CATARACT

Q. What is cataract ?

Ans. Cataract is the opacification of normal crystalline lens in the eye

Q. Can cataract be treated with medicines ?

Ans. No there is no medicine to treat cataract. It is treated only with surgery.

Q. What is intraocular lens (IOL) ?

Ans. IOL is the artificial lens which is implanted after removal of cataract

Q. Is it permanent or you will have to change IOL after few year ?

Ans. No, once implanted IOL remains there for life. But trauma to the eye or some pre-existing cause can lead to dislocation of IOL

Q. Is it required to clean the IOL after few year of implantation ?

Ans. No there is no need to clean IOL but almost in all cases of cataract surgery over the period of time, a thin layer of our own cell grows on the capsule behind the IOL that will need laser treatment for once. It is a OPD procedure and takes only few minutes.

Q. Is it necessary to put IOL after cataract removal ?

Ans. Yes, it is necessary to put IOL after cataract removal to achieve good vision.

Q. After IOL implantation is it necessary to use spectacles ?

Ans. You will not require spectacles every time but for fine vision and for reading you will need it.

Q. After removal of cataract will it occur again ?

Ans. No, once removed cataract will not occur again

Q. What is the difference between cataract & Glaucoma?

Ans. Cataract is the opacification of natural crystalline lens in the eye leading to decreased vision which is reversible after removal of cataract. Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure in the eye increases leading to permanent damage to the optic nerve. Vision loss is irreversible. Medical or surgical treatment only preserves the remaining vision.

Q. Is it necessary to remain admitted for cataract surgery ? and after how many days I can join my routine work ?

Ans. No, there is no need to get admitted in the hospital. You can go home immediately after surgery and can join your routine work after 1 to 2 weeks but with proper medication advised by doctor.

Q. Exactly at what stage of cataract I should go for cataract surgery after diagnosis ?

Ans. Presently with availability of higher technology, precise and sophisticated technique, you can undergo surgery at any time, depending upon your need for day to day activity. There is no need to wait till the cataract becomes mature.

Q. Can use of spectacles decrease the cataract ?

Ans. No, it could not. But in early stages of cataract spectacles help to improve your vision at some level. But it is temporary.