The eye lens is made up of water and protein and is present behind the coloured part of the eye. The lens is responsible for producing sharp and clear images on the retina. When the protein of the lens forms clumps, due to ageing, trauma, radiation exposure, etc., it prevents the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The lump formation caused due to protein accumulation is a slow and gradual process that can appear in one or both eyes.
This condition is commonly witnessed in older people. Thus, a cataract is a dense and cloudy area that forms on the lens of the eye, halting the transmission of light to the retina. As a result, the lens becomes less transparent and the vision becomes blurry and gradually declines over the years.
Types of Cataracts:
Cataracts are categorized into five types based on the position of cloud formation on the lens. Different types of cataracts are explained below:
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Posterior Subcapsular Cataract:
Occurs at the back of the lens
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Nuclear Cataract:
Develops in the central zone of the lens.
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Cortical Cataract:
Forms in the periphery of the lens
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Trauma-induced Cataract:
Traumatic cataract is a clouding of the lens that may occur after either blunt or penetrating ocular trauma that disrupts the lens fibers.
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Congenital Cataract:
Congenital cataracts refers to a lens opacity that is present by birth.
Severity of Cataract
The formation of protein on the lens is usually a gradual process leading to a cataract. Over the years, it can become severe, if left untreated. The stages of cataract severity are discussed below:
Early cataract:
This is the initiation stage of cataracts wherein the ability of the lens to change focus is compromised. Since it is the beginning stage of cataract, the lens appears almost clear, however, the strain on the eye increases.
Immature cataract:
This is the initiation stage of cataracts wherein the ability of the lens to change focus is compromised. Since it is the beginning stage of cataract, the lens appears almost clear, however, the strain on the eye increases.
Mature cataract:
This is the initiation stage of cataracts wherein the ability of the lens to change focus is compromised. Since it is the beginning stage of cataract, the lens appears almost clear, however, the strain on the eye increases.
Hypermature cataract:
This is considered the most serious stage of cataract in which significant damage has been caused to the lens. If at this stage the cataract is not removed, it can cause high eye inflammation or increase the pressure on the eyes leading to glaucoma.
Causes and Symptoms of Cataract:
Symptoms
- Cloudy eye lens
- Blurry or dim Vision
- Seeing faded colours
- Yellowish vision
- Difficulty in reading
- Trouble seeing at night
- Halos surrounding light
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Double vision
- Frequent changes in eye power
Causes
- Ageing
- Excessive Smoking
- Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- High Alcohol Consumption
- High myopia
- Previously done eye surgery
- Birth defects or genetically inherited
- Deficiency of Vitamin C
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery, popularly known as lens replacement surgery is a method that involves the removal of the clouded natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens (Intraocular Lens). Cataract Surgery in Mangalore is conducted by the surgeon when the natural lens turns opaque and gradually causes vision loss.
During the cataract surgery procedure, the cataract procedure is removed by emulsification or by cutting the lens out. The surgery is performed under local or topical anaesthesia so that the patient does not feel any pain and discomfort during the surgery.
Types of Cataract Surgeries
The expert surgeons of Glamyo Health perform Cataract Surgery in Mangalore using two techniques as explained below:
Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS):
As the name suggests, in this cataract surgery, a microincision is made through which the surgeon breaks the lens and removes the broken parts of the lens through suction (Phacoemulsification). Further, the eye surgeon inserts another probe into the empty lens cavity and inserts and fixes, and adjusts an Intraocular Lens (IOL). This surgery is covered under insurance.
Femtosecond-Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS):
In this procedure, the cataract is removed through laser-assisted surgery. The eye surgeon inserts a tiny probe into the eye which emits ultrasound waves. These waves soften and break the lens which is then sucked out using the phacoemulsification process. Further, another probe is inserted to fix and adjust an IOL in the empty lens cavity. Since this is an advanced cosmetic procedure, this is not covered under insurance.
Post-operative care:
- No water contact with eyes for 4-5 days
- No heavy load/ exercise for 4-5 days
- Compulsory usage of glasses for 2 weeks to avoid contact with dust and UV rays
- Avoid sleeping on the support of the body to the side in which eye cataract surgery was conducted
- Minimal involvement in activities that cause danger to the eyes
- Avoid driving
- Avoid wearing eye make-up
- Consume prescribed medicines for 1 month
- No eye smudging for 4-5 days
Types of IOLs (Intraocular Lens)
The most significant decision while undergoing cataract surgery is to choose the right intraocular lens. There are two types of intraocular lenses, including Anterior Chamber Lenses (ACIOL) and Posterior Chamber Lenses (PCIOL).
While ACIOLs are placed on the top of the iris, PCIOLs are placed over the residual posterior capsule (original position of the lens). Depending on the IOL one chooses, the cost of the surgery.
Risks and Complications
If left untreated:
If a cataract is left untreated, the patient might develop a lot of strain on the eyes causing glaucoma. In severe cases, it can also lead to complete blindness which is often irreversible.
During the surgery:
Cataract surgeries are absolutely safe and have a more than 90% success rate. The procedure involves minimal invasion because of the technological advancements.
Most cataract surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis and do not require any hospitalization. Also, during the surgery, the patient is given local or topical anaesthesia to minimize the pain and discomfort.
After the surgery:
Usually, once the cataract surgery is complete, there are minimal chances of any complications, However, in rare cases, the cataract surgery may fail to improve vision if post-operative care is not taken or the patient is suffering from glaucoma.
Cataract Surgery in India
Normally, the Cataract surgery cost in Mangalore and other cities in India ranges from Rs.35,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 approximately depending upon the type of lens chosen and surgery location. This expense includes the cost of tests, doctor’s fees, OT charges, medications, hospitalization (if required), anaesthesia charges, etc.
Glamyo Health has tied up with multiple Cataract Surgery Clinics in Mangalore and other cities so that patients can undergo hassle-free surgery at budget-friendly rates.
If the patient has a health insurance policy, it can be used to cover all these expenses to the maximum. Generally, there is a waiting period of two years to claim the insurance against cataract treatment.
