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Susrut Eye Foundation Research Centre - Cataract Clinic |
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Know about Cataract |
What is Cataract?
Cataract is a natural clouding of the clear natural crystalline lens in the
eyes. This is a normal outcome of the aging process but may also result out of
trauma to the eye, heredity or diabetes. It is because of heredity that one sees
infantile cataracts in some newborn babies.
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Symptoms of Cataract |
Whatever the cause, cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision and
sensitivity to light.
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Treatment of cataract |
The only treatment for cataract is surgical intervention through which the
cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. A
cataract can be operated at any stage. In India, there is a myth that cataract’s
should only be operated when “mature”. This may actually lead to complications.
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Cataract surgery |
Cataract surgeries are microsurgeries and are broadly categorized into
two:
Small Incision Cataract Surgeries (SICS) This involves removing the
cloudy lens in one piece through a scleral tunnel of 6 to 7 mm on the eye.
Through this incision, the artificial lens is also implanted. No suturing is
required.
Phacoemulsification(Phaco): This is the latest advance in
cataract removal wherein a small ultrasonic probe is inserted into the eye
through a cut of 3.2mm or less. This probe breaks (emulsifies) the cloudy lens
into tiny pieces and gently sucks these out of the eye. The surgeon then
implants the replacement lens through this cut.
Kinds of lenses used in Cataract Surgeries
While Non-foldable lenses are made up of PMMA, a hard plastic material, Foldable
lenses are either made of acrylic or silicone. The advantage of a foldable over
a non-foldable lens is that the incision is very small and consequently the
recovery period is much faster. Whichever the lens used, cataract surgery is a
small procedure wherein the patient is discharged after a couple of hours and
can safely go back home the same day.
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Toric lenses
For the past decade, ophthalmic surgeons have tried several methods to
correct preexisting astigmatism during cataract surgery, including making
incisions into the cornea to alter shape of the eye. now due to the unique
design of the Toric IOL, astigmatism can be reduced or corrected without further
surgical intervention.
Aspheric lenses
The aspheric lens is designed to enhance contrast sensitivity, reduce dependency
on glasses, and improve functional vision.
Multifocal lenses
Until recently the vast majority of patients who underwent surgery received a
single-vision lens implant which required them to carry around reading glasses.
however now Multifocal Accommodative IOLs are available which deliver
accommodative-like vision across the entire visual spectrum. Post surgery, in
certain patients, a very thin film develops behind the artificial lens. The
treatment is a painless 10 minutes OPD procedure wherein the doctor cuts away
this film through a process called Yag Laser.
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Cataract Services at Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre |
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- Seven self-contained air-conditioned examination rooms fitted with high end
examination units.
- Medical expertise to handle Small incision cataract surgery, and
Phaco-emulsification techniques.
- Two operation theatres dedicated to cataract surgery with high end microscopes
and other support infrastructure.
- Alcon – Infinity phaco machine for phaco surgeries.
- In the year 2008, 25732 cataract surgeries are done.
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