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Cataract When the lens of the eye turns cloudy enough to impair vision, it is considered a cataract. Cataracts are the main cause of blindness worldwide.
Four out of ten elderly persons over 60 ears develop cataracts. Treatment consists of a safe and simple surgical procedure. Cataract is not a disease but a natural aging process of the eye. How do cataracts lead to blindness? The lens of the eye is the structure in charge of focusing objects at different distances from the eye. It is capable of changing its shape to do so. With time, the lens looses its transparency turning opaque. At this moment, it is a called a cataract. Light is not able to reach the retina a vision diminishes even to the point of blindness. The Miracle of Cataract Surgery When your cataract has been removed; it may seem like a miracle. All the things you couldnt see clearly are bright, clear and vivid again. In fact, many people will tell you they havent seen life so clearly in year. Once you see how good the world looks, youll be so glad like millions of others like you - to be able to see clearly again. Preoperative evaluation An eye examination or pre-operative evaluation by an eye surgeon is necessary to confirm the presence of a cataract and to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery. The patient must fulfill certain requirements such as: Reduction of vision should be judged due, at least in large part, to the cataract. While the existence of other sight-threatening diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma, do not preclude the advisability of cataract surgery, outcome expectations may need to be adjusted downward. The eyes should have a normal pressure, or any pre-existing glaucoma should be adequately controlled on medications. In cases of uncontrolled glaucoma, a combined cataract-glaucoma procedure (Phaco-trabeculectomy) can be planned and performed. The pupil should be adequately dilated using eye drops; if pharmacologic pupil dilation is inadequate, procedures for mechanical pupillary dilatation may be needed during the surgery. The patients with retinal detachment may be scheduled for a combined vitreo-retinal procedure, along with PC-IOL implantation. In addition, it has recently been shown that patients taking tamsulosin (Flomax), a common drug for enlarged prostate, are prone to developing a surgical complication known as floppy iris syndrome, which must be correctly managed to avoid the complication posterior capsule rupture; however, prospective studies have shown that the risk is greatly reduced if the surgeon is informed of the patient's history with the drug beforehand, and has appropriate alternative techniques prepared. After Cataract Surgery When the operation is over, the surgeon will usually place a protective shield over your eye. After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home. Plan to have someone else drive you home. You will need to administer eye drops, as prescribed by your surgeon, several times daily during the next few weeks after the procedure. You also will need to wear your protective eye shield while sleeping or napping, for about a week after surgery. You will be given sun shades to help protect your eye in bright light. During at least the first week after surgery, it is essential that you avoid: Strenuous activity and heavy lifting (nothing over 25 pounds).
Bending, exercising and similar activities that might stress your eye while it is healing. Water that might splash into your eye and cause infection. Keep your eye closed while showering or bathing. Also, make sure you avoid swimming or hot tubs for at least two weeks.
Any activity such as changing cat litter boxes that would expose your healing eye to dust, grime or other infection-causing contaminants. Samitivej Sriracha Hospital offers this kind of service.
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