moreover when you smoke, your child may also pick up to smoke.

Quit smoking and benefit!

  • You could reverse or halt progression of eye diseases depending of severity and other factors. Do get eyes checked regularly.
  • Find ways to overcome or reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. (Passively or actively).
  • An encouragement for others to refrain from tobacco smoke by setting an example.
  • Also you save financially.

If you have never smoked, better refrain.

If you are a smoker, there is better choice than a life in darkness.

On this ‘WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY’, let’s surge ahead with determination towards a smoke free and healthy life!

For consultation and details, get in touch with Shroff Eye Hospital (Bandra/Marine Lines)

(Call on 022 6692100 or mail to info@shroffeye.org)

Myths, Facts and Fears- Cataract Surgery

Over the years we would have possibly heard about some myths on cataract surgery and doubted the reality. These myths are not the real truth and could cause delay in getting the right treatment at the right time. Today cataract surgery is safer and has better outcome. Moreover with advances in technology and changes in the cataract surgery these prevailing misconceptions have a better revelation.

Let us debunk the common myths and learn the reality for better understanding.

MYTH #1: The need of cataract surgery arises only after cataract is allowed to ripen or mature.

FACT: In the initial stages of cataract, the surgery is more beneficial and has less risk of complications. There is not advisable to wait for the cataracts to mature. Thanks to the advances in cataract surgical procedures, we can diagnose cataract as soon as the vision issues crop up. Early diagnosis and treatment will help to rule out other eye disorders as well.

MYTH# 2: Is cataract is a cloudy filmy layer forming on the outermost layer of the eye?

FACT: Cataract in fact does not form on the outermost layer of the eye (conjunctiva). In fact, cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye and develops within the eye lens itself. This prevents light passing through the lens and causing blurred vision making us unable to see clearly. When the opaque lens is replaced with an artificial lens during the cataract surgery, the vision becomes clear.

MYTH #3: Cataract is an eye problem occurring with the aged.

FACT: Cataract can occur at any age. Some occur at birth (congenital cataracts) and can form at any age although generally seen in older people. Those with diabetes, smokers, eye trauma etc. can develop cataracts earlier.

MYTH # 4: After cataract surgery complete rest for months is essential.

FACT: Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and modern cataract surgery can be completed in minutes and recovery time is very fast unlike surgeries that had larger incisions and longer healing time.

MYTH #5: Eye drops can prevent cataract.

FACT: Eye drops or ointments cannot prevent cataract and surgery is the most effective treatment. A surgical opening is required to replace the lens. Vision researchers are working on prevention of cataract through eye drops has been widely researched.

MYTH# 6: Straining one’s eyes on detailed and fine vision like sewing deteriorates cataract.

FACT: Fine vision activities do cause stain for the eyes. It does not impact the growth of cataract.

Fears of undergoing cataract surgery.

  • Some feel cataract surgery is a dangerous process and may lose sight. Presently surgery being the solution to treat cataract effectively. As cataract destroys your vision and could lead not only blindness but also lead to reasons for other accidents.
  • Some feel it’s a painful procedure. With advanced cataract treatments the surgical experience is quite painless.
  • Some fear that they will have to wear glasses even if cataracts are removed. Correction could be made by using suitable lens during the cataract surgery and could help you to get rid of your glasses.

In case of any clarification or for more details, do get in touch with us.

Treating PCO (Posterior Capsular Opacification)

Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO): The opacity of the posterior capsule which holds the intraocular lens is called Posterior Capsule Opacification.

Types of PCO :

  • Fibrosis type.
  • Pearl type.
  • Combination of both.

Treatment of Posterior Capsular Opacification: The symptoms that occur are quite similar to that of cataract like blurring vision, halos and glare etc. PCO is often misunderstood by many and it seems like cataract has resurfaced. It is also called ‘secondary cataract’ or ‘after cataract’. During a cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed from the anterior position of the lens capsule. It is replaced by a new lens (IOL) letting the eye regain vision. The posterior position of lens capsule is left intact in order to support the IOL.

In rare cases, the posterior capsule lining gets hazy causing vision disturbances due to various factors eg. the regrowth of the residual lens epithelial cells. Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy is considered to be very effective for PCO treatment. Other alternative treatments are direct injection into the anterior chamber or impregnation of the IOL.    

In case of primarily fibrosed capsules the treatment may vary as clear fibrosis facilitates this treatment. Innovation in the material used in the lens, IOL shapes, IOL designs and therapeutic agents etc. have been researched extensively to prevent PCO formation or delay early onset.

