PERFECT INFORMATIONS: Cataract operation

The causes for cataract formation are not fully known. It is basically an aging phenomenon. Next to old age are other factors like deficiency of food like proteins and vitamins, some toxic drugs, general diseases like deficiency of food like proteins and vitamins. To delay the onset of cataract one should take nourishing diet rich in proteins and vitamins. Food such as liver, eggs, milk products, carrots, cabbages and yeast are good. One must protect eyes from excessive exposure to sunrays, x rays, intense heat and injuries. Diseases such as diabetes and syphilis should be treated early and effectively.

There is no medical treatment for cataract. The only treatment is surgery. Once the cataract is removed, the eye is unable to focus, as there is no lens. So, one has to use an artificial lens. This can either be a pair of spectacles, contact lens or an intraocular lens. Spectacles can be used as they are cheap and within the reach of the common man. But these are very heavy and not comfortable. Further, if one removes them the person is blind. Other disadvantages are that everything is magnified and the side view is very poor.

Cataract is opacity in the lens of the eye. The normal lens allows light to reach the retina. When it becomes opaque and does not allow light to reach the retina. We are unable to see clearly. Today modern medical advances have made cataract surgery very successful. New surgical techniques and intraocular lenses can restore excellent vision in 97% of all cases. In the 1960s, dr. charles kelman from the united states started a technique called phacoemulsification in which cataract was removed through minute incision. Then in 1998, dr. amar agarwal from India started a technique called phakonit in which cataracts were removed through a 3mm opening. In 2001, a special lens was made which went through a small opening of one to 1.5mm. This was called the roll able intraocular lens.

The second alternative is to use contact lens. This is an artificial lens placed on the eye. Unlike spectacles they o not leave any lasting marks nor does he wearer have the stigma of spectacles attached to his personality. Besides, they can be used according to the convenience of the person. The disadvantage, as with spectacles, is that when it is removed the person is blind. Another problem is that they have to be put on in the morning and removed at night, which is difficult for an old person. So, the best method is to give the patient an intraocular lens. This is an artificial lens in the eye during surgery. It will remain in place till end of life. This lens does not irritate the eyes.

Today, cataract surgery is an out patient procedure. The patient comes in the morning for surgery and after the operation can go home. The surgery is done without any injection, without any pad and without any stitch being placed in the eye. This is called the no injection, no pad, and no stitch cataract surgical technique. The patients are not at all admitted in the hospital and can go back to work the next day. Besides, complications like infection and haemorrhage are very rare. But if the retina or nerve of the eye is damaged, then even after cataract operation the person will not be able to see.