What Is Cataract And How Is It Treated?
As we grow old and reach around the age of 50 or more, we are more likely to develop a condition that affects our vision, called cataracts.
A cataract is a vision condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes blurry or clouded, leading to a reduction in vision. It is a common condition, especially among older adults, and is a leading cause of vision loss in India if not treated properly.
Several qualified ophthalmologists with a reputation for high success rates in correcting cataracts have their practice in Delhi, making it a reason why patients prefer to get their cataract surgery in Delhi. Also, Delhi has many medical centres equipped with the latest medical technology to treat cataracts efficiently and doctors who know how to use it, making it the ideal place for India’s most common eye surgery.
If you are someone who is worried about blurry vision and are looking for treatment, this article is for you. Let us first understand what cataracts are.
What is a Cataract?
The eye’s lens is naturally transparent, allowing light to pass through easily to the retina and help us see. This clear, flexible structure of the eye’s lens is made of a protein called ‘crystallins’.
As we age, our body undergoes several changes. Proteins in the eye lens that was previously evenly distributed tend to break down and congregate in the centre, forming milky spots. You may feel as if you are looking at the world from a stained glass. This clouding of the eye obstructs the passage of light to our retina and causes problems with vision.
The best cataract surgeon in Delhi will recommend treatment after examining your symptoms for cataracts and diagnosing you with the condition. As a result of the clouding of the natural lens in the eyes, blurred vision, difficulty seeing under low light conditions, and increased sensitivity to glare can affect one’s quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataract?
Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes at the same time. The pace of development of the vision condition is typically slow and gradual over time, as the symptoms may not be noticeable at first. However, when you consult the best cataract surgeons in Delhi, they can help identify these symptoms early and give you the right treatment.
The symptoms of cataracts can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s medical profile. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low/dimly lit environments
- Photosensitivity to bright light or glare
- Colours appearing less vivid or yellowed
- Double vision in one eye
- Needing brighter light for reading or other activities
- Seeing halos around lights
- Improved near vision
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you need not worry. Fortunately, cataract surgery in Delhi is a simple surgical procedure, and your vision can be restored. A qualified ophthalmologist like Dr Anisha Gupta can perform an eye exam to determine whether cataracts are the problem and help you make the right decision.
What Causes Cataracts?
As we know, cataracts are typically associated with ageing, and the most people over the age of 60 will have some degree of cataract formation. However, cataracts can also be caused by a range of other factors, such as:
- Diabetes
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Family history of cataracts
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition
The majority of age-related cataracts develop slowly. Other cataracts, such as those in younger people or those with diabetes, can develop more quickly. Cataract surgery helps address all these causes with a reliable treatment outcome.
How Is Cataract Diagnosed?
During your consultation with the best cataract surgeon in Delhi, the doctor will hear you out and conduct a medical assessment. The eye specialist will take measurements of your eyes and eyesight, among other tests.
The ophthalmologist will evaluate the patient’s vision and perform various tests to determine the severity of the cataract. These tests may include the following:
- Visual Acuity Test
- Slit-lamp Examination
- Dilated Eye Exam
- Retinal Exam
Other tests may also be performed, like the glare test or contrast sensitivity test, to assess the impact of the cataract on the patient’s vision.
The assessment is an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have with the procedure. A responsible cataract surgeon will listen to you patiently and give you information about how cataract surgery in Delhi is done. The doctor will also explain possible risks and ways to avoid them for a perfect vision post-surgery.
How are Cataracts Treated?
Cataract surgery is the most effective and recommended treatment for cataracts. The surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the world, with a high rate of success.
During the surgery, the eye’s cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The best cataract surgeon in Delhi makes sure the IOL is designed to mimic the focusing power of the natural lens of the patient. It can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The eye surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, depending on the severity of the cataract. You can usually go home the same day.
If you require cataract surgery in both eyes, the best cataract surgeon in Delhi will recommend you wait one to three weeks between procedures. The gap allows your first eye to heal sufficiently and have a clear vision before the second surgery is performed on the other eye.
Cataracts are not corrected simply with just the surgery; the recovery period plays a crucial role as well. After the surgery, you will be given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Your surgeon will ask you to follow some precautions to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eye; and to prevent anything falling into the eye.
Recovery time after cataract surgery is typically short, and most people can return to normal activities within a few days if they follow the surgeon’s instructions properly. For at least a week after surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting and bending and avoid getting water in your eyes.
Choosing the Best Cataract Surgeon In Delhi
Cataract surgery in Delhi can significantly improve your vision and quality of life, and it has many benefits like improved vision and decreased dependence on glasses. A qualified ophthalmologist with years of experience performing cataract surgery, like Dr Anisha Gupta, can achieve long-lasting results for the patient.
Dr Anisha Gupta is a highly skilled and experienced cataract surgeon who uses the latest surgical techniques and technology to provide the best possible outcomes for her patients. The surgery is safe and highly successful under her expert hands, with most patients experiencing improved vision after surgery.
Cataracts are a common reason people lose vision partially or completely, but they can be treated. If you want to know more about cataract surgery and how it is treated, schedule your consultation at Excel Eye Care today!