What happens during the Nd: YAG posterior capsulotomy? The alternatives, risks, benefits of the treatment are discussed before the treatment.

  • Dilation of the pupil of affected eye with eye drops.
  • YAG Laser creates a minute hole in the posterior capsule of the eye from the line of sight in order to let the light to pass through the eye from the retina to get clear vision.
  • Anti – inflammation drops are instilled to combat post operative inflammation.

A slit lamp is used during the procedure. It is an outpatient procedure and anesthesia is not used generally. Sedation/tropical drops is given in certain case for children or non co-operative patients as it is essential to remain still during the procedure. Generally normal vision is expected after a day and entire procedure last for few minutes. The recovery time could vary from person to person.

Advantages of the treatment:                                                             

  • Glare is reduced.
  • Vision acuity gets improved.
  • Double vision is cleared.
  • YAG Laser is used in the treatment.
  • Absence of incisions reduces infections.
  • Safety and effectiveness of the procedure in regaining vision.
  • Low complication rate.

PCO Risk: Most common risk is the increased IOP (Intraocular pressure) for short duration. Some experience temporary floaters which is quite normal and in rare cases retinal detachment could also occur. In case conditions like muscular degeneration is already present may affect the visual outcome after the procedure.

With advanced surgical techniques and choice of right IOL selection PCO has significantly deduced nevertheless, after a recent cataract surgery if you are facing vision issues, do get in touch with us for further details.

Congenital Cataract

Cataracts are normally associated with aging. Congenital cataract is the clouding or blurring of the natural lens of the eyes that occurs at birth. An undetected congenital cataract could result in permanent visual loss.

Screening of the baby’s eye after birth is mandatory. Certain congenital cataracts need immediate surgery whereas certain types which block vision at the peripheral portion of the lens may not need cataract removal. Unlike adults where a delayed cataract surgery may have a lesser impact on the visual outcome but in case of children affected with congenital cataract a delay in surgery may result in never regaining vision thereafter.

Studies have noted that children treated for bilateral dense congenital cataracts, surgery prior 3 months of age is paramount to decrease the risk of visual acuity loss. The anatomical features in baby’s eye e.g. small lenses, soft cataract and developing size of the lens makes cataract surgery different and challenging. In certain cases it is conducted when the baby is just few weeks old.

Types of Congenital cataract

  • Anterior polar cataracts: These are located in the front part of the eye’s lens and surgical intervention may not be required.
  • Posterior polar cataracts: These are well defined and appear in the back portion of the lens.
  • Nuclear cataracts: These are located in the central part of the lens and comparatively more common form.
  • Cerulean cataracts: These affect both eyes of infants and normally do not cause vision problems.

Causes:

  • Genetic
  • Diabetes
  • Trauma
  • Inflammation
  • Drug Reactions
  • Infections
  • Metabolic issues
  • Certain illnesses that affect the pregnant mother like measles or rubella.

Symptoms

  • Cloudiness of the pupil.
  • Blurring in vision when cataracts are in both eyes.
  • Nystagmus -rapid eye movements.

Treatment: Our pediatric ophthalmologist would advise the best time to conduct the surgery after detailed examination if surgery is recommended.

Too early surgery could risk the eye from getting secondary glaucoma and too late would result in blindness. If the occurrence is small in size may not require surgery. Prenatal and family history are closely noted and recorded. Parent’s illnesses or drugs used during pregnancy are noted.

Comprehensive examination and Tests: The eye screening examination in the new born mainly consists of the evaluation of the red reflexes, Retinoscopy and Laboratory Tests.

Surgery: Unlike adults wherein local anesthesia or tropical drops are used, the pediatric cataract surgery would require general anesthesia. In some cases the posterior capsule is removed during the surgical procedure.

The treatment begins with cataract surgery and the process may take years of accurate optical rehabilitation, other related therapies and postoperative supervision

  • Lumpectomy: During this procedure the lens (including the posterior capsule) and anterior vitreous are removed.
  • IOL implantation: IOL implantation is safe and effective in the treatment of congenital cataract specifically at a suitable age. Secondary intraocular lens implantation is normally conducted after a certain gap as required. Spectaclesare prescribed according to the vision requirement and the age the child can wear them. IOL implantation may sometimes need spectacles at the later stage.

