Celebrating your 50th birthday is always a time to have a blast. It is an outstanding achievement that should be shared with your friends and family. But, sadly, it has a downside. You may start to hear your doctor saying the word ‘cataract’ a few times. A study by the National Eye Institute states that by your 80th birthday, there is more than 50% chance of you having cataracts or having already undergone cataract surgery.
What is a Cataract?
Cataracts are an age-related condition that causes the lens in your eye to the cloud. But, there is no need to be alarmed by it. You can get cataract surgery to fix this problem at any eye hospital in Hyderabad.
But having a cataract doesn’t always require surgery to fix. There are chances that using prescribed eyeglasses or magnifying lenses can help restore your vision.
A delayed checkup can increase the cataract with time. You may start experiencing other visual problems such as sensitivity to light/ glare, difficulty understanding colors, hazy vision, and shadows around distant or near objects. Reading, writing, or working in front of your laptop can be added to the list of difficulties you may face.
The only way to avoid cataract surgery is to get yourself checked regularly and spot cataracts developing early so they don’t create significant problems in your eyes.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a medical procedure in which the lens inside your eye that has become cloudy is replaced with an artificial lens, called the Intraocular lens (IOL), to restore normal vision.
It is a quick procedure that does not require the patient to be admitted, nor does it require an overnight stay in the hospital or the medical facility.
Nowadays, most cataract surgeries are performed using a high-frequency ultrasound device that breaks down the cloudy lens in your eyes into small pieces and removes with from the eyes with great caution using suction.
This particular procedure has another one of those long medical terms that we find hard to pronounce. It is called phacoemulsification, so we also call it “Phaco” to make it a little easier. It can be performed with smaller incisions that promote faster healing and reduce the risk of cataract surgery complications, such as retinal detachment.
When all the cloudy bits of the lens have been removed from your eye, the surgeon then inserts a clear IOL, positioning it securely behind the iris and the pupil, replacing it in the same position as your natural lens.
The procedure is then complete with the cataract removal and IOL implantation by closing the incision in your eye, with or without a stitch, depending on the requirement. A protective shield or patch is given to you to be worn on that eye at all times, making you feel like a pirate.
Any risks involved with cataract surgery?
Like any other medical procedure, there are a few risks associated with cataract surgery. Therefore, before you go through with the surgery, you need to choose the best possible surgeon/hospital to perform this surgery. The chances of facing the following side effects are rare, but they may happen:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Eye infection
- Retinal detachment
- Drooping eyelid
- Intense pressure on the eye
How to prepare for cataract surgery?
Before the surgery, you would be required to undergo some tests to determine the shape and size of your eye. These tests will help the surgeon choose the best IOL for the surgery. You would be required to pay a few visits to the surgeon before going for surgery. Your doctor may even advise you to avoid eating or drinking for at least 3-4 hours before the surgery.
Conclusion
We know the word surgery can sound a little scary. But this procedure is a straightforward one with a minimal margin for error. If performed by experts, the chances of any side effects are next to impossible. A cataract usually can not be avoided once you turn 50 years old. So, after you blow the candles on that delicious cake, you should book an appointment with an ophthalmologist and get yourself a routine checkup.