Cataract Treatment Options
Cataract is a condition of the eye that progresses gradually. In the beginning, this condition affects vision slightly and then the condition worsens. Hence, the treatment option recommended by the doctor would depend on the stage of the cataract. In the early stage when this condition starts developing, eyeglasses are used to correct the vision as prescribed by the doctor. Depending on the type of cataract, some patients suffer from nearsightedness while other patients might find it hard to view nearby objects for example to read.
As the condition progresses, wearing eyeglasses will not help in correcting the vision. It is advised to see the doctor immediately as a further worsening of the disease can lead to complications, such as, complete loss of vision, which might occur if the treatment of this condition is delayed.
There are no medications, eye drops or changes in lifestyle that prevents the progression of cataracts. Hence, various surgical treatment methods are available, depending on the severity of the condition.
An eye doctor or ophthalmologist will study the patient’s history and symptoms and perform an eye examination along with the following diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis:
In the early stages of a cataract, usage of prescribed eyeglasses can help improve vision. It is necessary to not wait until the cataract matures fully as it makes surgery more difficult and might lead to serious complications.
As the condition progresses, eyeglasses fail to improve the vision so treatment options like surgery are the only option.
Cataract surgery involves removing the affected cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which might be plastic, silicone or acrylic, to improve the vision.
In this procedure, the surgeon will make a small cut with the help of laser and insert a device in the eye to dismantle the cataract and use a suction device to take it out gently. Implanting an intraocular lens is a permanent solution to treat cataracts.
Cataract surgery is a safe procedure, which does not require the patient to stay overnight after the surgery. It generally takes eight weeks for the eye to heal after surgery. In cases where both the eyes have cataract formation, the second eye is typically operated after the first surgery has completely healed.
As in any medical surgery, cataract surgery also carries a risk of side effects. Some of the side effects are as follows:
Amrit Hospital was conceptualized with an aim to strive to provide patients with a safe place to get treated. We strive to put our patients’ comfort and treatability above our own concerns. Therefore, we stress on using the latest technology in terms of biomedical equipment, laboratory, surgeries, etc. Amrit Hospital has opted for the latest in LASIK technologies to fight the ophthalmological issues that affect the majority of the patients.