What is Cataract?

Cataract or motiyabindu is the most common known cause of vision loss induced by lens opacification.  It is a cause of reversible blindness and is prevalent worldwide. Although, children can also be affected by cataract, it is generally seen in older population.

 

Effects Of Cataract

According to a study, eye diseases can influence and accelerate abnormal changes in brain structure. Individuals with untreated poor vision can develop Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders five times more commonly than other age matched controls. Besides this in another study it was found that elderly with cataract are at an increased risk of fall related hip fractures. Falls ten to happen due to poor vision associated with cataracts which become even more pronounced in dim light conditions.

 

Cataract Surgery/operation

However, it is pertinent to understand that loss of vision due to cataract can be reversed by phacoemulsification i.e. cataract surgery which replaces the hazy lens with an intraocular lens.

Cataract has negative impact on the patient’s quality of life as well as his/her ability to do normal routine activities like reading, mobility etc. Moreover, it is also correlated to decrease life expectancy.

Whether the patient has unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes) cataract, eye surgery improves visual functioning and reduces many other complications.

 

What is Phacoemulsification?

It is a type of cataract surgery wherein a micro incision is made on the side of the cornea. A device emits ultrasonic energy on the cloudy lens that breaks the lens into small pieces, which are then removed by suction. After this, the cataract surgeon inserts a new artificial lens called as intraocular lens (IOL) and the procedure is called intraocular lens implantation.

 

How soon will I recover?

The recovery time for vision improvement after Phacoemulsification is generally a few days however; patient is expected to observe some precaution for a few days after the cataract surgery so as not to develop any side effects or complications after the surgery.

 

Eye care after Cataract surgery

It is important to give rest to your body that will eventually heal your eyes as well.

  • Generally, after cataract surgery patients are able to do light walking. However, heavy workouts should be avoided for at least 10 days.
  • Refrain from lifting any heavy objects for a week. It is always better to consult your cataract surgeon for the same.
  • For at least three weeks, swimming or any other water involving activities is to be avoided completely.
  • If you feel any level of discomfort or vision loss or any abnormal eye condition after your eye surgery, visit your cataract surgeon at the earliest.