Post Operative Complications:

  • Glaucoma -Early diagnosis of Glaucoma can delay the onset.
  • Posteriorcapsule opacification (PCO) – Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy in children is done to overcome PCO.
  • Uveitis – Uveitis is a chronic inflammation in the eye could also occur.
  • Pupillary Capture
  • Decentration of IOL
  • Secondary Membrane Formation
  • Retinal complications- Retinal detachment is most common surgically treated eye.
  • Amblyopia (Lazy eye) – Most commonly occurred in children where one eye becomes a weaker in focus and subsequently the stronger eye becomes the preferred eye. This makes the weaker eye amblyopic.
  • Strabismus(Crossed eyes)

Do report us if you observe any kind of swelling, bleeding, redness, pain that requires prompt medical attention.

In case of congenital cataract in the family it is advisable to have genetic counseling. The success of congenital surgery would require co-operation from the parents. The treatment is most effective when parents partner with us to symphonise in the overall management and treatment in congenital cataract.

Do get in touch with us for more details for an effective congential cataract management for your child’s visual development.

Vision after Cataract Surgery

Gone are the days when cataract surgery was a painful ordeal with lengthy recovery months and finally resulting practically with no improved vision as there were no lenses available for replacement. With the evolution of Intra-ocular lenses and laser, the cataract surgery turned to restore vision completely. With present advancement, ocular calculations are more accurate in reducing the residual refractive error resulting in better visual outcome.

Factors that determine vision after surgery:

  • Type of surgery: Surgeries with smaller incisions have resulted in faster recovery rate for restoring vision. Vision gains normalcy with first few days after the surgery in case of Phacoemulsification and generally it takes a month for vision to stabilize. Visual acuity results vary from person to person and visual challenges like glare, halos and loss of contrast sensitivity are overcome.
  • Absence of other eye disorders: There will decreased improvement in vision if untreated eye disorders like glaucoma or macular degeneration are present.
  • Type of lens replaced: Multifocal IOL (near and distance vision) usually makes it less dependent on glasses although it could be used for vision enhancement.
  • PCO: Immediately after a cataract surgery one may experience blurring, floaters, flashes of light for a day and it improves steadily to clearer vision as the eye heals. In case the vision does not get clear after cataract, you need to report and check if it is not the cause for PCO. PCO is effectively treated through YAG laser capsulotomy. The lens implanted also depends on the willingness to wear glasses.
  • Postoperative Refractive Outcome and use of corrective measures: Near sighted dominant eyes may require glasses for distance. In some cases glasses are prescribed for near vision. Postoperative refractive outcome is not exactly predictable before the surgery.
  • Successful Recovery: This happens when one recovers without complications and secondary infections.

Methods to restore normal vision:

Glasses: Whenever lOL cannot be implanted, glasses are prescribed. Moreover presbyopic cataract eyes may require bifocals for near vision.

Contact lens: Hard or soft lenses are used. Reading glasses in addition may be used for near vision.

IOL: Multifocal IOL caters to near, distance, intermediate vision. If Monovision is suitable, you could have suitable lens in one eye for distance and other to supplement for near vision.

How cataract surgery enhances vision:

  • Astigmatism correction- With IOL implants like Tonic lens, LRI’s or both, astigmatism correction is possible during the cataract surgery.
  • Various aspects of vision also changes after cataract surgery like colour perception, near, immediate and distance vision.
  • Refractive surgeries like LASIK, PRK enhances vision after cataract surgery heals. Reduces the need of glasses.
  • Presbyopia correction possible during cataract surgery.
  • Improved vision reduces accidents.

Pre-operative consultation is an opportunity to clear your doubts and discuss your visual needs and lifestyle which would help in taking the right decision in the choice of cataract surgery and right IOL. Post-operative care and follow ups are vital too. Any case you experience any blurring of vision, double vision, difficulties in night vision do consult with us for detailed diagnosis and treatment.

We care for your visual needs without compromise.

What is the Cost of Cataract Surgery?

Whenever one wishes to avail any kind of service, ultimately it’s the inherent value based factors rather than cost based that influence one’s decision to finalize and choose the right service provider from two or more identical vendors. In a cataract surgery, cost is an important factor in choosing the right hospital for surgery. Does the cost really matter for sight? Is the price a cost based pricing or a value based pricing? Does the cost incurred materialize to long term benefits like long term results? These are the questions that we normally introspect. Let’s understand more on the various aspects of costing in a cataract surgery.

The factors that determine the cost of cataract surgery:

  • Nature of procedure undertaken.
  • Type of lenses used.
  • Treatment of other eye conditions along with cataract surgery.
  • Locational advantage of the hospital.
  • Use of techniques involved.
  • Selection of an advanced technology upgrade.

Cost break up:

  • Cost structure in terms of the OPD fees which include the consultation, A scan fees and Lab test with ECG (pre operative blood tests).
  • Cataract surgery fees per eyes. (This includes all medicines, operation charges, surgeon’s fee, anesthetist fee and immediate post op visits).
  • Cost varies according to the type of lens used. Special lens like multifocal lens which takes care of far, near and immediate vision is priced accordingly at premium.

