Eye Disease
Cataract
PHACO Surgery
A cataract is an opacity (material through which visible
light does not pass through) that develops in the lens
of the eye or in its envelope. Early on in the development
of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be
increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the
gradual yellowing.
Cataracts typically progress
slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding
if untreated. Moreover, with time the cataract cortex
liquefies to form a milky white fluid in a Morgagnian
Cataract, and can cause severe inflammation if the lens
capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract
can cause glaucoma.
People might have cataracts for years before vision
is impaired enough to warrant surgery. Eye doctors may
first suggest eyeglasses to temporarily help improve
vision. But as the lens grows cloudier, vision deteriorates.
As cataracts develop and worsen, patients may notice
these common symptoms:
• Gradual (and painless)
onset of blurry vision
• Poor central vision
• Frequent changes in prescription for corrective
lenses
• Increased glare from lights
• Near vision improvement to the point where reading
glasses may no longer be needed
• Poor vision in sunlight
Operation on cataract becomes necessary the moment the
decease starts worsening your vision to the point that
everyday activities become problematic. It grows faster
in younger people or diabetics, so doctors will recommend
surgery more quickly in those cases. Surgery may also
be recommended sooner if the patient suffers from other
eye diseases such as agerelated macular degeneration
and if the cataract interferes with complete eye examination.
A complete ocular exam will determine the severity of
the cataract and what type of surgery the patient will
receive. Cataract surgery is one of the most common
surgeries performed, and also one of the safest and
most effective. If cataracts are detected in both eyes,
each must be treated separately.
Subsequent exams are usually
at one week, three weeks and six to eight weeks following
surgery. This can change, however, depending on any
complications or any unusual postoperative symptoms.
After the healing process, the patient will probably
need new corrective eyeglasses, at least for close vision.
While IOLs can remove the need for myopic correction,
patients will probably need new eyeglasses for close
work.
