What is Cataract Surgery? Cataract surgery is the removal of the lens inside the eye after it has become cloudy due to aging, an eye injury or other causes. In most cases, the cataract surgeon replaces the cloudy natural lens with an artificial lens implant (also called an intraocular lens, or IOL) to restore vision and eliminate the need for thick glasses after surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world. According to Bausch & Lomb, a leading American eye care company, more than three million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and more than 50 percent of Americans over age 65 have cataracts in one or both eyes.
What are the Types of Cataract?
There are three types of cataracts:
A nuclear cataract, which is located in the center of the lens, the nucleus is most commonly seen as it forms. It is said that the cause of this cataract is due to changes in the protein structure as we age.
A cortical cataractstarts of on the outside of the lens and slowly extends to the center. This cataract is common for people with diabetics.
A sub capsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People who have a higher risk of developing this form of cataract are: people with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids.
What is the Success Rate of Cataract Surgery?
The success rate of cataracts surgery with today's advanced methods and ultra-modern equipment is 95%. And, the risk of becoming blind with surgery for cataracts removal is extremely low. For those few patients where surgery does not result in improved vision, there is usually a different underlying ocular condition such as age related macular degeneration (ARMD) or diabetic retinopathy.
What Causes Cataract?
There are many causes of cataract. Some of the causes are mentioned below:
As a natural age process which is called age related cataracts or senile cataracts. It usually started at the age of 40 and gradually the opacity of the lens will increase to be clinically significant and reduce the vision. It is one of the most common of cataracts causes.
Systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension. Hyperlipidemia and other diseases which will cause cataract in younger age or accelerate its course to be clinically significant.
Due to intra-ocular diseases like glaucoma, uveitis, retinal diseases or tumors. Sometimes it can occur after eye surgeries like retinal surgeries, glaucoma surgeries and even laser surgeries.
Nutritional causes in which it can be caused by alcohol consumption which is called alcoholism cataract, smoking or malnutrition with low levels of certain factors called antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids.
Genetics. In which it can run in families especially especial type of cataract called blue-dots cataract.
How is Cataract Diagnosed?
By doing a comprehensive eye examination, an ophthalmologist can diagnose a cataract and monitor its development.
A comprehensive eye examination usually includes:
Visual acuity test: This is an eye chart test where the will ask the patient to read a letter chart to see how sharp your sight is at various distances.
Pupil dilation: In this test, the pupil (the round black centre of your eye) is widened with eye drops to allow the ophthalmologist to see more of the lens and retina and look for other eye problems.
Other eye tests include:
Glare test
Contrast sensitivity test
Who is the Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
You are an ideal candidate for Cataract Surgery if you have
Blurred vision
Poor night vision
Colors appearing less vivid or "washed out"
Glare and halos around lights at night
Sensitivity to light
The need for frequent changes to your glasses prescription
The need for brighter light when reading
Double vision (especially if present with one eye closed)
To detect and assess vision loss associated with cataracts, your eye doctor may use a special test called a contrast sensitivity test, and may conduct the test with and without a glare source.
How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery?
While preparing Cataract surgery, you will be asked about:
Previous eye problems & diseases
Your current prescription
Medical problems, conditions or operations you have or have had.
Problems with lying down, breathing difficulties and about your blood pressure.
Medicines and supplements you are taking
Allergies or any known reactions to drugs
You will be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure. This will confirm the risks, the benefits of surgery and possible alternatives to the procedure. By signing you are giving your permission for the surgery to go ahead.
What are the Types of Cataract Surgery Procedure?
There are various types of cataract surgery procedure:
Phacoemulsification:
The most preferred method out of the four, this type of surgery involves usage of machine with an ultrasonic hand piece, equipped with a titanium or steel tip. With an ultrasonic frequency of 40,000 Hz, the titanium or steel tip starts vibrating, in turn blending the lens material. At times, a second fine instrument, called a cracker or chopper, might also be used. It is brought in use from a side port, in order to enable the cracking or chopping of the nucleus, turning them into smaller pieces. This in turn, helps in making the process of emulsification easier and also the aspiration of cortical material. Once the phacoemulsification of the lens nucleus and cortical material is done, a dual irrigation-aspiration (I-A) probe or a bimanual I-A system is used. This is mainly done to aspirate out the remaining peripheral cortical material.
Extracapsular Cataract Surgery (ECCE):
If the cataract of the patient has reached a stage, where it cannot be removed with Phacoemulsification, then Extracapsular cataract surgery is conducted. The process involves manual expression of the lens through 10 to 12 mm incision made in the cornea or sclera. The procedure requires large incision and usage of stitches. Microincision cataract surgery involves a technique by which a cataract can be reached through an incision of 1.5 millimeters or less.
