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What is a Cataract surgery?
Removal of the clouded lens (the cataract) entirely by surgery followed by replacement of the lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) of plastic, silicone, acrylic or other material is what is Cataract Surgery is all about.. The operation typically takes about an hour, is done under local anesthetic only, and does not require hospitalization. Most cataract surgery today is performed using a technique called phacoemulsification.
Different types of cataract
There are different types of cataract, some of which are due to rare diseases or as a result of local eye injuries or inflammation. However, the two main types are:
senile (age-related) cataracts - the most common type
congenital (present at birth) cataracts which are relatively rare but important to diagnose early since vision and 'seeing' have to be learnt very early in infancy
Causes of Cataracts
In the UK, most cataracts develop as people get older, and usually they are first noticed around the age of 50-60.
The reason why is not yet known. One theory is that it is caused by a disturbance in the fluids and nutrients in the lens.
In younger people there are certain factors that can increase your risk of getting cataracts. These include:
Diabetes - this can cause a secondary cataract to develop
An injury to the eye
Exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight
Medication use such as long-term use of steroid tablets
Smoking
Heavy drinking
A family history of cataracts
Symptoms
Worsening of the vision -cloudy, fuzzy or filmy vision
Spots in your vision
Glare and halos from lights or the sun
Double vision
Difficulty in telling the difference between colors, especially shades of blue
Frequent changes in glasses prescription as eyesight deteriorates
Second sight - your close-up vision and reading may improve temporarily as the lens changes shape
Different types of cataract surgery
There are two types of cataract surgery. Your doctor can explain the differences and help determine which is better for you:
Phacoemulsification or phaco:
A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called "small incision cataract surgery."
Phacoemulsification is the most modern method of removing a cataract lens. This surgery is done under topical anaesthesia and no stitches are applied. This greatly reduces trauma to the eye.
Extracapsular surgery.
Your doctor makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction. After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
The Ophthalmology Department at Apollo Hospitals offers expert surgical and non-surgical management of eye ailments using the most superior technology available.
They are a specialized hand at Phaco Surgery rendered to cure cataracts.
Special equipment available for diagnosis and treatment at Apollo Hospitals:
Carl-Zeiss Operating Microscope
Lasik Laser
Lacrimal Apparatus
Yag Laser
Occular Topograph
Coherent Argon Laser Topcon Fundus Camera
A-scan Biometer
3mm Auto Refractometer
Canon Wall mount Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscope
Retinoscope Carl
Zena KPM Perimeter Keratometer
Shin Nippon Indirect Ophthalmoscope
Visual Field Analyser
Hiene Contact lens service
Apollo Hospital's Ophthalmology Department is at par to international standards. It treats deformities, injury related conditions and personal grooming requirements. Cataract surgeries are quite familiar a business in Apollo Hospitals.
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| SPECIALITIES /PROCEDURES |
Hospital Stay |
Single Room
(In US $) |
Twin Sharing
(In US $) |
| OPTHALMOLOGY |
| 1) Cataract + Glaucoma |
2 Days |
2350 |
2000 |
| 2) Retinal Detachment |
2 Days |
2175 |
1900 |
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