Dr. Maneesh Bapaye,
Cataract and Retinal Specialist
Dr.Bapaye Hospital, Nashik
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Globally, more than 50% of patients are blinded by cataracts. If this disorder is treated in time, the eye can regain vision entirely.
What is cataract?
The cornea and lens of the eye focus the light from outside objects on the retina like the focusing lens of a camera. When the lens becomes opaque, it is called cataract. In this disease the vision gets blurred as though one is looking at things through running water
Who Suffers from cataracts?
This disorder mainly occurs with advancing age. Age related cataract is most common. Some genetic diseases or birth defects can cause cataracts in newborn babies. Cataracts also develop rapidly due to other eye diseases such as injury to the eye or intraocular inflammation (Uveitis).
What are the common vision problems faced by cataract patient
- Main symptom is progressive blurring of vision, double vision, ghosting of images etc
- Patients may experience difficulty in driving at night and reading in low light.
- Patients may experience frequent change in spectacle number.
When should cataract surgery be performed?
The common belief is that cataract surgery should be performed only after cataract is fully matured. But modern technology makes it easier to remove immature cataracts. Removal of immature cataracts is very safe with phacoemulsification. Femtolaser assisted cataract surgery makes it more safe and accurate with faster vision recovery.
Cataract surgery should be performed when a patient starts having difficulty with his/her day to day activities. There is no need to wait for cataracts to mature.
Modern Cataract surgery can be performed in any season. There is no need to wait for any particular season or weather.
Surgical removal of the cataract and implantation of intraocular lens (IOL) is THE ONLY definitive treatment of vision loss due to cataract.
Types of Cataract surgery:
Femtolaser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)/ Robotic Cataract Surgery: FLACS surgery brings laser precision to cataract surgery. This technology is available in Nashik, ONLY at Dr.Bapaye Hospital currently.
It helps surgeons in replacing the most demanding steps of any conventional cataract procedure with a relatively uncomplicated and easy procedure.
This procedure is performed with corneal incision, lens fragmentation steps, and capsulotomy, thus changing the requirements associated with traditional techniques by completely removing the need for any blade incisions and reducing phacoemulsification time and energy.
Therefore, surgeons approach this with high precision for performing eye surgeries. With femtosecond surgery, patients can get treated through blade-free surgery, which is highly safe. Using Femto lasers, bladeless femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery can be performed in a relatively short time, and most of these steps are performed using these lasers. Rather than conventional surgery, femtosecond laser cataract surgery requires less energy for emulsifying the cataract, and precise cuts are made through this laser.
Benefits of Bladeless Cataract Surgery at Bapaye Eye Hospital:
Enhanced Precision: The laser’s precision guarantees accurate incisions and capsulotomy, potentially reducing the risk of complications.
Customized Treatment: Our experienced surgeons customize the procedure to your eye’s unique requirements, optimizing visual outcomes.
Minimal Discomfort: Bladeless cataract surgery can lead to a faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort.
Maximum Safety: We prioritize safety, and bladeless cataract surgery is renowned for its excellent safety profile.
Phacoemulsification: In this technique, 2 to 3 mm incision is made at the edge of the cornea. A ballpoint pen-like probe of the Phaco machine is inserted into the eye. Ultrasound waves are used to break the cataract into smaller pieces and each piece is sucked out (emulsified).American company Alcon’s latest generation Centurion Phacoemulsification system is available at Bapaye Hospital. It uses the latest technology known as ‘Ozil‘. Even very hard cataracts can be easily removed.Since the wound is very small, stitches are rarely required. Since the incision is very small it doesn’t cause additional astigmatism of cornea. At end of one week spectacle number is prescribed to the patient.
PHACOEMULSIFICATION TECHNOLOGY USES ULTRASOUND AND NOT LASER FOR CATARACT REMOVAL
Intraocular Lens (IOL):
This artificial lens is the miracle that gives patients clear vision immediately after surgery.
Types of IOLs:
Now a days only foldable IOLs are used, rigid non foldable IOLs are obsolete in routine cataract surgery
Monofocal IOL
These are the most commonly used types of IOLs. Monofocal IOL is adjusted to give clear vision for distance while glasses are required for near vision.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lens
With these IOLs patients do not need glasses for distance and intermediate distance. Near vision requires glasses. But this number is usually lesser than monofocal IOLs.
Multifocal/Trifocal IOL
The distinctive design of these lenses gives clear vision for various distances. Multifocal lenses offer smoother transition of vision at various distances and the obviates need of glasses.
Toric Lens
Toric IOLs are used to correct astigmatism/cylindrical spectacle number which is caused by irregular curvature of cornea. These IOLs are placed in a specific axis after implantation inside the eye so as to negate the effect of corneal astigmatism giving spectacle freedom. These IOLs can be monofocal or multifocal.
What is Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO)?
The support which is used to keep the intraocular lens gets opaque over a period of few months to years. Its known as posterior capsular opacification. It leads to blurring of vision and hence is known as after cataract sometimes. It requires an outpatient laser procedure to remove the PCO, known as Y.A.G Laser. It takes a few minutes and is painless. Patient may see floaters for a few days post laser, but generally in 1-2 weeks they reduce significantly and vision improves.
Surgical Facilities for Cataract Surgery at Dr.Bapaye Hospital
Alcon LenSx FLACS System
Alcon Centurion Phacoemulsification Vision System
Zeiss Operating Microscopes
Zeiss YAG Laser System
Diagnostic Facilities for Cataract
Zeiss IOL Master 700- Swept Source OCT technology for Accurate IOL Power calculation
Quantel Axis Nano- For Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Tomey TMS-4 system for Corneal Topography
Quantel B-Scan for Ultrasound examination of eyes
Written by:
Dr. Maneesh Bapaye
Cataract and Retinal Surgeon
Dr. Bapaye Hospital,
Behind NDCC Bank, Old Agra Road, Nashik
Phone: (0253) 2506505/2509421
email: drbapayehospital@rediffmail.com
Website: bapayeeyehospital.com