by:
Dr Magdel Putter
Ophthalmologist
Vision, the most dominant of our senses, plays a critical role in every facet of our lives. Everyone, if they live long enough, will experience vision impaired due to cataract formation.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is when clouding of the lens in the eye takes place. This clouding is usually a very gradual process, but eventually causes significant impairment of vision.
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
How will I know if I have a cataract?
It is important to go for regular eye screening examination. Many eye conditions that can cause permanent, irreversible vision loss have no symptoms.
It is usually, depending on age and co-existing risk factors, adequate to visit your Optometrist every two years. This will ensure that any potentially blinding condition be picked up in time.
We only treat cataracts once it affects your quality of vision and causes difficulty in certain daily activities.
When you have a cataract it is like looking through a foggy or dusty window. Things look blurry, hazy or less colourful. Some of the first symptoms of cataract formation is difficulty with night driving and light sensitivity.
How is a cataract treated?
The only means in which to treat cataracts is by having surgery.
Cataracts are in most cases not a condition that needs urgent surgery. If you have just learned that you have cataracts, do not feel rushed or pressured into scheduling surgery hastily. During cataract surgery the cloudy lens is removed and replaced it with a clear, artificial lens. Your eye surgeon will select the type of intraocular lens(IOL) best suited for you.
In Paarl we offer cataract surgery at Cure day hospital. We operate using a world class cataract machine, operating microscope and microsurgical instruments.
Cataract surgery is usually fully covered by your medical aid. The surgery is done under sedation by an experienced Anaesthetist. You will also receive a topical anaesthetic (eye drops) to numb your eye during the surgery. We operate one eye at a time, usually a week apart.
The procedure takes 20-30min, after which your eye is covered by a plastic shield. You can remove the shield when you are comfortable to do so. This shield needs to be re-applied when sleeping for the following week after surgery. This is to prevent inadvertent eye rubbing or injury.
IOLs are clear, so light can pass through it and be focused by your eye as it should. IOLs offer different focusing powers to correct your pre-existing refractive error. In suitable cases we offer specialty IOLs to correct astigmatism and/or presbyopia. These lenses may help you depend less on spectacles or contact lenses after cataract surgery.
Most people feel little or no pain during or after cataract surgery.
Watch this video to learn more about how the surgery is performed:
What to expect after cataract surgery
It is normal for your eye to have grittiness, some watering, blurred vision and redness after the surgery. These side effects usually improve within a few days.
It can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully. Your eye will not see better immediately, but your vision will gradually improve over the following few days after surgery.
Before you leave hospital, you’ll be given some eye drops to help your eye heal and prevent infection. It’s important to use your eye drops as instructed by your doctor.
Conclusion
The thought of surgery makes most people anxious. Take comfort in the fact that millions of people have cataract surgery each year. The vast majority have improved vision with no complications after surgery.
As with any surgery, bring all of your questions to your eye surgeon. Get the information you need to feel at ease with this decision. Everyone’s medical history and eye health are different, so it is important to talk to your doctor about what you can expect in your unique situation.
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