Cataract SurgeryA cataract is a clouding of the normal lens of the eye which is under normal circumstances a clear and translucent structure. It is not a "skin" or "film" growing over the outside of the eye. It is a fogging of the lens much like looking through a frosted window. There are various types of cataracts but the effect is the same. It affects the clarity of the vision and thus impairs the sight. Most cataracts are caused by a change in the chemical composition of the lens with ageing, certain diseases like Diabetes Mellitus, eye injuries, congenital and hereditary factors. Both adults and children can develop cataracts. In children it is called a congenital cataract and may be caused by hereditary or inflammation during the foetal development. Congenital cataracts are an emergency and such patients should be referred to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Cataracts normally develop gradually over years and often patients are not immediately aware of it. Symptoms related to cataracts are blurred or double vision, glare, impaired eyesight, colour vision changes and often worsening in the refractive errors eg in nuclear cataracts the patient can become very shortsighted.DiagnosisIs best made by an ophthalmologist and is often best viewed with a slitlamp. Sometimes the cataract can be viewed through the normal black pupil- it becomes white or yellowish.
TreatmentCataracts are normally removed by surgery in a sterile theatre complex on a day clinic basis. It is performed mainly under local anesthetic. The cataract is not removed by Laser. It is removed by Phace-emulsification through a very small opening in the eye. A foldable lens is then implanted. Cataract surgery is highly successful but complications during or after surgery can occur although today it is very rare. Please feel free to consult with me about this during your visit.
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