Cataracts are cloudings of the eye’s lens that cause impaired vision and, if not cured, blindness. The most frequent type of cataracts is age-related, although they can also be caused by accident, heredity, or medical diseases such as diabetes. The early stages of cataracts can be managed at home by making lifestyle changes like modifying your diet or wearing glasses. However, surgery is required to permanently correct and prevent cataract formation. All cataract treatments serve three purposes: to alleviate symptoms, delay progression, and eradicate the cataract itself. 

While non-surgical treatment alternatives exist, they do not cure cataracts. The only option to treat a cataract is to remove the clouded lens through surgery. However, many patients may not require or want surgery to correct their cataracts right away.

Non-Surgical Cataracts Treatments

There are numerous activities you can do to alleviate the symptoms of cataracts and slow their progression. Small changes may be required to reduce cataract symptoms such as hazy vision and vision loss. Using brighter lights or magnifying lenses can help your eyes during regular activities. Anti-glare sunglasses can also help you see better outside while protecting your eyes from UV rays. UV protection may also decrease cataract progression.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle benefits your overall eye health. These include a well-balanced diet, quitting smoking, consuming less alcohol, and treating other health issues properly.

When to Consider Cataract Surgery?

When your prescription glasses fail to clear your vision, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. Consult your eye specialist about whether surgery is appropriate for you. When cataracts begin to interfere with your quality of life, most eye specialists recommend that you consider cataract surgery. This may include your ability to accomplish daily tasks such as reading or driving at night. It is important that you get regular check-ups to monitor your cataracts and vision. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other medical disorders can experience accelerated cataract progression. Waiting too long can complicate your surgery as the cataract thickens and becomes denser. 

Cataract Surgery

There are numerous types of cataract surgeries, but all have one thing in common: your surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial one. You may be nervous about having surgery on a sensitive area of your body, such as your eyes. However, this is a relatively common procedure. It normally takes 15 to 20 minutes, and there is no need to stay in the hospital overnight. If you have cataracts in both eyes, your eye specialist will wait for the first eye to heal before doing surgery on the second.

 

• Small-Incision Surgery

 

Also referred to as phacoemulsification, your surgeon makes a tiny incision on your cornea during this procedure. They insert a tiny device into your eye that emits ultrasonic waves that break up the clouded lens. Then, they remove the components and insert the artificial lens.

 

• Large-Incision Surgery

 

This is not done as often, but doctors may recommend this cataracts treatment for bigger cataracts that cause greater vision problems than usual. It is sometimes referred to as extracapsular cataract extraction. Your surgeon removes your cloudy lens in one piece and replaces it with an artificial one. This procedure may most likely take somewhat longer to heal than the small-incision variety. 

 

• Femtosecond Laser Surgery

 

During this procedure, your surgeon uses a laser to break up the lens. They will then install the new lens, just like with the other varieties. If you have astigmatism, a corneal curvature that causes hazy vision, your doctor may recommend this as well. During cataract surgery, your surgeon can correct the problem by reshaping your cornea with a laser. 

Post Cataract Surgery

Most people have a smooth recovery following cataract surgery. The duration of the procedure is determined by the type of surgery performed. However, you will find that your vision improves significantly after a few days. After a week or two, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities.

There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. While uncommon, you could develop an infection or bleeding due to the cataract surgery. There’s also a possibility that your retina will tear away from the tissues in the rear of your eye. This is known as a detached retina. Following cataract surgery, some people experience a condition known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Your vision may get foggy again when the capsule in your eye that holds the artificial lens in place thickens. This can occur one year following the cataract surgery or ten years afterwards. 

Visit Asia Pacific Eye Centre for Your Cataracts Treatment

Asia Pacific Eye Centre (APEC) is an eye speciality clinic located within Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore. It is a well-known eye care clinic that offers a variety of eye surgery techniques. Their doctors have already performed about 20,000 procedures. Aside from surgeries, they have vast experience detecting and treating a wide range of eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, refractive errors, and retinal tears and detachment. If you’re looking for a reputable eye speciality clinic for cataract surgery in Singapore, get in touch with them today!