Cataract - Eye Surgery
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is an operation which is performed to remove the eye’s lens when it is cloudy. Cataract is a sizeable cause of ocular morbidity in Nigeria and most of the cataracts are age-related.
The purpose of the lens is to bend (refract) light rays that come into the eyes to help you see. The lens should be clear; however, with a cataract, it is cloudy. When you have cataracts, it can be like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Objects may look blurry, hazy or less colourful.
The only approach to removing a cataract is surgery. Your ophthalmologist will suggest removing a cataract when it stops you from doing things you want or need to do.
During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and changed with a clear artificial lens. That lens is known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Your ophthalmologist will discuss with you about IOLs and how they operate.
What are the causes of cataracts?
The majority of cataracts occur when the tissue that makes up the eye's lens changes due to ageing or trauma. The lens's proteins and fibres start to degrade, clouding or obscuring vision.
Your risk of cataracts may be increased by hereditary genetic abnormalities resulting in other health issues. Other eye diseases, previous eye surgery, or medical conditions like diabetes might also lead to cataracts. The long-term use of steroid medicines can also result in cataract development.
Diagnosis of Cataract
What are the symptoms of Cataract?
About Cataract Surgery in Nigeria?
Cataract removal surgery in Nigeria can be done in an outpatient surgical centre or in a hospital. Here is what will occur:
Phacoemulsification: With the phacoemulsification cataract surgery process, an ultrasound instrument breaks up the core of the cloudy lens and suctions it out.
Your eye will be numbed with eye drops or with an injection somewhere around the eye. You may also be given medicine to help with relaxation.
You will be wakeful during surgery and may see light and movement in the course of the procedure, but you will not see what the surgeon is doing to your eye.
Your doctor looks through a unique microscope and creates tiny incisions (cuts, created by laser or a blade) near the tip of your cornea. The surgeon uses these incisions to get to the lens in your eye. Using very small instruments, he or she will break up the lens with the cataract, remove it and then put your new lens into place.
Oftentimes your surgeon will not need to stitch the incisions closed. These “self-sealing” incisions eventually will close by themselves with time. A shield will be positioned over your eye to protect it while you heal from the surgery.
How to prevent cataracts?
There is no scientific evidence to support any methods for cataract prevention or cataract progression. However, doctors believe that a number of methods, such as:
Regularly check your eyes. Eye exams can aid in the early detection of cataracts and other eye issues. Find out from your doctor how frequently you should get your eyes checked.
Give up smoking. Ask your doctor for advice on quitting smoking. You have access to medications, therapy, and other treatment options.
Organize further medical issues. If you have diabetes or another illness that can raise your risk of cataracts, stick to your treatment plan.
Make a decision to eat a balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. You can make sure you're getting a lot of vitamins and nutrients by including a range of vibrant fruits and vegetables in your diet. Antioxidants are plentiful in fruits and vegetables, which support eye health.
Antioxidants taken as pills have not been proven to be effective in preventing cataracts. However a recent large-scale population study found a link between a nutritious diet high in vitamins and minerals and a lower chance of getting cataracts. Fruits and vegetables are a healthy way to enhance your dietary intake of minerals and vitamins and have a number of health benefits that have been scientifically verified.
Put on your shades. Cataract development may be influenced by the sun's ultraviolet rays. When you're outside, put on sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
Drink less alcohol. The risk of cataracts can rise with excessive alcohol consumption.
The long-term use of steroid medicines can also result in cataract development.
What is the Cost of Cataract Surgery in Nigeria?
Cataract surgery cost depends on a variety of factors such as;
1. Condition of the patient
2. Location of the hospital
3. Duration of stay at the hospital
4. After-care packages
FAQS
How long does Cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery is a simple procedure that typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. You should be able to return home the same day because it is frequently performed as a day surgery under local anaesthesia.
Cataract surgery types?
There are two primary cataract surgery techniques:
1. Extracapsule surgery.
2. Phacoemulsification (small-incision cataract surgery)
Is cataract surgery painful?
No, cataract surgery is not painful. It is performed under local anaesthesia, and patients typically feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Afterwards, some mild discomfort or itching may occur, but this can be managed with prescribed medications.
Are there risks associated with cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, and inflammation. Complications are rare and can be minimized with proper pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care.
Can I see immediately after cataract surgery?
Many patients experience improved vision right after surgery, but it can take a few days to weeks for vision to stabilize completely. Your eye may initially be blurry or hazy due to the healing process.
Can cataracts return after surgery?
No, once cataracts are removed, they do not return. However, in some cases, a clouding of the capsule that holds the Intraocular Lenses(IOL) can occur over time. This can be easily treated with a laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.
Is cataract surgery the only treatment for cataracts?
Cataract surgery is the most effective and common treatment for cataracts. Lifestyle changes, like using brighter lighting and updating eyeglass prescriptions, can temporarily alleviate symptoms but won't remove cataracts.
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