Cataract of the eye is the leading cause of blindness in India and
the world - Ironic, considering the fact that this blindness is reversible.
What we mean to say is that a majority of
people facing visual impairment due to cataract are facing unnecessary physical,
financial and emotional turmoil purely due to lack of awareness.
A plethora of reasons prevent them from
seeking help at the right time.
Without getting too technical, Here’s what You need to know to help break the
chain of ignorance.
What
is Cataract?
Cataract is the condition in which the natural human lens in the eye turns cloudy or opaque.
Why
does cataract happen?
Cataract occurs due to degeneration of the
normally transparent lens material or deposition of protein or pigments on it due
to a variety of causes. Ageing is the most common cause.
Drugs, Tauma, Exposure to radiation, Diseases
like diabetes, certain ophthalmic procedures all may result in cataract. It may
well be present at birth too.
How
does Cataract affect my vision?
Since the human lens is required to be clear
in order for us to see well, the cataract causes dimness of vision and other
similar symptoms – e.g. Glare
To get an idea of what a
person with cataract sees - Imagine driving on a rainy day with your windshield
fogged up, or looking through an unfocused camera.
How
is Cataract treated?
Unfortunately, there is no oral or topical
medication via which we can reverse the changes in the lens. What we do instead
is, we Remove the natural lens and Replace it with an artificial one.
The method by which this surgery is done, and
the quality of the artificial lens implanted are major factors to be considered.
The Surgery has evolved from ICCE to Phacoemulsification to FemtoLaser. Lenses
have evolved from glass to PMMA to a mind boggling array of present day
foldable lenses. The details of each will be considered in subsequent
newsletters.
Which
method do we commonly use for Cataract surgery under VFI?
Majority of the cataract surgeries under Vision Foundation of India are
performed via Phacoemulsification.
The Lens implanted is the Indian foldable lens.
Is
this Phacoemulsification surgery safe?
Phacoemulsification is one of the safest and
most performed surgery.
The patient doesn’t require any local
anesthesia injection, any stitch, any eye patch or hospital admission. With
over 90% success rate and minimal complications, this procedure has become the gold standard procedure for cataract
removal.
What
else do you need to know about the surgery to reassure a prospective patient?
Phaco
Catarct Surgery under VFI requires no
hospital stay.
The
procedure involves an Intraoperative time of 30 minutes on an average.
The
procedure is not associated with intense
pain/discomfort – It’s Bladeless
Post operative care is simple and uncomplicated
So,
what can you do to help?
1.
Spread the Word!
By going through this blog, you’ve
helped already! Next time you come across someone with possible problems with
vision, do not hesitate to reassure them and refer them to us at - VISION
FOUNDATION OF INDIA , 5, Babulnath Road, Mumbai 400 007, India. Tel: +91-22-23627777
/ +91-22-23629999
2.
Donate!
Phaco Cataract Surgeries under Vision Foundation of India
are presently performed at just Rs.
1500 per eye!
3.
Join!
Join the movement as a
Member/Volunteer/Brigadier. Whatever your skillset, VFI needs you. Find out how
you can help. Drop us an email at eyecare@visionfoundationofindia.in
In Ophthalmology, Ignorance is not Bliss – it’s
Blindness.