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS):
A third type of cataract surgery which is quickly picking up is the Small Incision Cataract Surgery or SICS. In this procedure, though the incision made is large, it is still small in comparison with the conventional method of ECCE. The incision made is about 5-6 mm and the cataract is removed using fluid pressure. There are no stitches required in the process and the patient
Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE):
The process of Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE) entails the removal of the lens and the surrounding lens capsule in one piece. There is a high rate of complication in the process and it requires application of pressure on the vitreous body. After lens removal, an artificial plastic lens is either placed in the anterior chamber or sutured into the sulcus. Too much complication is the only reason for the rare popularity of this method. ICCE is only performed in countries where operating microscopes and high-technology equipment are readily available.
What are the Types of Lenses Implanted Post Cataract Surgery?
There are a variety of intraocular lens styles available for implantation, including monofocal, toric, and multifocal intraocular lenses.
Monofocal lens: These lenses are the most commonly implanted lenses today. They have equal power in all regions of the lens and can provide high-quality distance vision, usually with only a light pair of spectacles.
Toric lens: Toric lenses have more power in one specific region in the lens to correct astigmatism as well as distance vision for many individuals.
Multifocal lens: Multifocal intraocular lenses are one of the latest advancements in lens technology. These lenses have a variety of regions with different power that allows some individuals to see at a variety of distances, including distance, intermediate, and near. While promising, multifocal lenses are not for everyone. They can cause significantly more glare than monofocal or toric lenses.
How is the Recovery after Cataract Surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery and the specific situation, complete postoperative recovery ranges requires approximately 1 month. At the end of this time, a final refraction for glasses will be done. The eye may continue to heal even past this time, making small refinements in glasses occasionally necessary.
Normal daily activities may be resumed within a day or so following surgery. Heavy or strenuous physical activity should be avoided for the first several weeks; this includes extreme bending or lifting of more than 20 pounds.
For the first few days after surgery, patients should avoid touching or rubbing the eye. Sunglasses are helpful for bright days. A white patch is worn only for the first 24 hours after the operation.
Eye drops will be prescribed post-operatively. These medications are intended to lessen inflammation, prevent infection, aid comfort, and promote normal healing.
What are the Benefits of Cataract Surgery?
It is one of the few medical procedures that can literally turn back the hands of time, for many patients achieve vision comparable to the eyesight they enjoyed in their youth. Some of the benefits include the following:
Improved Color Vision: Once the cataract is removed, colors are no longer tinged by its effect. Colors will be much more vivid and vibrant after surgery.
Improved Clarity of Vision: Visual acuity is usually improved. Reading and watching television can be enjoyed thanks to sharper, clearer vision.
Increased Independence: Following cataract surgery, many patients eyesight is improved to the point that they can regain their driver's license.
Improved Quality of Life: Improved vision leads to renewed interest and participation in the fun things in life. Hobbies, work, and enjoying the company of friends comes easier when vision is improved.
Reduced Dependence upon Corrective Eyewear: The lens implant used during cataract surgery may be able to compensate for pre-existing focusing problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
What are the Complications of Cataract Surgery?
There are risks associated with every surgery but still the rate of occurrence of complications after cataract surgery is very low and patient recovers from these complications after certain period of time. The most common complication arising after surgery are persistent inflammation, changes in eye pressure, infection, or swelling of the retina at the back of the eye.
What is the Alternative of Cataract Surgery?
Latest research in eye medical field has discovered an alternative solution to cataract surgery. Instead of going for surgery, there are now easy-to-use cataract eye drops formulas that can dissolve the cataracts naturally. This eye drops formula contains N-acetyl-carnosine (NAC) – which researchers have found out that this ingredient can be used to act as an antioxidant that can enter the lens tissue when prepared at an effective concentration.
Why Consider Cataract Surgery in India?
Recently in India the rise has seen in cataract surgery because the costs have dropped drastically, making world class treatments affordable for everyone and patient also get to enjoy a free holiday as well!
If a patient has always wanted a cataract surgery or any other procedure, he can now afford it, as eye surgery costs have tumbled in India. Cataract surgery costs are combined with holidays and this is one of the fastest areas of growth in medical tourism.
Indian ophthalmologists and eye surgeons offer you custom made solutions for all your eye care problems. From corrective eye disorders to diabetic retinopathy glaucoma, cornea and refractive surgery to low-stress cataract surgery, India offers a wide range of eye surgery. The eye surgery techniques have now become so advanced that the cataract surgery can be done in a day.
Cataract Surgery in India is available in following cities:
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Kerala
Delhi
Pune
Goa
Bangalore
Nagpur
Jaipur
Chennai
Gurgaon
Chandigarh
What is Cataract Surgery Cost?
