How Cataract Surgery is Done

May 23, 2024 By Dr Shital In Cataract Surgery

Cataracts, a common eye condition where the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy, are a leading cause of vision impairment, especially as we age.  In India alone, millions of people are affected by cataracts. But the good news is that cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to restore clear vision.

At Jeevansparsh Hospital, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality cataract care using the most advanced techniques and technology. Our team of experienced eye surgeons will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your comfort and delivering the best possible outcome.

Why Should You Do Cataract Surgery?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need cataract surgery?” It’s a common question, and the answer depends on how much the cataract is affecting your vision and your quality of life.

Here at Jeevansparsh Hospital, we understand that deciding on surgery is a big step. That’s why we believe in providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

When Cataracts Start Interfering with Your Life

Cataracts typically develop gradually, causing cloudy or blurry vision.  You might notice:

  • Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low light
  • Colors appearing faded or dull
  • Halos or glare around lights
  • Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription
  • Double vision in one eye

These symptoms can significantly impact your daily activities, making it difficult to read, drive, enjoy hobbies, or even recognize faces.

Why Choose Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to:

  • Restore clear vision: The most important reason for surgery is to improve your vision so you can get back to doing the things you love.
  • Improve quality of life: Clear vision can enhance your independence, confidence, and overall well-being.
  • Prevent complications: While cataracts are usually not a medical emergency, delaying surgery can lead to complications like glaucoma or complete vision loss in severe cases.

Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?

If you’re experiencing any vision problems due to cataracts, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Jeevansparsh Hospital. Our experienced eye surgeons will:

  • Evaluate your eye health thoroughly
  • Discuss your vision goals and lifestyle
  • Recommend the best course of treatment for your individual needs

At Jeevansparsh, we’re dedicated to providing you with personalized care and the most advanced treatment options to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.

Let’s take a closer look at how cataract surgery is done:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cataract Surgery

1. Pre-operative Examination:

Before your surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive eye exam. This helps us understand the extent of your cataract and take precise measurements to determine the right type of intraocular lens (IOL) for your needs. Choosing the correct IOL is crucial for achieving the best possible vision after surgery.

2. Anesthesia and Preparation:

Cataract surgery is usually done using local or topical anesthesia, which numbs your eye and the surrounding area. This means you’ll be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain. In some cases, a regional anesthesia may be used, where the anesthetic is injected around the eye. Topical anesthesia is becoming increasingly popular as it’s less invasive and allows for a faster recovery.

Before the surgery begins, your eye and the surrounding area will be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to prevent any chance of infection. This is a very important step to ensure your safety and the success of the surgery.

3. Incision and Lens Removal:

At Jeevansparsh Hospital, we offer different surgical techniques for cataract removal, including:

  • Phacoemulsification: This is the most common technique. A tiny incision is made in your eye, and a special ultrasonic probe is used to gently break up the cloudy lens and remove it. This method is known for its precision, quick recovery time, and minimal risk of complications. Phacoemulsification has become the preferred technique for cataract surgery in Asia, with a very high success rate.
  • Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): This advanced technique uses a highly precise laser to create the incision and soften the cataract, making the procedure even more accurate and efficient.
  • Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE): This technique involves a larger incision to remove the cataract in one piece. It is used less frequently than phacoemulsification but may be necessary in certain cases.

Your surgeon will recommend the best technique for your specific needs and the type of cataract you have.

4. Selecting the Right IOL for You

Choosing the right IOL is a collaborative process. We will discuss your vision goals, lifestyle, and any existing eye conditions to determine the best option for you. Here are some of the IOL choices available:

  • Monofocal IOLs: These lenses provide clear vision at a single distance, typically for distance vision. You may still need reading glasses after surgery.
  • Multifocal IOLs: These advanced lenses offer clear vision at multiple distances, reducing your dependence on glasses for both near and far activities.
  • Toric IOLs: If you have astigmatism, a condition that causes blurry vision, toric IOLs can correct this and provide clearer vision.

5. Placement of the IOL and Post-operative Care

Once the right IOL is selected, it is carefully implanted into your eye during the surgery. The IOL is positioned to ensure optimal visual clarity and comfort.

After your surgery, you will be given eye drops and medications to prevent infection and reduce any inflammation. These are crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal healing.

Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your progress and ensure the IOL is functioning correctly. We will check your vision, eye pressure, and overall eye health during these visits.

Conclusion: Your Vision, Our Priority

At Jeevansparsh Hospital, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality cataract care, including the selection and implantation of the most appropriate IOL for your needs. Our experienced team, advanced technology, and personalized approach ensure you receive the best possible treatment and achieve clear, comfortable vision. If you are experiencing any symptoms of cataracts, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We are here to answer your questions and help you regain your sight.

Dr. Shital S. Lalwani is an experienced ophthalmologist and general physician in Pune with over 21 years of experience. He practices at Jeevan Sparsh Eye Hospital Market Yard, Kondhawa, NIBM . Dr. Lalwani completed his MBBS in 2002 and DNB in Ophthalmology in 2006.