TREATMENT OF CATARACT

Non-surgical Cataract Treatment

1. The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses.

2. You may wear a hat when outdoors in addition to quality sunglasses to help prevent further cataract development.

3. Certain lifestyle changes may improve your vision enough to delay cataract surgery.

Surgical Cataract Treatment

1. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Mostly, it is done when the corrected vision is 20/50 or worse. Vision of 20/50 impacts occupational performance as well as daily activities, especially driving.

2. Surgery is usually performed on one eye at a time. This is done to minimize potential complications.

3. How to remove cataract:

a. Phacoemulsification (phaco) – most common

- A small incision is made on the side of the cornea.

- An ultrasonic device vibrating at a very high speed is inserted into the eye through a very tiny incision. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction.

- Hence, only one stitch (or none at all) may be required to close the wound. This cataract treatment is also called "small incision cataract surgery."

b. Extracapsular Cataract Surgery

- A much larger incision is made so that the nucleus, or the center part of the lens, is removed in one piece. (The back half of its outer covering is left in place). The rest of the lens is removed by suction.

- Because the incision is larger, several stitches or sutures are required to close the wound. This is less commonly performed today because of possible complications, slower healing and induced astigmatism.

c. Intracapsular Cataract Surgery – Very rare

- The entire lens and its capsule are removed through a large incision. Surgeons may reserve this method for extremely advanced cataract formation or trauma.

4. After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.

How Safe It is? It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.