India is the most sought destination for medical treatment when it comes to low cost.
The cost of Cataract surgery in India falls anywhere between Rs 8000 to Rs 15000 however, prices may get higher depending on the city and the hospital one chooses to get the surgery done.
Cataract surgery in India is available at a low cost to international patients.
How to Contact Indian Healthguru Group for Cataract Surgery in India?
Indian Healthguru Group provides comprehensive medical services to international patients for Cataract surgery in India at low cost. Patient just has to send a detailed query about the cataract surgery and his/her conditions and soon he/she will be contacted by and Indian Healthguru Group assistant. That assistant will answer you query in detail and guide you with the rest of the procedures to get the surgery done in India.
Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Nigeria
Kenya
Ethiopia
Uganda
Tanzania
Zambia
Congo
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Nepal
Uzbekhistan
ABOUT INDIA
Located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Nepal, China and Bangladesh, India is South Asia's largest, sovereign, democratic republic. India has an edge over other countries when it comes to offering comprehensive, cost-effective and timely medical care: it also offers an exotic, adventure-filled or cultural -if you wish array of destinations to discover and revel in for the travelers. Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, Bangalore, Nagpur, Kerala, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh offers best medical tourism service.
Mumbai - Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. This port city (India's largest and busiest) accounts for a major share of the government's revenue, and has one of the world's largest harbour. There are many things to love about Mumbai. One is simply the geographical names, like The Queen's Necklace and Elephanta Island, all with roots in the British Empire.
Hyderabad - Also known as City of Nizams. The city of Hyderabad has its own individual character, which is evident in the beautiful, ancient palaces and the equally modern, and state-of-the-art offices and buildings. Medical tourism at hospitals in Hyderabad combines care for your health with international tourism. The primary reason behind its surging popularity is better healthcare services at an affordable budget.
Goa - Popularly known as the ‘Rome of the East’, Goa boost of natural, magnificent churches and exquisite works of man. Plunge into the clear blue water of the large pool, or soak in the blissful sunshine on the picturesque island. Goa is an interesting location for getting your health propped up and getting those long postponed surgeries done. You have modern facilities, short waiting times and very affordable prices for procedures, hospital services and medicines.
Bangalore - The progressive and modern city of Bangalore is the state capital, being located within India's Karnataka state. Bangalore is often referred to as the country 'Garden City', due to its high concentration of parks and green spaces. Bangalore has few of the world’s best doctors and medical practitioners, who have been trained by the rigorous Indian medical education system as well as in countries like UK and USA.
Nagpur - Nagpur City has many distinctions. It is also the second greenest in India and is located at the very center of the heartland, almost equidistant from Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi and Mumbai. The present city was founded in the early 18th century by Bhakt Buland, a Gond prince of the kingdom of Deogad in the Chhindwara district. The Nagpur District has a varied culture, as well as being in the central part of India, the market in Nagpur is flooded with products from all over India. Nagpur has few of the world’s best doctors and medical practitioners, who have been trained in countries like UK and USA.
Kerala - Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country. Kerala is famous for its alternative medical therapies such as Ayurveda, which help to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. The region is also home to India’s only virgin tropical rain forest – the Silent Valley National Park, supporting an overwhelming range of life forms, many of which are highly endangered, and endemic to this part of the planet.
Delhi - "Welcome to The Capital City of India - New Delhi" Delhi is famous as Capital city of India is located in North India. Delhi is truly a symbol of the old and the new; a blend of ancient well preserved monuments and temples along with jam-packed burger joints and up market shopping malls. Delhi has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors.
Pune - Once referred to as the Oxford of the east, Punecontinues to be a stronghold for academics and culture. An array of factors like availability of efficient and experienced doctors, comparatively low treatment costs, hospital facilities of international standards and many more have made Pune one of the top destinations for medical tourism.
Jaipur - Jaipur is one of the most popular destinations on a tourist's itinerary. The magnificent forts, beautiful havelis and colourful bazaars make Jaipur a popular tourist destination among tourists. Jaipur has pioneered health and medical tourism in India.
Chennai - Chennai is one of the most developed urban centers in the Indian subcontinent. The city forms the capital of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. They have some of the very best hospitals and treatment centers in the world. Each hospital is equipped with state of the art facilities. The technology brought into practice is the very latest, including robotic surgery.
Gurgaon - Located in the National Capital Region, Gurgaon is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Greater Delhi. In the last few years Gurgaon has boomed as the hub of IT and other new-age businesses. Gurgoan is the latest destination for Medical Tourism in India as it is the latest modern upcoming city near Delhi.
Chandigarh - Located near the foothills of Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful and happening cities of India. Chandigarh has great potential for Medical tourism as the unpolluted and excellent environs give many opportunities to patients to recover from their illness.
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