Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision. Congenital cataracts may be present at birth or appear shortly after, or at some time during infancy or childhood. Age-related cataracts appear later in life and are the most common type.
Causes
Age
Family history
Diabetes
Long term exposure to bright light
Eye injury
Smoking
Radiation therapy
Taking steroids
Previous eye inflammation
How it affects your vision
Your vision becomes blurry, cloudy or misty
Seeing colours as faded
You can’t see well at night
Humps, sunlight or headlamps are seen too bright
You see things in double
Changing prescription for glasses often
When must a cataract be removed
Having trouble looking after yourselves or someone else
Cannot drive or finds driving difficult
Find it hard to see or recognize people’s faces
Have problems doing your job
Cannot read or watch television properly
Has problems leaving the house
Treatments
MICS
Phaco-Emulsification
SICS
Types of Intraocular lens
Monofocal IOLS
It is a fixed-strength lens that is set for one level of vision usually distance. Then they wear eyeglasses for reading or close work.
Multifocal IOLS
These IOLS provide both distance and near focus at the same time.
Accommodative IOLS
These lens moves or changes shape inside your eye, allowing focusing at different distances.
Micro Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS)
MICS is an approach to cataract surgery by making an incision less than 1.8 mm with the purpose of reducing surgical invasiveness and improving surgical outcomes at the same time. The main confirmed advantages of MICS are the control & avoidance of surgically induced corneal astigmatism and the decrease of post-op corneal aberrations.
Pre-operative assessment
Before surgery, the specialist will assess the patient’s eyes and general health. The eye will be measured so that the replacement artificial lens can be prepared. You may be prescribed eyedrop medicines to start before surgery. These help to prevent infection after surgery.
Day after surgery
You will have to use eye drops after surgery
Avoid getting soap or water directly in the eye
Do not rub or press on your eye
You will need to wear protective eyeglasses