Cataract Question (10)

How soon will my vision improve?

#: The important thing is not how well you see on the morning after surgery, but how well you see when your eye is fully healed. So with the clear lens implant you will might notice that daylight is a little brighter than it was before surgery. So we don't mind to use sunglasses as you wish, but remember you don’t have to wear them! They are for your comfort only.

What is my new implant like?

#: It is a foldable, plastic implant, with an ultra-violet filter, that has a focussing power specifically chosen for your eye.

How long will it take for my eye to heal?

#: Mostly the eye will heal almost in 3 weeks. And you will be scheduled for a follow up appointment betwen 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery, so that your surgeon can check that your eye has healed fully,And that is going to be with your doctor Who made the surgery.

What special treatment does my eye require while healing?

#: We recommend to use drops eye . And to wear for your eye protection sunglasses whenever you are out on sunny days if the light causes discomfort. Avoid direct pressure on the eye – don’t rub or scratch the eye.

How will I feel, and how will my eye feel during the post-operative period of healing?

#: Even if you have had a delicate microsurgical operation, you should have an easy post-operative period of healing. And you should feel as well as you did before surgery. In most cases, you will not have your eye padded. Most patients have an intermittent scratchy feeling for a week or so. So this is due to the tiny incision.

A slight headache over the operated eye is also very common,So don't worry. Any non-Asprin pain relief, e.g. Panadol, should provide relief. Should you experience severe pain,So please don't be late and call the surgery (your doctor).

Household chores which involve straining or lifting, gardening, as well as sporting activities, should be limited during the initial healing period. And you can read or watch TV as much as you wish.

Another important tips : Drops should be used faithfully until the bottles are finished. Your hair cannot be washed for a week after surgery and care must be taken with water near your eye.

Cataract Question (9)

Will I need to buy new glasses?


#: When your eye has fully healed, you will be measured to see if you will need glasses.You can determind that your new lens implant provides almost all the focussing necessary for distance, In the most of the time a weaker pair of glasses will help to "fine tune" distance or near focus which will provide you with the best vision possible. In most cases patients will be ready to be measured for new glasses 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.



What special treatment does my eye require while healing?


#: Use drops as recommended. Wear protective sunglasses whenever you are out on sunny days if the light causes discomfort to your eye. Avoid direct pressure on the eye _don’t rub or scratch the eye.



How do I use my eye drops?


#: Please follow the instructions below, So carefully :


1.Lie back in a comfortable chair or bed with your head supported, face upwards.


2.Keep both eyes open, looking at the ceiling.


3.Pull the lower lid down gently with your fingertips.


4.Squeeze the bottle, allowing the drop to fall inside the lower lid.


5.Be careful not to touch the tip of the bottle to your eye.


6.Leave 5 minutes between applications.



Can I have any other treatment for cataract?


#: Diet, medicine, eye drops or exercise have not been shown to retard or prevent the development of cataracts. A cataract does not result from using the eyes too much, or by reading in bad light.

Cataract Question (8)

How the Eye Works?

#The diagram above shows the main parts of the eye.

#The cornea is the clear covering of the front of the eye.

#The sclera is the "white part" of the eye.

#The iris is the "colored part" in the center of the eye that works like a round muscle, expanding and contracting to control the amount of light coming in.

#The pupil is the "black center" of the eye, simply a hole created by the iris.

#Behind the pupil is a clear lens that directs light to the back of the eye.

#At the back of the eye are light-sensitive nerves called the retina.

#The center of the retina is called the macula.

#Behind the macula, the optic nerve takes nerve impulses to the brain where they translated and understood as "vision."

The eye itself does not actually do the seeing. Rather, the eye acts as a messenger that delivers light "messages" to your brain. Your brain translates these messages into something you understand as vision, allowing you to maneuver within your environment without bumping into things and to enjoy our lovely Arizona sunsets.

In regards to cataract surgery, our primary focus is on the lens inside the eye, called the "crystalline" lens, held inside a suspended bag, called the posterior capsule.

Cataract Question (7)

Can problems develop after surgery?

Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur. These problems can include infection, bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, double vision, and high or low eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems can usually be treated successfully.

Sometimes the eye tissue that encloses the IOL becomes cloudy and may blur your vision. This condition is called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop months or years after cataract surgery.

An after-cataract is treated with a laser. Your doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye tissue behind the lens to let light pass through. This outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in increased eye pressure or other eye problems. As a precaution, your doctor may give you eyedrops to lower your eye pressure before or after the procedure.

When will my vision be normal again?

You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.

If you received an IOL, you may notice that colors are very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an IOL, you will become used to improved color vision. Also, when your eye heals, you may need new glasses or contact lenses.

What can I do if I already have lost some vision from cataract?

If you have lost some sight from cataract or cataract surgery, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision.

Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organizations and agencies offer information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments. A nearby school of medicine or optometry may provide low vision services.

Cataract Question (6)

Is cataract surgery effective?

Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. 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.

What happens before surgery?

A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some tests. These tests may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps your doctor choose the right type of IOL.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.

What happens during surgery?

At the hospital or eye clinic, drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil. The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed.

The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless. Many people choose to stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short time.

If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye.
After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding.

Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.

And to know more about surgery see this movie:

Part 1

Part 2

What happens after surgery?

Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.

For a few days after surgery , your doctor may ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your doctor about how to use your eyedrops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.

When you at home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not carry any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress with him.

Cataract Question (5)

How is a cataract treated?

The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush into surgery.

Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. If your eye care professional finds a cataract, you may not need cataract surgery for several years. In fact, you might never need cataract surgery. By having your vision tested regularly, you and your eye care professional can discuss if and when you might need treatment.

If you choose surgery, your eye care professional may refer you to a specialist to remove the cataract.

If you have cataracts in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually four to eight weeks apart.

Many people who need cataract surgery also have other eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. If you have other eye conditions in addition to cataract, talk with your doctor. Learn about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected results of cataract surgery.

What are the different types of cataract surgery?

..There are two types of cataract surgery. Your doctor can explain the differences and help determine which is better for you:

1.Phacoemulsification, or phaco. A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called "small incision cataract surgery."

2.Extracapsular surgery. Your doctor makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction.

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. Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another eye disease or have problems during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may be suggested.


What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Like with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your doctor could ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.So after surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision.

Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters.

Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or hospital. Your eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible. A retinal detachment causes no pain.

Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent loss of vision. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you will regain good vision. Even if you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost.

Talk to your eye care professional about these risks. Make sure cataract surgery is right for you.

And this movie to know more about cataract :

Cataract Question (4)

What can I do to protect my vision?

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

If you are age 60 or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. In addition to cataract, your eye care professional can check for signs of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other vision disorders. Early treatment for many eye diseases may save your sight.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
#Cloudy or blurry vision.
#Colors seem faded.
#Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights.
#Poor night vision.
#Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.)
#Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
#These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional.

How is a cataract detected?

Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

1.Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.

2.Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.

3.Tonometry. An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.
Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye.

Cataract Question? (3)

What is the lens?

The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.

The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image you see will be blurred.

Are there other types of cataract?

Yes. Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:

1.Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.

2.Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.

3.Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.

4.Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

When are you most likely to have a cataract?

The term "age-related" is a little misleading. You don't have to be a senior citizen to get this type of cataract. In fact, people can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision.

Who is at risk for cataract?

The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:
#Certain diseases such as diabetes.
#Personal behavior such as smoking and alcohol use.
#The environment such as prolonged exposure to sunlight.

What Causes Cataracts? (2)

What Causes Cataracts?

No one knows for sure why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Researchers are gradually identifying factors that may cause cataracts — and information that may help to prevent them.

Many studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with cataract development, so eyecare practitioners recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to lessen your exposure.

Other types of radiation may also be causes. For example, a 2005 study conducted in Iceland suggests that airline pilots have a higher risk of developing nuclear cataract than non-pilots and that the cause may be exposure to cosmic radiation. A similar theory suggests that astronauts, too, are at risk from cosmic radiation.

Other studies suggest people with diabetes are at risk for developing a cataract.
The same goes for users of steroids, diuretics and major tranquilizers, but more studies are needed to distinguish the effect of the disease from the consequences of the drugs themselves.

Some eyecare practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E, may forestall cataract development.

Meanwhile,eating a lot of salt may increase your risk.

Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption.

A small study published in 2002 found lead exposure to be a risk factor; another study in December 2004, of 795 men age 60 and older, came to a similar conclusion.

But larger studies are needed to confirm whether lead can definitely put you at risk and, if so, whether the risk is from a one-time dose at a particular time in life or from chronic exposure over years.*

Cataract Treatment:

When symptoms begin to appear, you may be able to improve your vision for a while using new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids.

Think about surgery when your cataracts have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life. Many people consider poor vision an inevitable fact of aging, but cataract surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision.

Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with more than 3 million Americans undergoing cataract surgery each year. Nine out of 10 people who have cataract surgery regain very good vision, somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40.

During surgery, the surgeon will remove your clouded lens and in most cases replace it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens (IOL).

New IOLs are being developed all the time to make the surgery less complicated for surgeons and the lenses more helpful to patients. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs potentially help you see at all distances, not just one. Another new type of IOL blocks both ultraviolet and blue light rays, which research indicates may damage the retina (see illustration).

Cataracts (1)

What is Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away.

The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it.

But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

Researchers are gaining additional insights about what causes these specific types of proteins (crystallins) to cluster in abnormal ways to cause lens cloudiness and cataracts. One recent finding suggests that fragmented versions of these proteins bind with normal proteins, disrupting normal function.

Cataracts are classified as one of three types:

*A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract.

*A nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms. This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes.

*A cortical cataract, which forms in the lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts