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Cataract Services |
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A cataract clouds the normally clear and transparent lens inside the eye. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy as if light transmission to the retina is obstructed by a frosted window.
Cataracts develop gradually over the years and it may affect one or both of your eyes, but the rate of progression varies among individuals. If the cataract only covers a small part of the lens, your eyesight may not be affected. If a large portion of the lens becomes cloudy, your eyesight can be partially or completely lost.
We provide a free seminar for people who want to know more about cataract surgery. All our seminars are conducted by our specialists.
 Overview
Phacomulsification surgery
Causes of Cataract
Symptoms of Cataract
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Services Overview
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Surgery is the only effective way to remove the cloudy lens. Your cataract may not need treatment at all if your vision is only a little blurry. Your ophthalmologist will decide when removal is necessary depending on your visual needs. There is no need to wait for the cataract to become "mature" before it can be removed.
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Phacoemulsification surgery
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The surgery is performed under an operating microscope and the cloudy cataractous lens are removed from the eye using ultrasonic energy with a suitable intraocular lens (IOL) implanted.
The surgery is usually performed under topical anaesthesia with eye drops and eye gel and you will not feel any pain. Some patients who cannot lie down steadily or children may need general anaesthesia.
Most patients are suitable for implantation of an IOL. The ophthalmologist will decide during surgery if the patient is suitable for implantation in order to reduce the chance of other complications.
Phacoemulsification can be done through a very small incision and no stitching is needed. Other types of cataract surgery, such as ECCE, require a large incision of 10-12mm, with phacoemulsification the incision is 1-3mm. Phacoemulsification is also safer and the complication rate is lower.
Following surgery, you will need to use eye drops and medications as prescribed. You should avoid vigorous activities until the wound has healed. It is important not to rub or press on the eye. Sometimes, the posterior lens membrane may become opacified months or years after the cataract surgery, leading to blurring of vision. If this occurs, a clear opening can be made in the opacified membrane with a special laser treatment.
Phaco probe breaking up and removing pieces of the clouded lens.
Inserting folded intraocular lens (IOL)
Unfolded intraocular lens (IOL) in the eye.
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Causes of Cataract
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There are many causes and the most common is aging of the eye that leads to hardening and clouding of the lens. Children and new-born babies can also develop cataract due to hereditary disorders, metabolic diseases or congenital infection. A hard blow, puncture, cut or chemical burn to the eye can damage the lens resulting in traumatic cataract. Certain infections or diseases of the eye, such as diabetes, as well as some medications, such as steroids, can also cause cataract.
Impaired vision - As light passes through the cataractous lens, it is diffused or scattered. The result is blurred or defocused vision.
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Symptoms of Cataract
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Early or mild cataract may not affect your eyesight at all. As cataract progresses, there may be:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Photophobia or sensitivity to light and glaring Impaired color vision
- Feeling that the lighting is not bright enough for reading
- Frequent need to change your spectacle prescriptions
A cataract usually cannot be detected from the outside without special equipment. Other eye diseases may also cause symptoms similar to a cataract. Therefore, if you have blurred vision or other symptoms mentioned, you should consult your ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination.
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