Cataract, the most common cause of blindness, causes loss of vision due to opacification of the eye lens caused due to buildup of protein. Buildup of new lens cells outside the eye lens compresses the older cells into the center of the eye lens, causing cataract. Left untreated, it may cause blurred vision and in extreme cases, blindness. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to realize this optical problem because it rarely provides any tell tale signs during its initial stages. Chances are that you suffer from this ailment if you suffer from blurry vision, double vision, or cannot recognize colors properly. Do not delay. Get in touch with an ophthalmologist today. He will conduct a visual acuity test to determine the severity of cataract and the type of surgery required to solve the problem. In most cases, the implantation of intraocular lenses solves the problem.
Intraocular lenses
They consist of small plastic lenses with side struts. These struts keep the lens in place within the capsular bag inside the eye. The ophthalmologist may opt for different types of surgery, depending on the type of cataract.
- Phacoemulsification: In this process, commonly known as phaco, the ophthalmologist employs a tool that creates sound waves to fragment the cataract into tiny pieces. The surgeon uses a special suction tool to take out these pieces. The advantage of this procedure is that it requires a tiny incision.
- Extracapsular extraction: The ophthalmologist takes out the cataract in one piece with the help of a scalpel. This procedure requires a larger incision.
- Laser: The ophthalmologist uses a low intensity laser, instead of the scalpel, for making the incision. This procedure is extremely accurate.
The surgeon uses a local anesthesia, in the form of eye drops, before the surgical process. In most cases, it takes less than 20 minutes to complete the surgery. This includes the time taken to implant the intraocular lens.
Types of intraocular lenses:
There are two types of intraocular lenses (IOL):
- Pseudophakic IOL: The surgeon replaces the original crystalline lens, damaged by cataract, with pseudophakic IOLs. These lenses are monofocal in nature. The doctor selects one that matches the distant vision of the patient. This allows the patient to regain normal eyesight post surgery. In certain cases, the surgeon might recommend wearing eyeglasses for reading. One can avoid this issue by opting for a monofocal IOL that matches the near and distant vision of the patient, enabling him/ her to conduct their daily tasks without any need for eyeglasses.
- Phakik IOL: These lenses are placed over the natural eye lens after removing the cataract. They allow the surgeon to change the optical power of the patient’s eyes.
What to expect post surgery
Ophthalmologists recommend that patients avoid straining their eyes and refrain from viewing TV or venturing out in bright sunlight for a few days. They will also recommend the application of special eye drops for a few weeks.
If you live in Fort Worth, and suffer from hazy vision, get in touch with one of the best cataract doctors Fort Worth has listed today. A delay might lead to permanent blindness. Call the Marvel Eye Center at 817-346-7333.