Apart from the above outstation patients would incur miscellaneous costs like the Cost of accommodation, travel, and other facilities.

Medical Insurance and reimbursement:

  • Certain type of cost in the cataract surgery are covered by medical insurance while others are not covered, hence one needs to be clear and well informed on the costing before the surgery takes place.eg Procedures that are considered cosmetic and medically unnecessary.

Selection of right lens:

  • We assist you in the selection of lens implant from a wide range of options according to the suitability. The cost variable will change accordingly with design, material, brand opted etc. If distance vision correction is made by IOL then glasses would be required to correct near vision. During the cataract surgery Presbyopia/ Astigmatism correcting lens could also be opted for spectacle freedom if recommended.

Type of cataract surgery and technology:

  • Not all cataracts would need surgery, a detailed discussion that benefits you would be advised and the best correction and treatment would follow with our advanced technology and surgical expertise. The cost overhead varies with the advancement in type of surgery performed and the technological platform operated.

Patient’s satisfaction and quality:

  • The terminology and the pros and cons of IOLs/surgeries would help in better understanding of the services and products used in relation with the incurring cost.
  • It is advisable to directly contact the hospital to discuss regarding the cost so as to avoid any confusion rather than following outside information or outdated data. Research, planning and control over the costing helps you in better financial management on the cataract surgery costs.

The overall quality of products used, care and services rendered does add value to your treatment.

                                            For more details, do get in touch with us, for a cost effective surgery.

What is the Prognosis of Cataract?

Cataract progression is gradual and can impair daily functioning. Earlier when technology was not advanced the cataract was awaited to ripen or mature leading to complications and visual impediments. Normally the age related cataracts are progressive and is predictable once detected. In case of delay it worsens vision and could result in permanent loss of vision. Hence timely treatment and regular eye checkups are vital.

Advantages of timely treatment for cataract:

  • It improves the quality of life.
  • Better visual outcome.
  • Delay could increase the risk of complications during the surgery
  • Spectacle independence.
  • Prevents accidents due to poor vision.

BEFORE CATARACT

Battling with blurred images, depth perception or struggle to gauge distance becomes an obstacle to lead a normal life although at initial stage it may not be a hindrance. Sometimes cataracts are accompanied with other eye disorders like glaucoma, muscular degeneration etc. These could be determined in advance and are easily treatable.

Instrumentation to measure the power of Lens to be inserted are now more accurate. The best and most suitable artificial lens [IOL or Intra Ocular Lens implant] for each eye is prescribed and replaces the diseased natural lens during the surgery. The line of treatment is performed in accordance to achieve the best results.

AFTER CATARACT

After a cataract surgery, vision not only improves but is enhanced in most cases. In some cases, part of the lens capsule gets cloudy causing blurred vision. This condition is called ‘PCO or Posterior Capsule Opacity’ and can be corrected very easily by a YAG laser capsulotomy.

Prognosis of pediatric cataracts: Unlike cataracts in adults, in children the progression is variable, unpredictable and complex. If left untreated it could cause amblyopia.

Factors for good prognosis for cataracts:

  • Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment– Avoid delays in treatment to have a better prognosis.
  • Patient’s co-operation, age and health condition– Co-operation from patient’s side is a supporting factor. Advancing age could deteriorate overall health and your ocular conditions too.
  • Good control of diseases such as Diabetes and Hypertension are necessary for reducing risks and also healing well.
  • Expertise of treating ophthalmologist utilizing the latest technology advancement in ophthalmology is significant in your healing process.
  • Type and severity of the cataract– Treatment at initial stages favors better prognosis hence advisable to undergo timely diagnosis.
  • Type of cataract surgery- Cataract surgeries with smaller incisions and advanced IOLs not only result in better visual outcome but also increase the recovery rate.
  • Sterile conditions and prevention from other infection- Treatment before and after surgery in non-sterile conditions could lead to infections and delay the recovery.
  • Medications and speed of recovery- Effective medications and timely administration improves the recovery at the faster rate.
  • Existence of other illnesses like diabetes could delay the recovery time.
  • Post-operative complications- Lesser the post-operative complication better the cataract prognosis.

Cataract prognosis varies from eye to eye and person to person. Moreover most of the factors are controllable and results are achievable.

Our expert team at Shroff Eye is well equipped with the latest technology and expertise to tackle any type of cataract to optimize the best visual prognosis and care for your eyes.