A cataract is a loss of transparency of the lens within the eye leading to a deterioration in vision. Most cataracts are due to aging, and a tendency toward cataracts can be inherited. However, there are many other causes, ranging from damage to the lens, eye infections, drug side-effects and excessive exposure to x-rays or the ultraviolet light in sunlight. The lens in the eye is enclosed in a capsule that allows it to swell or dehydrate. During cataract formation, fluids increase within the lens and breaks the lens fiber membranes which results in microscopic vacuoles or "bubbles" in the lens. As a result, light is scattered within the eye, resulting in an annoying glare and "halos" around lights at night. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes simultaneously, with one eye worsening more rapidly.

Symptoms of a cataract: 

The amount of cloudiness within the lens may vary, but common symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Glare and reduced vision in bright light
• Halos around light
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
• Poor night vision
• Need for brighter light when reading
• Fading of colors, particularly the inability to see blues and purples

How is a cataract diagnosed?

Your eye surgeon can detect a cataract by examining the interior of the eye with a microscope. Most cataracts associated with the aging process develop gradually over a period of years. The rate at which a cataract progresses varies with each person. Surgical removal of a cataract is recommended when vision problems, due to cataract formation, sufficiently interfere with a person’s daily activities. 

 How is a cataract removed?

Cataract Technology

Cataract removal can be accomplished in several ways:

Phacoemulsification is an advanced ultrasonic cataract surgery in which the crystalline lens is emulsified or liquefied and then aspirated from the eye. In short, it is named as phaco surgery.

The surgeon makes a 2-3 millimeters incision near the limbus and an oscillating probe is inserted into the eye to break up the cataract into tiny pieces. At the same time, the probe will suck out the remnants through another end.

After that another instrument will be used to remove the remaining softer cortical fibers and the front section of the lens capsule. Finally an artificial lens (IOL) is then injected into the intact capsule and supported by its tiny wires.

The incision does not require stitches and heals itself in a few days. Some eye drops will be given to prevent inflammation and infection, and to keep the eye moistened after surgery.

EXTRACAPSULAR EXTRACTION